VP of Ophthalmic Materials – Drug-Eluting Lenses | Jacksonville, FL

Are you an innovative leader with deep expertise in ophthalmic materials and a passion for advancing drug-eluting lens technology? We are seeking a Vice President of Ophthalmic Materials to lead cutting-edge development and strategic initiatives at a pioneering company in Jacksonville, FL. This unique opportunity allows you to shape the future of vision care by driving materials innovation and delivering breakthrough drug delivery solutions in the ophthalmic space.

Lead Groundbreaking Development of Drug-Eluting Lenses in Jacksonville

A leading biomedical company specializing in ophthalmic drug delivery systems is searching for a visionary VP of Ophthalmic Materials to spearhead research, development, and commercialization of drug-eluting lenses. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in biomaterials, polymer science, and ophthalmic device innovation. If you excel in cross-functional leadership and have a proven track record of launching next-generation medical devices, this role offers a platform to impact patient care worldwide.

Key Responsibilities of the Vice President of Ophthalmic Materials – Drug-Eluting Lenses

Strategic Materials Leadership: Develop and execute a visionary strategy for ophthalmic materials innovation focused on drug-eluting lens technologies. Align material development initiatives with market needs and regulatory standards to drive next-generation product breakthroughs.

Research & Development Oversight: Lead cross-functional R&D teams in the design, formulation, and testing of advanced biomaterials and polymers for drug delivery lenses. Foster innovation through collaboration with scientific, engineering, and clinical stakeholders.

Product Lifecycle Management: Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of ophthalmic materials, from early concept through manufacturing scale-up and commercialization. Ensure materials meet safety, efficacy, and performance standards to support product success.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance: Ensure all materials development and manufacturing processes comply with FDA and global regulatory requirements. Collaborate with quality assurance and regulatory teams to maintain rigorous documentation and validation.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Partner closely with internal departments including clinical, manufacturing, and marketing to align material capabilities with product and business goals. Manage relationships with external suppliers, research partners, and industry experts.

Team Leadership & Talent Development: Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing materials science team. Cultivate a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within the department.

Budget & Resource Management: Manage departmental budgets, resource allocation, and capital investments to optimize project outcomes and operational efficiency.

Intellectual Property & Competitive Intelligence: Drive patent strategy and protect proprietary technologies. Monitor industry trends and competitor advancements to maintain technological leadership.

Supply Chain & Manufacturing Integration: Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure scalable, cost-effective materials sourcing and production that meet quality and supply demands.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Vice President of Ophthalmic Materials for Drug-Eluting Lenses, the client seeks an innovative and experienced leader with deep expertise in biomaterials and ophthalmic device development. You should be a forward-thinking executive who excels in driving scientific innovation while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence in a fast-evolving medical technology environment.

Proven Expertise in Ophthalmic Materials and Drug Delivery

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in biomaterials science, polymer chemistry, and drug delivery systems, specifically within the ophthalmic or biomedical device industries. A strong track record of successfully leading materials development projects that resulted in commercialized drug-eluting lenses or similar advanced medical devices is highly valued.

Strategic Visionary with Technical Depth

You must have the ability to craft and execute long-term R&D strategies that push the boundaries of ophthalmic materials technology. The client values leaders who can anticipate emerging trends, leverage cutting-edge science, and integrate multidisciplinary insights to deliver innovative, patient-centric products.

Strong Regulatory and Quality Acumen

Experience navigating FDA and international regulatory frameworks for medical devices and drug combination products is essential. You should demonstrate a commitment to quality assurance, risk management, and compliance to meet stringent industry standards throughout development and manufacturing.

Collaborative Leader & Team Builder

Leadership skills are critical for this role. The client is looking for someone who can build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of scientists and engineers. Your ability to foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration will be key to success.

Financial and Resource Management Skills

You should have proven capabilities in managing budgets, optimizing resource allocation, and driving cost-effective development processes. Experience balancing technical priorities with business goals and delivering projects on time and within budget is important.

Strong Stakeholder Engagement

The role requires effective collaboration with internal partners such as clinical, regulatory, manufacturing, and commercial teams, as well as external stakeholders including suppliers, academic collaborators, and regulatory agencies. Clear communication and relationship-building skills are essential.

Passion for Improving Patient Outcomes

Finally, the client seeks a leader passionate about transforming ophthalmic care through innovative drug-eluting lens technology that enhances patient quality of life. A patient-first mindset and dedication to advancing healthcare solutions are highly valued.

FAQs About the Role – Vice President of Ophthalmic Materials – Drug-Eluting Lenses

1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP in this role?
As the Vice President of Ophthalmic Materials, you will lead the research, development, and optimization of biomaterials for drug-eluting lenses. Responsibilities include overseeing cross-functional R&D efforts, driving innovation in drug-delivery platforms, ensuring regulatory and quality compliance, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, and guiding the commercialization of advanced ophthalmic products.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have a strong background in materials science, polymer chemistry, or biomedical engineering with specific experience in ophthalmic devices or drug-delivery systems. Proven leadership in managing R&D teams, knowledge of FDA regulatory pathways, and experience in commercializing combination products are essential. An advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a related scientific field is highly preferred.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client is looking for a visionary leader with the ability to foster innovation, manage multidisciplinary teams, and align scientific strategy with business goals. Strong project management skills, regulatory insight, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to motivate and mentor technical teams are critical. A passion for improving patient outcomes is a must.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
Key challenges may include balancing innovation with regulatory compliance, optimizing drug-material compatibility, scaling up manufacturing processes, and managing cross-functional timelines for product development. You’ll also need to stay ahead of competitive technologies and navigate the complexities of ophthalmic combination products.

5. What is the expected impact of the VP on the company’s innovation and growth?
The VP will play a strategic role in driving product innovation and establishing the company as a leader in ophthalmic drug-delivery systems. Your work will directly contribute to the development of breakthrough lens technologies, support regulatory approvals, and position the company for long-term growth and market leadership.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company promotes a collaborative, science-driven culture that encourages curiosity, creativity, and teamwork. It values integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement. You’ll join a highly dedicated team committed to transforming vision care and making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Vice President of Ophthalmic Materials – Drug-Eluting Lenses in Jacksonville, FL, you can expect a compelling compensation package designed to attract top scientific and executive leadership in the medical device and ophthalmic innovation space. The total remuneration includes a mix of fixed salary, performance incentives, equity participation, and executive-level benefits.

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a VP in ophthalmic materials and drug-delivery technology typically ranges from $200,000 to $325,000 annually, depending on the candidate’s expertise, education, and prior leadership experience in the life sciences or medical device sectors.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

Most compensation packages for this level include annual performance-based bonuses tied to R&D milestones, regulatory achievements, commercial success, and team leadership metrics. These bonuses can range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, with potential for higher percentages based on exceptional performance.

3. Equity & Stock Options

To align long-term incentives with company success, many organizations offer equity-based compensation such as stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares. These are particularly valuable in fast-growth or investor-backed companies and can significantly enhance total compensation over time.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Companies may provide additional long-term incentive plans that reward sustained contribution to innovation, regulatory progress, and market impact. These plans are designed to retain high-caliber scientific leaders and typically vest over 3–5 years.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks

As a senior executive, you will also receive a suite of comprehensive executive benefits, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company matching or executive retirement plans
Professional development and leadership coaching support
Annual wellness stipends and executive medical programs
Expense accounts and travel allowances for conferences and collaborations

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Support

For top candidates, especially those relocating or transitioning from another leadership role, companies may offer a signing bonus or relocation assistance, which can range from $20,000 to $100,000, based on need and negotiation.

Total Compensation Potential

Taking into account base salary, bonuses, equity, and long-term incentives, total annual compensation for this role can range from $300,000 to $600,000+, with additional upside in high-growth or venture-backed environments.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary scientific leader with a strong background in ophthalmic materials, drug delivery systems, or medical device innovation, we invite you to apply for the Vice President of Ophthalmic Materials – Drug-Eluting Lenses role in Jacksonville, FL. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead pioneering research and development in next-generation intraocular lenses at a cutting-edge healthcare company.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your expertise in ophthalmic R&D, drug-eluting technologies, cross-functional leadership, and regulatory strategy. Emphasize your experience leading product development from concept through commercialization, building scientific teams, and collaborating across departments to drive innovation and patient-centered outcomes.

This role offers a transformative career opportunity where you will shape the future of drug-integrated vision technologies, drive scientific breakthroughs, and impact global patient care. Apply now to take your career to the next level as Vice President of Ophthalmic Materials – Drug-Eluting Lenses in Jacksonville, FL!

For more information or to explore similar opportunities in life sciences and medtech leadership, visit our Executive Recruiters for Smart and Therapeutic Contact Lens Companies Page.

Job Category: Drug-Eluting Lenses

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Jacksonville

VP of Ophthalmic Materials – Drug-Eluting Lenses | Jacksonville, FL