Careers / Chief Operating Officer

testimonials

Chief Operating Officer

Who are we?

i-Optics is a leading pioneer in the development of superior eye diagnosis solutions that are affordable, fast and easy to use by care providers to better serve patients across the world in the most convenient way. Our product pipeline includes the EasyScan, Cassini and EyePrevent. The EasyScan is a fast and easy to use retinal imaging system based on SLO technology for the diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy, AMD and Glaucoma. The Cassini is a first of its kind corneal topographer based on the principle of color coded topography, which allows for superior diagnosis for contact lens fitting, corneal transplant and LASIK surgery. EyePrevent is an integrated service for screening of diabetes patients and others on retinal diseases that could lead to blindness.

The initial product development phase leading to the first products is successfully finished and i-Optics has made the transition from R&D to Marketing & Sales. We are looking for ambitious professionals to take on the challenge of rapid expansion together and make the difference.

Currently i-Optics employs approximately 30 people. In addition, there is an international sales distribution network. The objective is to employ 45 FTE by end of 2012 and drive the International expansion to a substantial revenue base with 200+ employees in 5 years. The corporate culture within i- Optics is collaborative, creative and always striving to improve in order to be the best. Ultimately, i- Optics wants to contribute to better healthcare around the world.

What do we offer?

When you work for i-Optics you have a customer centric focus, also when they are your direct colleagues. We are proactive and pragmatic. We prefer colleagues who have a proven track record so we can give them the freedom to be successful in their line of work.

The COO will be next to the CFO and CEO a member of the management board and has joint responsibility for strategy development, successful execution of the business plan and delivery of the results.

The primary role and responsibility will focus on:

Successful and timely development, manufacturing and launch of novel, exciting eye diagnosis products that change the way diagnosis and vision correction planning is performed. Key success factor is speed when it comes to time to market based on effective outsourcing of design and (co)development as well as production to specialized contract manufacturers.
Drive R&D activities in the areas of clinical applications, (laser) optics, image processing, (GUI) software, firmware, mechanics and electronics. Develop in close collaboration with customers, industry partners and luminary sites where applicable.
Manage transition from past research focus to operational excellence, with focus on efficient development processes and high volume / high quality production. Build and manage effective partnerships with 3^rd party development & production companies.
Manage and expand the R&D and Operations organization, developing the infrastructure and processes that enable the company to rapidly scale-up production volumes and expansion into International markets. Find the right balance between the benefits of applying methodology and a result focused approach driven by the daily reality of a high growth venture.
Developing and expanding the R&D team in the area of image processing algorithms, software, firmware, hardware, electronics development and overall project management. Create inhouse and in-network competencies that are required to translate new business opportunities into new products based on clinical, technology and market input.
Building the operational infrastructure, including project implementation capabilities for the EyePrevent services offering, customer support operations and International expansion. Create and manage a winning organization of highly talented and skilled team members that represent the very best in the industry in the area of optics and clinical software applications.

Key deliverables and results

The company and its investors strongly believe in defining success in terms of business results as well as the long term creation of enterprise value by establishing strong market positions based on sustainable competitive advantages. Key deliverables and results expected from the COO are:

Successful production ramp-up of the EasyScan retinal imaging system from first series production in 2011 to a few hundred units in 2012 and eventually a few thousand units in 2016.
R&D activities for next software releases and next EasyScan versions, incorporating customer feedback and adding new functionality such as AutoFluorescence and Topography.
Finalize development of first Cassini product version in 2012 through and development of next generation through close collaboration with one or more OEM customers with the ambition to set a new standard for high precision cornea topography. Drive production volume to a level of a few thousand units in 2016.
Support in successful roll-out of EyePrevent Diabetic Retinopathy screening services offering, with initial implementation in the Netherlands and subsequent roll-out in the USA and Germany. Focus on project management, interfacing with healthcare ICT systems at GP, Optician and Hospital level. Implementation of services infrastructure, including world class customer support that fulfills the brand promise of fast and easy.
High performance, dedicated and motivated development and operations team that excels in working effectively in cross functional project teams, both internally and with industry partners
Key contributor to the development of the strategy and global expansion of the company. Successfully represents the company in the marketplace and is recognized as an outstanding team player

Who will you be working with?

i-Optics currently employs approximately 30 employees. The R&D team consists of a team of 13 people and will be expanded to a total of 17 FTE in 2012 and 50 in 2016. The Operations team consists of currently 3 FTE and will be expanded to 5 in 2012 and 25 FTE in 2016. You will be working closely together with your colleagues in the board and team members in the Sales & Marketing team.

Who are we looking for?

You have a Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration or Life Sciences, with relevant International experience in high–tech and preferably in medical technology. Your track record includes increasing responsibilities in product development, product marketing management and senior business responsibility. Past assignments include leadership of comprehensive R&D projects from idea and product plan development to global product launch, including complex software, hardware and electronics development projects. You have made strategic “make or buy” decisions and have relevant experience with co-development and outsourcing of manufacturing to contract manufacturers. Past projects were successfully executed based on your focus on the market, driving new business initiatives on the basis of customer insight and business potential. You are recognized as an entrepreneurial leader that drives outstanding results by bonding people to a plan. Your track record includes examples of highly successful product introductions by achieving the best possible outcomes with limited resources.

Profile:

The i-Optics team recruits on the basis of core values, leadership attributes and proven expertise. The company beliefs in the equal importance of personality (the will) and the ability to deliver (the skill):

Entrepreneurial and committed to results
Proactive and market focused
Can do attitude and a self-starter
Flexible and able to handle ever changing situations
Excellent communication skills and team player who builds high performing teams
Strategic thinking with a proven track record of delivering outcomes and making things happen in a hands-on manner
Blue chip and SME background, with plenty of hands-on experience in resolving complex development, manufacturing and logistic challenges
Knowhow of HW and SW development, project and services management, logistic operations

Remuneration

A market-based package will be offered, including a stock-option plan that will align the key position holders with the ambition to create long term enterprise value