Design Practice Lead - Health & Life Sciences / Consumer & Manufacturing (US)

Company DescriptionPA’s Design, Engineering and Science (DES) function helps our clients conceive, build and scale complex physical and digitally connected products. We combine the application of deep science, world-class engineering and people-centered design to address major shifts in markets, from early-stage innovation through to regulated, real-world deployment at scale.Our globally integrated team of 400+ specialists across the US, UK and Ireland works at the intersection of innovation strategy, product development and applied R&D. We partner with organizations ranging from ambitious start-ups to established global leaders across Health & Life Sciences, Defense, Consumer, Industrial, Transport and Energy sectors.Our capabilities span human insights, industrial design, user experience, human factors, software, electronics, mechanical engineering, research and scientific testing, enabling us to take ideas from concept to scalable reality. We are recognized for tackling complex challenges where technical depth, commercial impact and real-world delivery matter most.Job DescriptionBased in Boston, MA, the US Design Practice Lead leads the Design capability in the US, driving the successful delivery of complex, multidisciplinary work, developing high-performing teams and ensuring the effective deployment of design capability in support of client outcomes and business growth.Operating within the broader DES leadership model, this role translates global Design capability strategy into regional execution.The role is accountable for:The effective deployment of design capability across client work and strategic opportunitiesThe performance of delivery teams, ensuring work is high quality, commercially impactful and aligned to client needsThe development and growth of the US Design practice and its peopleThe contribution of the practice to business growth, including supporting business development and proposition developmentThe application of design within complex and regulated product development environmentsBuilding PA’s position as a leading design partner within the Health & Life Sciences and Consumer sector and beyondEnsuring alignment with Health & Life Sciences growth priorities and opportunities across MedTech focus areas including diagnostics, drug delivery, surgical & interventional technologies, digital health, and other regulated healthcare applications.As the senior design leader in the US, the Practice Lead bridges global capability, delivery, client engagement and market development across a complex multidisciplinary environment.What We're Looking ForWe are looking for a senior design leader who combines deep design expertise with strong experience in development of regulated MedTech physical and digital solutions.You will bring experience leading multidisciplinary product development programs, from early opportunity identification and concept development through to implementation and commercialization. You will understand how design contributes to successful outcomes within technical, engineering-led, and regulated environments.You will be comfortable working alongside engineers, scientists, quality specialists and program leaders, ensuring design plays a meaningful role in solving complex client challenges and creating differentiated products and services.You will bring strong commercial awareness, with experience shaping opportunities, supporting business development and converting pipeline into high-value work.You will have a proven track record of building high-performing teams, developing talent and strengthening capability while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence.Above all, you are motivated by delivering meaningful outcomes for clients and advocating human-centered design as a source of competitive advantage within complex product development environments.Core DutiesLead the US Design PracticeOwn the performance, development and day-to-day operation of the Design capability in the US, ensuring alignment with global priorities while building capability to support growth across the Health & Life Sciences GTM and other sectors which Design supports.Deliver Complex Multidisciplinary ProgramsLead and oversee the delivery of complex programs from early ideation through implementation, ensuring high-quality outcomes, effective collaboration and successful client delivery across both innovative and regulated product development environments.Build and Maintain Senior Client RelationshipsAct as a trusted advisor to clients, helping shape problems, guide solutions and strengthen long-term relationships.Drive Business Development and GrowthIdentify opportunities, shape propositions and bring market insight and design perspectives to support the conversion of pipeline into strategic, high-value engagements.Drive Best PracticeOwn the consistent application of design methods, tools and standards across delivery. Promote excellence in design practice while ensuring alignment with Quality Management Systems and regulated development frameworks where appropriate.Develop High-Performing Teams and CapabilityBuild, lead and develop a strong design team, including coaching senior talent, strengthening capability, supporting career development and leading effective workforce planning and deployment.Champion Design in Technical and Regulated EnvironmentsAdvocate for human-centered design within multidisciplinary product development teams, ensuring design contributes meaningfully to technical feasibility, user needs, commercial objectives and regulatory requirements.Represent PA and the Design CapabilityServe as a visible ambassador for Design across internal and external communities, championing the value of design within PA, Jacobs and the wider DES ecosystem.QualificationsAbout YouSenior design leader with strong client-facing and delivery experienceProven track record leading complex multidisciplinary product development programmesSignificant experience within MedTechStrong understanding of how design operates within multidisciplinary product development environmentsExpertise in complex and regulated product development and medical device development processesExperience working within Quality Management Systems, particularly ISO 13485Knowledge of applicable regulatory frameworks and standardsStrong commercial awareness with a track record of contributing to growth and business developmentForward-looking perspective on design, healthcare innovation and emerging MedTech trendsExperienced in building, leading and developing high-performing teamsPassionate about advocating for human-centered design within technical and engineering-led environmentsCredible with senior clients, stakeholders and leadership teamsStrong operator, able to balance delivery excellence, team performance and business growthStructured, pragmatic and outcome-focusedCollaborative and effective within a broader leadership modelEssential ExperienceBachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Design Research, or a related discipline10+ years' experience within product development, innovation consulting or outsourced product and technology developmentSignificant experience within the MedTech sectorExperience leading multidisciplinary teams spanning design, engineering and scientific disciplinesProven success building and developing high-performing design teams and capabilityStrong understanding of design's role within complex product development programsExperience contributing to business development, opportunity shaping and commercial growthDesirable ExperienceExperience across drug delivery, diagnostics, digital health, and/or surgical & interventional technologiesExperience providing sector-focused thought leadershipKnowledge of emerging healthcare technologies and future market trendsCross-sector experience in consumer, industrial and/or wellness categoriesAdditional InformationWhy Join Us?This is an opportunity to lead and shape a market-leading design practice within one of PA's most important growth sectors.You will combine design leadership, healthcare innovation and commercial impact, helping clients solve some of the most complex challenges in regulated product development while building exceptional teams and capability.In doing so, you will play a key role in ensuring that design capability translates into outstanding client outcomes, meaningful innovation and sustained growth across PA's Health & Life Sciences business.SummaryType: Full-timeFunction: ConsultingExperience level: Mid-Senior LevelIndustry: Management Consulting