Sr. Director, Business Ethics and Investigations

The Head of Global Compliance Investigations is responsible for leading the Global Compliance Investigations Function and Program, including strategy, governance, and operations. This role is integral to Stryker’s culture of integrity and accountability by ensuring effective investigation and response to detected ethics and compliance offenses.   

The Head of Global Compliance Investigations leads the Compliance Investigations team responsible for managing and conducting internal compliance and business ethics investigations. In addition, this role drives programmatic excellence across the investigations function and effective reporting to senior leadership, the Ethics Hotline Committee, and the Board of Directors. This role reports to the Chief Compliance Officer.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Oversee the global Investigations team of experienced professionals conducting and coordinating internal compliance and business ethics investigations, including potential violations of applicable law, Stryker’s Code of Conduct, and other internal policies and procedures.  

• Lead development of the functional strategy, standards, goals, and processes necessary to effectively manage investigations for the Company and oversee the performance of investigations activity. 

• Chair the global Investigations Oversight Committee (IOC) and ensure the IOC and regional committees are providing effective oversight, trending, and risk awareness.  

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for conducting compliance and business ethics investigations across the organization ensuring investigations are efficient, effective, and thorough.  Develop and implement standardized investigations processes and templates and oversee that investigations are performed consistently, documented appropriately by all investigators, and identifies the root cause of misconduct. 

• On behalf of the CCO, ensure timely reporting and analysis of investigation matters for key internal and external stakeholders, including the Global Compliance and Privacy Committee, the Senior Leadership Team, and the Board of Directors. 

• Partner closely with legal as appropriate to conduct both privileged and non-privileged compliance investigations and to collaborate on government investigations and related criminal and civil litigation in the United States and other countries in a variety of areas. 

• Lead the management of the Ethics Hotline, ensuring the hotline operates as a central and effective channel for reporting and addressing ethical concerns throughout the organization. Develop or oversee the development of protocols to receive, triage, document, and respond to reports and ensure a commitment to transparency and accountability. 

• Foster a Speak Up culture of open communication, trust, and transparency, encouraging employees at all levels to report potential violations without fear of retaliation. 

• Supervise the work of external counsel, auditors and investigators working on internal investigation matters. 

• Identify Case Management system enhancements necessary to meet the needs of the Global Investigations team. 

• Partner with Compliance Systems and Analytics team on enhancements, analytics, and reporting of investigations data. 

• Partner and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders and business support functions on investigations and potential corrective action to drive a coordinated and cohesive approach. (including Legal, Employee Relations, Human Resources, Indirect Channel Management, and Internal Audit).    

• Maintain deep knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards and monitor industry trends and regulatory changes or enforcements (i.e., anti-corruption, laws relating to the sales, marketing, promotion, and reimbursement of the Company’s products) and advise compliance organization and business on impact to Stryker. 

• Serve as an adviser to Global Compliance & Privacy organization, including supporting risk assessment, training, monitoring efforts, and identify opportunities for enhanced processes or controls. 

• Raise awareness of the compliance program and promote accountability for ethics and integrity. 

• Foster a continuous improvement mindset and proposes enhancements to the Program informed by industry trends and best practices. 

Qualifications & Experience: 

• Minimum of 12 years of applicable professional experience. 

• Proven experience in establishing investigations processes and leading an investigations team in a highly regulated environment. 

• Medical technology, medical device, or life sciences industry experience preferred. 

• Prior forensic auditing/accounting experience preferred. 

• Ability to apply company policies and procedures in relation to complex investigations. 

• Ability to successfully work within a complex organization, including collaboration with multiple stakeholders/functions. 

• Must have strong integrity and character, including strict adherence to confidentiality.  

• Experience with state/federal health care compliance laws (e.g., Anti-kickback Statute, patient inducement laws, etc.). 

• Ability to embrace and support change in a dynamic and complex environment. 

• Experience working with regulatory agencies (i.e., OIG, DOJ, SEC) preferred. 

• Strong written & verbal communication and organizational skills. 

• Ability to respectfully conduct interviews. 

• Demonstrated skill in formulating strategies, tactics and action plans to achieve results.  

• Strong focus on developing an organizational culture that fosters teamwork. 

• Must uphold organizational standards, have uncompromising personal and professional integrity. 

• Legal degree or CPA/CFE certification preferred. 

Compensation

$167,300- $369,700 salary plus bonus eligible + generally eligible for short-term and long-term financial incentives + benefits.  Actual minimum and maximum may vary based on location.  Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.