Why Global Companies Hire Medical Device Product Managers from Belgium
Belgium offers unique advantages for companies seeking to hire medical device product managers. The country sits at the crossroads of European healthcare innovation, providing professionals with exceptional expertise and perspective.
Belgian medical device product managers typically bring robust knowledge of EU MDR (Medical Device Regulation) and IVDR (In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation) compliance. This expertise is invaluable for companies navigating the complex European regulatory landscape, especially following recent regulatory overhauls that have transformed product development requirements.
Belgium’s strategic location provides easy access to key European medical technology clusters and regulatory bodies. Belgian professionals often have direct experience working with notified bodies and maintaining relationships with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which was previously headquartered in nearby London.
The country’s multilingual talent pool (fluent in Dutch, French, English, and often German) enables seamless communication with international teams, regulatory authorities, and healthcare providers across different markets. This linguistic versatility is particularly valuable for companies with pan-European product portfolios.
Belgian universities and technical institutes produce graduates with strong backgrounds in biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and regulatory affairs, creating a talent pipeline with both technical depth and business acumen. Many professionals have experience working with Belgium’s world-class research institutions and hospitals, providing valuable clinical insights for product development.
Who Should Consider Hiring Belgium Medical Device Product Managers
Several types of organizations stand to benefit particularly from the expertise of Belgian medical device product managers:
- Medical device manufacturers entering the European market can leverage Belgian product managers’ in-depth understanding of EU MDR requirements, CE marking processes, and local market dynamics to accelerate regulatory approval and market access
- US-based medical technology companies seeking to expand their European presence benefit from Belgian professionals who understand both US FDA and EU regulatory frameworks and can bridge compliance approaches across markets
- Digital health startups navigating the complex classification and regulatory pathway for software as a medical device (SaMD) gain valuable guidance from Belgian product managers familiar with the latest European guidance on digital health technologies
- Multinational healthcare corporations benefit from Belgian talent who can coordinate product development across multiple European markets, manage multilingual stakeholder engagement, and navigate different reimbursement systems
- Medical device companies undergoing regulatory remediation can rely on Belgian product managers’ experience with quality management systems, technical documentation requirements, and post-market surveillance to ensure continued market access under new regulations
Organizations with complex product portfolios particularly benefit from Belgian professionals’ ability to manage diverse stakeholders across regulatory affairs, R&D, manufacturing, and commercial teams while maintaining a strong compliance focus.
Key Skills and Specializations for Medical Device Product Managers
Belgian medical device product managers typically possess a comprehensive skill set spanning regulatory knowledge, product development expertise, and business acumen:
| Skill Category | Key Competencies |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Expertise |
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| Product Development |
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| Business Acumen |
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| Technical Background |
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Belgian product managers often specialize in specific medical device categories, bringing valuable domain expertise to organizations. Common specializations include:
- Cardiovascular devices (stents, heart valves, monitoring systems)
- Orthopedic implants (joint replacements, trauma systems)
- Digital health solutions (mobile medical apps, telemedicine platforms, AI diagnostics)
- In vitro diagnostic devices (laboratory instruments, point-of-care testing)
- Active implantable devices (pacemakers, neurostimulators)
- Combination products (drug-device combinations, coated implants)
This combination of regulatory knowledge, technical expertise, and business understanding makes Belgian medical device product managers particularly valuable for companies navigating the complex European healthcare market landscape.
Experience Levels of Belgium Medical Device Product Managers
Medical device product managers in Belgium typically progress through several career stages, each offering distinct value to hiring organizations:
Junior Product Managers (1-3 years experience)
Professionals at this level usually hold degrees in biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or related fields, often supplemented with specialized training in regulatory affairs. They typically have experience in supporting roles within R&D, regulatory affairs, or quality assurance departments. Junior product managers can effectively:
- Manage technical documentation and design history files
- Support regulatory submissions under supervision
- Coordinate cross-functional project activities
- Implement quality management system procedures
- Analyze market and competitor data
Mid-Level Product Managers (4-7 years experience)
These professionals have usually managed multiple product lines or significant product launches within the European market. They bring deeper regulatory expertise and often hold certifications such as Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) or Project Management Professional (PMP). Their capabilities include:
- Leading CE marking projects independently
- Managing post-market surveillance programs
- Developing product roadmaps and business cases
- Conducting effective stakeholder management
- Implementing market access strategies
- Navigating notified body interactions
Senior Product Managers (8+ years experience)
Experienced Belgian product managers bring comprehensive expertise in navigating the entire product lifecycle within complex regulatory frameworks. They often have experience with multiple device classifications and therapeutic areas. These professionals typically:
- Lead strategic portfolio management
- Drive regulatory strategy across multiple markets
- Manage complex product development programs
- Coordinate international product launches
- Direct risk management and remediation activities
- Develop reimbursement and value demonstration strategies
- Mentor junior staff and build organizational capabilities
Director/VP Level (12+ years experience)
The most experienced Belgian medical device professionals operate at a strategic level, often overseeing entire product categories or regional portfolios. They bring valuable insights into long-term market evolution and regulatory trends, with capabilities including:
- Setting portfolio investment strategies
- Managing relationships with key opinion leaders and regulatory bodies
- Leading organizational transformation for regulatory compliance
- Developing long-term technology roadmaps
- Building cross-border product management capabilities
Belgian professionals at all levels typically bring stronger multilingual capabilities and cross-border experience compared to their counterparts in other markets, making them particularly valuable for companies with pan-European operations.
Hiring Models to Choose From
When engaging medical device product managers in Belgium, companies can select from several hiring models, each offering distinct advantages based on business needs:
| Hiring Model | Best For | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Employment | Long-term strategic roles, core product management positions | Full integration into company culture, IP protection, team continuity, direct oversight | Higher cost structure, employment liabilities, requires legal entity or EOR service |
| Fixed-Term Contract | Product launches, regulatory submissions, time-bound projects | Defined duration aligned to project needs, reduced long-term commitment, specialized expertise | Limited to 4 consecutive contracts in Belgium, potential renewal restrictions, limited retention |
| Freelance/Independent Contractor | Advisory roles, specialized regulatory projects, part-time needs | Flexibility, access to specialized expertise, reduced overhead costs | Potential misclassification risks, IP protection challenges, less integration with teams |
| Staff Augmentation | Scaling product teams quickly, accessing specific expertise | Rapid deployment, reduced administrative burden, pre-vetted talent | Higher costs than direct hiring, potential knowledge transfer challenges |
| Regulatory Affairs Consultancies | Specialized regulatory projects, remediation activities | Deep specialized knowledge, team approach, scalable resources | Less product ownership, higher costs, potential alignment challenges |
Belgium offers robust options for each model, with numerous specialized staffing agencies in Belgium providing talent across these engagement types. For companies seeking to scale quickly while maintaining flexibility, staff augmentation companies in Belgium specializing in life sciences can be particularly valuable partners.
The optimal hiring model depends on factors including project duration, strategic importance, budget constraints, and the need for direct control over the product manager’s activities. Many organizations use a hybrid approach, employing core product managers directly while leveraging contractors or consultants for specialized projects or market expansions.
How to Legally Hire Medical Device Product Managers in Belgium
Companies looking to hire medical device product managers in Belgium have two primary legal approaches: establishing a local entity or utilizing an Employer of Record (EOR) service. Each option has distinct implications for timeline, cost, and operational complexity.
| Consideration | Entity Setup | Employer of Record (EOR) |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Hire | 3-6 months (includes entity establishment) | 1-3 weeks |
| Setup Costs | €15,000-€30,000+ | No setup costs |
| Ongoing Costs | Legal, accounting, tax compliance, office space, local HR | Monthly service fee (typically 5-15% of salary) |
| Legal Liability | Full employer liability under Belgian labor law | EOR assumes legal employer responsibilities |
| Compliance Management | Internal responsibility requiring local expertise | Handled by EOR provider |
| Control over Work | Complete control over all aspects | Day-to-day work direction with EOR as legal employer |
| Termination Complexity | Full responsibility for complex Belgian termination procedures | Managed by EOR within compliant framework |
For companies hiring medical device product managers in Belgium without an established entity, Asanify’s Employer of Record solution provides a streamlined approach. This allows organizations to legally employ product managers while Asanify handles all employment compliance, payroll, benefits, and tax requirements in accordance with Belgian regulations.
The EOR model is particularly valuable for:
- Companies looking to quickly secure specialized medical device talent without entity establishment delays
- Organizations with limited hiring needs in Belgium that don’t justify full entity setup
- Businesses testing the market before making larger investments
- Companies hiring across multiple European countries simultaneously
Regardless of the chosen approach, all employment arrangements must comply with Belgium’s collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), which often include specific provisions for highly qualified professionals like medical device product managers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring Medical Device Product Managers in Belgium
Step 1: Define Your Requirements and Job Specification
Begin by developing a comprehensive job specification that clearly articulates:
- Required regulatory expertise (EU MDR/IVDR, QMS, technical documentation)
- Specific medical device experience (device classification, therapeutic area)
- Product lifecycle stage focus (development, launch, post-market)
- Language requirements (Dutch, French, English proficiency levels)
- Technical background needed (engineering, scientific disciplines)
- Project management and leadership expectations
Be specific about whether you need expertise in particular risk classifications or device types, as medical device product management is highly specialized.
Step 2: Select Your Hiring Model
Based on your needs assessment, determine whether you’ll pursue:
- Direct employment (via entity or EOR)
- Fixed-term contract engagement
- Independent contractor relationship
- Staff augmentation through specialized agencies
For ongoing product management roles, direct employment typically provides the best integration and retention outcomes. If you lack a Belgian entity, OKR management through an EOR like Asanify enables compliant employment without entity establishment.
Step 3: Source Qualified Candidates
Develop a targeted recruitment strategy leveraging Belgium-specific channels:
- Specialized life sciences recruitment agencies in Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp
- Industry associations like the Belgian Medical Technology Industry Association (beMedTech)
- Belgian professional networks such as LinkedIn groups focused on medical devices
- Alumni networks from key universities with strong biomedical engineering programs
- Industry conferences like the MedTech Forum when held in Belgium or neighboring countries
Emphasize your company’s commitment to innovation and regulatory excellence, as Belgian medical device professionals typically value organizations with strong compliance cultures.
Step 4: Conduct Thorough Evaluation and Assessment
Implement a structured assessment process that evaluates both technical expertise and soft skills:
- Technical screening focusing on regulatory knowledge and device-specific expertise
- Case studies addressing real-world regulatory challenges
- Panel interviews with cross-functional stakeholders
- Assessment of multilingual capabilities if required
- Evaluation of leadership and stakeholder management skills
Consider including scenarios related to EU MDR implementation challenges or notified body interactions to assess candidates’ practical regulatory experience.
Step 5: Onboard Effectively
Create a comprehensive onboarding program that includes:
- Clear documentation of regulatory responsibilities and authorities
- Introduction to key stakeholders across functions
- Immersion in product technical documentation and regulatory history
- Familiarization with company quality management system
- Establishment of clear objectives and key results
For remote or hybrid roles, ensure proper setup of secure systems for handling confidential regulatory documentation. If using Asanify’s EOR solution, you can focus on technical and business onboarding while Asanify manages all employment paperwork, tax registration, and compliance requirements.
Salary Benchmarks
Understanding the salary landscape for medical device product managers in Belgium helps companies create competitive offers that attract top talent. These figures represent annual gross salaries in Euros and vary based on factors including device classification, therapeutic area expertise, and regulatory specialization.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range (€) | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Product Manager (1-3 years) | €55,000 – €70,000 | Higher for candidates with regulatory affairs certifications or specialized technical backgrounds |
| Mid-Level Product Manager (4-7 years) | €70,000 – €90,000 | Premium for EU MDR/IVDR implementation experience and CE marking expertise |
| Senior Product Manager (8-11 years) | €90,000 – €120,000 | Higher for professionals with successful product launch experience or specialized therapeutic expertise |
| Director/VP Level (12+ years) | €120,000 – €160,000+ | Varies significantly based on portfolio size, international responsibilities, and strategic impact |
Belgian compensation packages typically include substantial additional benefits beyond base salary. Employers should budget an additional 30-35% for mandatory social security contributions, 13th-month payments, double holiday pay, and other required benefits.
Competitive packages for medical device product managers often include:
- Company car or mobility allowance (€7,000-€15,000 annual value)
- Performance bonuses (10-20% of base salary)
- Meal vouchers (€8-€10 per working day)
- Group insurance and supplementary pension (4-8% of annual salary)
- Private health insurance
- Professional development allowances for continuing education and certifications
Salary trends in Belgium’s medical device sector have shown steady increases in recent years, driven by the implementation of EU MDR/IVDR and the resulting demand for regulatory expertise. Companies hiring in this competitive landscape should emphasize their total compensation approach rather than focusing solely on base salary.
What Skills to Look for When Hiring Medical Device Product Managers
Effective medical device product managers in Belgium require a sophisticated blend of technical, regulatory, and business capabilities. When evaluating candidates, assess the following key skill areas:
Essential Regulatory Competencies
- EU MDR/IVDR Expertise: Deep understanding of the Medical Device and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulations, including classification rules, conformity assessment pathways, and documentation requirements
- Technical Documentation: Experience preparing and maintaining technical files, clinical evaluation reports, and post-market surveillance plans
- Quality Management Systems: Proficiency with ISO 13485 requirements and implementation of quality processes
- Risk Management: Strong knowledge of ISO 14971 and ability to develop risk management files
- Vigilance Reporting: Familiarity with adverse event reporting requirements and post-market surveillance procedures
Technical Knowledge
- Device-Specific Expertise: Understanding of the technical principles underlying specific medical devices (mechanical, electrical, software, materials)
- Design Control: Experience with design control methodology and design history file maintenance
- Verification and Validation: Knowledge of testing requirements and methods appropriate to device type
- Manufacturing Processes: Familiarity with production methods, process validation, and quality controls
- Human Factors Engineering: Understanding of usability requirements and testing approaches
Business and Management Skills
- Strategic Product Planning: Ability to develop product roadmaps aligned with market needs and regulatory pathways
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Experience coordinating R&D, regulatory, manufacturing, and commercial teams
- Market Access: Knowledge of reimbursement pathways and health technology assessment processes
- Stakeholder Management: Skills in working with diverse stakeholders including notified bodies, key opinion leaders, and internal decision-makers
- Project Management: Strong capabilities in managing complex, compliance-driven projects with multiple dependencies
Soft Skills and Attributes
- Regulatory Mindset: Detail-oriented approach with strong documentation discipline
- Communication: Ability to translate regulatory and technical concepts for diverse audiences
- Adaptability: Capacity to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes and shifting priorities
- Problem Solving: Creative approaches to addressing regulatory challenges while meeting business objectives
- Ethical Judgment: Commitment to patient safety and regulatory compliance over commercial pressure
Belgian product managers often bring valuable additional capabilities, including multilingual skills (Dutch, French, English), experience with pan-European product launches, and familiarity with the Belgian healthcare system’s reimbursement approach, which can serve as a model for other European markets.
Legal and Compliance Considerations
Hiring medical device product managers in Belgium involves navigating specific employment regulations and industry-specific compliance requirements:
Employment Contract Requirements
Belgian law requires detailed employment contracts that specify:
- Role description and responsibilities, particularly regulatory accountabilities
- Working hours and compensation structure
- Notice periods (which are substantial in Belgium, especially for specialized roles)
- Intellectual property provisions covering regulatory submissions and technical documentation
- Confidentiality clauses addressing sensitive product and regulatory information
Contracts must comply with relevant sector-specific collective bargaining agreements, which may include provisions regarding overtime, on-call duties, and minimum compensation for qualified professionals.
Work Permits and Immigration
For non-EU/EEA nationals, Belgium offers several pathways for highly qualified professionals:
- Single Permit (combining work and residence authorization)
- EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals (particularly relevant for specialized medical device experts)
- Special provisions for regulatory professionals under certain circumstances
Requirements vary by region (Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia), making compliance complex for employers without specialized knowledge.
Data Protection Compliance
Medical device product managers frequently access sensitive data including:
- Patient data from clinical evaluations
- Health professional information
- Proprietary technical and regulatory documentation
Employment arrangements must include appropriate data protection provisions and training to ensure GDPR compliance and protection of sensitive regulatory information.
Industry-Specific Considerations
Medical device companies must address several specialized compliance areas:
- Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance (PRRC) requirements under EU MDR
- Documented training and qualification requirements for regulatory personnel
- Conflict of interest policies for staff involved in regulatory submissions
- Documentation of role-specific authorities within the quality management system
Asanify’s Employer of Record solution addresses these complex requirements by providing employment contracts specifically designed for the life sciences sector. Our local legal experts ensure all documentation meets Belgian requirements while accommodating the specialized nature of medical device product management roles. This allows companies to focus on the technical and business aspects of hiring while Asanify handles the intricate compliance requirements of Belgian employment law.
When hiring employees involved in employee tax optimization, particularly for roles with international responsibilities, proper documentation of work location and tax residency is essential to avoid compliance issues.
Common Challenges Global Employers Face
Companies hiring medical device product managers in Belgium commonly encounter several challenges that require careful navigation:
Competitive Talent Landscape
Belgium’s medical device sector faces intense competition for experienced product managers, particularly those with EU MDR/IVDR implementation expertise. The concentration of pharmaceutical and medical device companies in Belgium, along with the presence of industry associations and notified bodies, creates a tight market for specialized talent. Companies often face extended recruitment timelines and premium salary expectations.
Regulatory Expertise Verification
Assessing candidates’ true regulatory proficiency presents significant challenges. While many candidates claim MDR/IVDR knowledge, determining their practical experience with implementation, notified body interactions, and technical documentation preparation requires sophisticated evaluation methods. Companies frequently struggle to differentiate between theoretical knowledge and practical application experience.
Complex Employment Regulations
Belgium’s employment framework includes intricate regulations around working time, mandatory benefits, and termination procedures. International employers often encounter compliance difficulties when attempting to apply global policies to Belgian employees. The country’s collective bargaining agreements, which may apply even to highly qualified professionals, add another layer of complexity.
Knowledge Transfer and Retention
Medical device product managers accumulate substantial organizational knowledge regarding regulatory history, design decisions, and compliance approaches. Companies frequently struggle with documenting and transferring this critical knowledge, creating business continuity risks when staff transitions occur. The specialized nature of medical device regulatory requirements exacerbates this challenge.
Remote Work Complications
While remote work arrangements have become common for product management roles, they present specific challenges in the medical device sector. Secure handling of regulatory documentation, access to quality management systems, and effective collaboration across regulatory, R&D, and commercial teams require careful planning and appropriate technological solutions.
Asanify’s Employer of Record solution addresses many of these challenges by providing a compliant employment framework specifically designed for the Belgian market. Our platform handles the intricacies of local employment law, payroll, benefits administration, and tax compliance, allowing you to focus on the technical and business aspects of hiring specialized medical device talent rather than administrative complexities.
Best Practices for Managing Remote Medical Device Product Managers in Belgium
Effectively managing Belgian medical device product managers in remote settings requires specialized approaches that account for both regulatory responsibilities and cultural expectations:
Establish Clear Regulatory Accountability
Remote work arrangements must maintain clear lines of regulatory responsibility:
- Formally document delegated authorities within the quality management system
- Establish protocols for remote review and approval of regulated documents
- Create clear escalation pathways for compliance concerns
- Schedule regular compliance touchpoints separate from business reviews
- Maintain detailed documentation of regulatory decisions and their rationale
Implement Secure Information Management
Medical device documentation requires stringent security measures:
- Provide secure remote access to document management systems
- Establish protocols for handling confidential regulatory submissions
- Implement appropriate technical controls for sensitive data
- Conduct regular security awareness training
- Create clear policies for physical document handling at home offices
Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration
Remote product managers must maintain effective relationships across departments:
- Schedule structured interactions with R&D, quality, and commercial teams
- Implement regular cross-functional review meetings for regulatory deliverables
- Create shared visibility into regulatory timelines and dependencies
- Utilize collaborative tools adapted to regulatory workflows
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities across distributed teams
Provide Continuous Regulatory Development
Support ongoing professional growth in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape:
- Budget for virtual attendance at key regulatory conferences
- Facilitate participation in professional networks and working groups
- Establish internal knowledge sharing sessions on regulatory developments
- Provide access to specialized training on emerging requirements
- Create opportunities to interact with regulatory authorities and notified bodies
Respect Belgian Work Culture
Align management approaches with Belgian professional expectations:
- Honor work-life boundaries and the “right to disconnect”
- Recognize Belgian holidays and vacation expectations
- Appreciate the consensus-building approach common in Belgian business culture
- Allow time for thorough analysis before decision-making
- Acknowledge regional differences (Flemish vs. Walloon cultural preferences)
Implement Appropriate Performance Management
Develop metrics and review processes suited to regulatory product management:
- Balance compliance metrics with business objectives
- Recognize the long-term nature of regulatory achievements
- Implement milestone-based evaluations for regulatory projects
- Acknowledge contributions to quality and patient safety
- Consider both process excellence and outcomes in performance reviews
These practices help maintain high-quality regulatory performance while fostering engagement among remote Belgian product managers, ensuring both compliance excellence and business contribution.
Why Use Asanify to Hire Medical Device Product Managers in Belgium
Asanify provides a specialized Employer of Record solution designed specifically for companies hiring medical device professionals in Belgium:
Life Sciences Industry Expertise
Our platform is built with deep understanding of the unique employment requirements in the medical device sector. We provide specialized contract templates addressing intellectual property protection, regulatory responsibilities, and confidentiality provisions specifically relevant to medical device product managers.
Compliant Documentation Management
We ensure all employment documentation meets Belgium’s stringent requirements while addressing industry-specific needs. This includes appropriate classification within relevant collective bargaining agreements, documentation of regulatory qualifications, and proper handling of professional certification records.
Rapid Deployment for Critical Roles
Our streamlined onboarding process allows you to secure highly sought-after regulatory talent quickly without entity establishment delays. This is particularly valuable in the current market where EU MDR/IVDR expertise is in high demand and companies face compressed timelines for regulatory submissions.
Comprehensive Benefits Administration
We handle all mandatory Belgian benefits plus competitive supplementary benefits packages specifically designed to attract and retain medical device professionals. This includes specialized professional development allowances for maintaining regulatory certifications, appropriate insurance coverage, and mobility solutions aligned with industry standards.
Multi-Country Capabilities
For medical device companies building pan-European regulatory teams, Asanify enables seamless expansion beyond Belgium to neighboring countries. Our platform maintains compliant employment across multiple jurisdictions while providing a unified management experience for distributed regulatory teams.
By partnering with Asanify for your Belgian medical device talent acquisition, you can focus on securing the specialized regulatory and technical expertise you need while we handle all aspects of compliant employment, payroll, and HR administration. This approach delivers faster access to critical talent while eliminating the administrative burden and compliance risks of cross-border hiring in the highly regulated medical device sector.
FAQs: Hiring Medical Device Product Manager in Belgium
What qualifications should a medical device product manager in Belgium have?
Belgian medical device product managers typically hold degrees in biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or related fields, often complemented by specialized training in regulatory affairs. Look for candidates with certifications such as Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC), ISO 13485 auditor qualifications, or specialized EU MDR/IVDR training. Experience with CE marking procedures, technical documentation preparation, and quality management systems is essential for most roles.
What is the average salary for medical device product managers in Belgium?
Salaries range from €55,000-€70,000 for junior roles to €90,000-€120,000 for senior positions, with director-level compensation exceeding €120,000. Total compensation packages typically include substantial benefits valued at 30-35% of base salary, plus potential performance bonuses, company cars, and specialized professional development allowances.
How long does it take to hire a medical device product manager in Belgium?
The hiring timeline typically ranges from 2-4 months when sourcing locally, reflecting the specialized nature of these roles and the competitive talent market. Using an Employer of Record like Asanify can reduce time-to-hire by eliminating entity setup requirements, allowing you to focus solely on identifying and evaluating the right regulatory expertise.
Do medical device product managers in Belgium need to speak multiple languages?
While English is widely used in the medical device industry, multilingual capabilities are highly valued. Roles involving interaction with Belgian healthcare providers often require Dutch and/or French proficiency. For positions managing pan-European products, language capabilities matching key markets (particularly German) can be advantageous. The specific language requirements should align with the markets the product manager will support.
What are the key regulations medical device product managers in Belgium need to know?
Essential regulatory knowledge includes the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745), In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR 2017/746), ISO 13485 quality management system requirements, ISO 14971 risk management standards, and MEDDEV guidance documents. Familiarity with Belgian reimbursement procedures and local market access pathways is also valuable for roles with commercial interface responsibilities.
Can we hire Belgian medical device product managers as contractors?
While possible, contractor classification in Belgium carries significant risks for roles integral to core business operations. Belgian authorities apply strict tests to determine employment relationships, with substantial penalties for misclassification. For ongoing product management functions with regulatory responsibilities, proper employment relationships are strongly recommended to ensure clear accountability and compliance.
What benefits are legally required for medical device product managers in Belgium?
Mandatory benefits include social security contributions, paid vacation (minimum 20 days), public holidays (10 days), double holiday pay, 13th-month bonus, and end-of-year premiums. For specialized professionals like medical device product managers, industry-specific collective bargaining agreements may mandate additional benefits or minimum compensation levels based on qualifications and responsibilities.
How does Asanify help with hiring medical device product managers in Belgium?
Asanify serves as the legal employer of record for your Belgian medical device talent, handling employment contracts, payroll, benefits administration, and HR support tailored to the industry’s specific requirements. This allows you to build your regulatory team without establishing a Belgian entity while ensuring full compliance with local employment regulations and industry standards.
What notice periods apply when hiring medical device product managers in Belgium?
Belgian notice periods are determined by seniority and can be substantial for specialized roles. For mid-career medical device product managers, expect 2-4 months’ notice periods, which impacts transition planning for critical regulatory positions. Senior roles may have even longer notice requirements. Asanify can advise on current statutory notice periods based on the specific circumstances of your hire.
How should we structure interviews for medical device product managers?
Effective assessment should include technical evaluation of regulatory knowledge, case studies addressing real-world compliance challenges, and behavioral interviews focusing on cross-functional leadership. Consider including scenarios related to notified body interactions, technical documentation preparation, or remediation of compliance issues. Panel interviews including regulatory affairs, R&D, and quality assurance stakeholders can provide comprehensive evaluation.
What is the impact of EU MDR/IVDR on hiring medical device product managers in Belgium?
The implementation of these regulations has significantly increased demand for product managers with relevant expertise, creating a competitive talent market with upward pressure on compensation. Companies should emphasize their regulatory compliance approach and investment in systems supporting MDR/IVDR implementation to attract qualified candidates seeking roles with appropriate regulatory support.
How can we effectively onboard remote medical device product managers in Belgium?
Successful remote onboarding combines compliance elements (handled by Asanify) with technical and organizational integration. Provide structured introduction to your quality management system, regulatory history, and technical documentation. Assign a regulatory mentor, schedule virtual introductions to cross-functional stakeholders, and clearly define regulatory authorities and responsibilities within your quality system.
Conclusion
Hiring medical device product managers from Belgium offers organizations access to professionals with exceptional regulatory expertise, multilingual capabilities, and experience navigating Europe’s complex medical device landscape. These specialized talents are increasingly valuable as companies implement EU MDR/IVDR requirements and seek to maintain market access in a transformed regulatory environment.
While the competitive talent market and complex employment regulations present challenges for international employers, the strategic value these professionals bring to global medical device companies makes the investment worthwhile. Belgian product managers combine technical knowledge, regulatory acumen, and business understanding in ways that directly impact both compliance outcomes and commercial success.
By leveraging appropriate hiring models and compliance solutions like Asanify’s Employer of Record services, companies can efficiently build high-performing regulatory product management teams without the burden of entity establishment or employment administration. This approach allows organizations to focus on securing the specialized expertise needed to navigate today’s complex medical device regulatory landscape.
With the right strategic approach to hiring, onboarding, and management, Belgian medical device product managers can become invaluable assets in ensuring both regulatory compliance and market success for your medical technology portfolio.
Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant or Labour Law expert for specific guidance.
