Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a visionary and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) on behalf of our client, a rapidly scaling and innovative medical device company based in the vibrant tech hub of San Francisco, CA. This is a pivotal leadership role for an executive with a profound understanding of the medical technology landscape and a proven track record of operational excellence.
Our client is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking medical technologies that are set to redefine patient care and clinical outcomes. As they transition from a late-stage startup to a commercial powerhouse, they require a COO to build and lead a world-class operational infrastructure that is scalable, efficient, and rigorously compliant.
The Chief Operating Officer will serve as a key member of the executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). You will be the strategic partner responsible for translating the company’s vision and long-term strategy into actionable, operational reality. This role demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, tactical execution, and inspirational leadership. You will have full ownership of the company’s end-to-end operations, including supply chain management, manufacturing (both internal and with Contract Manufacturing Organizations – CMOs), quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and logistics.
Your leadership will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the medical device industry, ensuring product quality, achieving commercial readiness, and driving sustainable growth. This is a rare opportunity to make a significant impact on a company poised for exponential growth and to shape the future of medical technology.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer – San Francisco, CA
The COO will be entrusted with a broad range of critical responsibilities, designed to optimize performance and prepare the company for its next phase of commercial success. Your duties will be dynamic and will evolve with the company’s growth, but will primarily focus on the following areas:
Strategic Leadership & Operational Execution
- Partner with the CEO and executive leadership to develop and execute the company’s strategic plan, ensuring that operational capabilities align with long-term business objectives.
- Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) across all operational functions to drive continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
- Lead the annual operational planning and budgeting process, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve strategic goals and financial targets.
- Provide insightful leadership and direction to the entire operations organization, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
- Act as a key representative of the company with investors, board members, and strategic partners, articulating the operational strategy and performance with clarity and confidence.
Supply Chain & Manufacturing Excellence
- Design, implement, and manage a resilient and scalable global supply chain strategy, encompassing procurement, inventory management, and logistics.
- Oversee all manufacturing operations, including the management of CMOs and suppliers, to ensure production targets, cost efficiencies, and quality standards are consistently met.
- Lead initiatives for COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) reduction through process optimization, strategic sourcing, and negotiation with key vendors.
- Implement best practices in manufacturing, such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), to enhance productivity and product quality.
- Develop robust risk mitigation strategies for the supply chain to address potential disruptions and ensure business continuity.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Champion a culture of quality throughout the organization, ensuring that all processes and products adhere to the highest standards.
- Oversee the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards, including FDA 21 CFR 820, ISO 13485, and other international requirements.
- Provide strategic oversight for all regulatory submissions and interactions with regulatory bodies such as the FDA, Notified Bodies, and other international agencies.
- Ensure the company is perpetually prepared for audits and inspections from regulatory authorities.
- Stay abreast of the evolving global medical device regulatory landscape to proactively adapt the company’s strategies and processes.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
- Recruit, mentor, and develop a world-class operations team, building a deep bench of talent across all functions.
- Provide strong leadership and clear direction, empowering teams to achieve ambitious goals and fostering an environment of innovation and continuous learning.
- Establish clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback and coaching to direct reports and the broader operations team.
- Foster seamless cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Clinical Affairs, Commercial, and Finance teams to ensure cohesive execution of company objectives.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer – San Francisco, CA
The ideal candidate is a seasoned operational leader with extensive experience within the medical device sector. You must possess the strategic acumen to guide a growing company and the hands-on capability to ensure flawless execution. Specific qualifications include:
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 10 years in senior operational roles (e.g., VP of Operations, General Manager, COO) within the medical device industry.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable experience in scaling operations from clinical development through to full commercial launch. Deep expertise in managing complex supply chains and CMO relationships is essential.
Regulatory & Quality Acumen
An expert-level understanding of FDA regulations (21 CFR 820), ISO 13485 standards, and other global medical device regulatory frameworks. Proven experience successfully hosting FDA inspections and other regulatory audits.
Leadership Skills
A proven track record of building, leading, and inspiring high-performing teams. The ability to lead with both influence and authority.
Financial Acumen
Strong experience with P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and driving operational cost efficiencies.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and translate high-level goals into tactical, executable plans. Experience in a fast-paced, venture-backed environment is highly desirable.
Communication
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders from the factory floor to the boardroom.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, an aggressive annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial equity stake in the company.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with minimal employee contribution.
Retirement Planning
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and a commitment to supporting a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, professional development, and attendance at key industry conferences.
San Francisco Office Perks
Commuter benefits, catered lunches, and a collaborative and dynamic office environment located in the heart of the city’s innovation district.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this critical Chief Operating Officer position. We invite all qualified and interested candidates to submit their resumes and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and leadership philosophy. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your application through our secure portal. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Medical Device & Life Sciences Executive Search practice page. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications and discussing how you can help lead our client into their next chapter of success.
