Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, has been exclusively retained to identify a transformative Chief Operating Officer (COO) for our client, a rapidly growing and innovative medical device company based in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the C-suite. The COO will be the strategic partner to the CEO, responsible for translating the company’s vision into executable operational strategies and ensuring the organization runs with maximum efficiency, quality, and scalability.
The successful candidate will be a seasoned operational leader with a profound understanding of the medical device industry’s complexities. You will assume responsibility for the entire spectrum of operations, including manufacturing, supply chain management, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and research and development integration.
This role is not just about maintaining the status quo; it’s about building a world-class operational infrastructure that can support aggressive growth, navigate a stringent regulatory environment, and ultimately deliver life-changing products to patients worldwide. You will be instrumental in shaping the company’s future, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring that operational excellence is a core competitive advantage. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to achieve its ambitious financial and strategic objectives while upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer – Chicago, IL
Strategic & Executive Leadership
- Partner with the CEO and other C-level executives to set and drive the company’s vision, operational strategy, and hiring needs.
- Translate strategic plans into actionable, quantitative goals and operational initiatives that ensure performance, growth, and alignment across all departments.
- Serve as a key advisor to the CEO, providing expert guidance on all operational matters and contributing to key decisions on M&A, partnerships, and market expansion.
- Represent the company with clients, investors, and business partners, articulating the operational strengths and future capabilities of the organization.
Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
- Direct and oversee all day-to-day operations, including manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, quality control, and regulatory compliance, to ensure business objectives are met efficiently and effectively.
- Champion and implement operational excellence methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management to drive continuous improvement, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
- Develop and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for all operational functions, establishing a data-driven culture to monitor performance and guide decision-making.
- Lead the design and execution of scalable processes and systems to support the company’s rapid growth trajectory, ensuring the infrastructure can handle increased volume and complexity.
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
- Uphold an uncompromising commitment to quality, ensuring all products meet and exceed industry standards and customer expectations.
- Provide ultimate oversight for the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring strict compliance with ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR Part 820, and other applicable international regulations.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies and lead the company through audits and inspections. Ensure all regulatory submissions and reporting are completed accurately and on time.
- Foster a deep-rooted culture of compliance throughout the organization, where every employee understands their role in maintaining the integrity of our products and processes. A thorough understanding of FDA regulations and quality system requirements is paramount.
Supply Chain & Manufacturing Management
- Develop and manage a robust, resilient global supply chain strategy, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance management to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality materials.
- Oversee all manufacturing operations, optimizing production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to maximize output and minimize costs without sacrificing quality.
- Implement advanced inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels, reduce carrying costs, and ensure product availability to meet market demand.
- Drive initiatives for cost reduction, lead time improvement, and manufacturing efficiency through technology adoption, process optimization, and strategic sourcing.
Team Leadership & Cultural Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operational team, attracting and retaining top-tier talent.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and innovative culture that encourages problem-solving and proactive communication.
- Establish clear goals and expectations for direct reports and the broader operations team, providing regular feedback and performance management.
- Champion employee development and create pathways for professional growth within the operations division.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer – Chicago, IL
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive operational leadership experience, with at least 7 years in a senior executive role (e.g., COO, VP of Operations) within the medical device industry is mandatory.
Industry Expertise
Deep, hands-on experience in a regulated manufacturing environment is essential. Must possess comprehensive knowledge of the entire product lifecycle for Class II and/or Class III medical devices.
Regulatory Knowledge
Expert-level understanding of cGMP, ISO 13485, FDA regulations (21 CFR 820), and other global regulatory standards (e.g., MDR in Europe). Proven experience successfully leading a company through FDA inspections and ISO audits.
Operational Acumen
Demonstrated track record of successfully scaling operations in a high-growth company. Expertise in implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement frameworks with measurable results.
Financial Skills
Strong financial literacy with extensive experience in budgeting, P&L management, forecasting, and capital project justification.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Must be a strategic thinker with a hands-on, detail-oriented approach. Proven ability to build, motivate, and lead high-performance teams.
Problem-Solving
Superior analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound, data-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus and a substantial equity/stock option package.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
Professional Growth
Ample opportunities for professional development, including executive coaching and attendance at key industry conferences.
Impactful Work
The unique opportunity to hold a critical leadership position in a mission-driven company whose products significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this 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. Your application will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your application through our secure portal. You can learn more about our dedicated recruitment expertise and begin the application process by visiting our Medical Device Executive Search practice area page.
JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
