Role Overview for Chief Medical Officer – Minneapolis, MN
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and strategic Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for a pioneering, venture-backed medical device company headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Our client is at the forefront of developing next-generation cardiovascular technologies designed to revolutionize patient outcomes in interventional cardiology. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and shape the clinical and medical future of an organization poised for exponential growth and market leadership.
The Chief Medical Officer will serve as the senior clinical leader and the primary medical voice for the entire organization. This executive will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s comprehensive clinical strategy, overseeing all aspects of clinical development, medical affairs, and regulatory submissions. As a key member of the C-suite, the CMO will provide critical medical insights that will influence corporate strategy, product lifecycle management, business development, and investor relations. You will be the bridge between groundbreaking engineering and real-world clinical application, ensuring that every product not only meets rigorous safety and efficacy standards but also addresses unmet clinical needs.
We are seeking a physician executive with a profound understanding of the medical device industry, a track record of successful clinical trial execution, and the leadership acumen to build and inspire a world-class clinical organization. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, a collaborative partner, and a passionate advocate for patient safety and clinical excellence. This role requires a hands-on leader who can navigate the complexities of a fast-paced, innovative environment while maintaining the highest standards of scientific and ethical integrity. Your contributions will be pivotal in bringing life-saving and life-changing technologies from concept to commercialization, ultimately impacting the lives of patients worldwide.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Medical Officer – Minneapolis, MN
The Chief Medical Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Clinical Development Strategy
Conceive, develop, and implement the long-term clinical development strategy in alignment with corporate goals. Design and oversee a portfolio of clinical trials, from early feasibility and pivotal studies to post-market registries, ensuring they are scientifically rigorous, operationally efficient, and strategically sound.
Trial Execution and Oversight
Provide senior leadership and medical monitoring for all clinical studies. Ensure trials are conducted in strict compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), IRB requirements, and all applicable global regulations. Take ultimate responsibility for patient safety throughout the clinical trial process.
Regulatory Leadership
Serve as the primary medical expert in interactions with global regulatory authorities, including the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) and international Notified Bodies. Lead the clinical aspects of regulatory submissions, including Investigational Device Exemptions (IDEs), Premarket Approvals (PMAs), and 510(k)s.
Medical Affairs and Safety
Establish and lead the Medical Affairs function to support product commercialization and lifecycle management. Oversee the development of medical information resources, publication strategies, and health economics and outcomes research (HEOR). Implement and manage robust systems for post-market surveillance and medical device vigilance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as the key clinical partner to R&D, providing critical medical input throughout the entire product development lifecycle. Collaborate closely with Marketing and Sales to develop compelling clinical messaging and support commercial activities. Work with the executive team on strategic planning, fundraising, and business development initiatives.
External Engagement and KOL Management
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with global Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), principal investigators, and scientific advisory boards. Represent the company at major medical and scientific conferences, presenting clinical data and articulating the company’s clinical vision.
Data Analysis and Publication
Lead the analysis and interpretation of clinical trial data. Drive a robust publication and presentation strategy to disseminate clinical evidence in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals and at prestigious medical congresses, establishing the company as a leader in its therapeutic area.
Team Leadership and Development
Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of professionals in clinical operations, clinical science, biostatistics, and medical affairs. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
Requirements for the Chief Medical Officer – Minneapolis, MN
The successful candidate will possess a unique blend of clinical expertise, industry experience, and executive leadership skills. The following qualifications are essential for this role:
Medical Degree
An M.D. or D.O. from an accredited institution is required.
Board Certification
Board certification in a relevant medical specialty, preferably Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, or Cardiothoracic Surgery, is strongly preferred.
Medical Licensure
Must hold or be eligible for a medical license in the United States.
Industry Experience
A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in clinical research and development within the medical device, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industry. Prior experience in a senior leadership role (e.g., Vice President of Clinical/Medical Affairs, CMO) is highly desirable.
Cardiovascular Device Expertise
Direct experience with Class III cardiovascular devices is a significant advantage. A deep understanding of the clinical landscape, treatment paradigms, and competitive environment in cardiology is crucial.
Clinical Trial Mastery
Proven, hands-on experience in designing, executing, and managing all phases of medical device clinical trials, particularly IDE pivotal trials. Must have a strong command of biostatistics, data management, and clinical trial methodologies.
Regulatory Acumen
Extensive experience interacting with the FDA and other global regulatory bodies. A successful track record of leading the clinical components of major regulatory submissions (PMA/510(k)) is required.
Leadership Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams. Must possess exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. The ability to articulate complex scientific and clinical concepts clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences, from engineers and investors to physicians and regulators.
Business Acumen
An understanding of the business drivers in the medical device industry. Experience in a startup or high-growth environment is a plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Ownership
A substantial equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity for significant long-term wealth creation.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to paid company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family to move to the vibrant Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing medical education, professional society memberships, and attendance at key industry conferences.
Innovative Culture
The opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture with a team of passionate and brilliant colleagues dedicated to making a difference in patients’ lives.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search process managed exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative physician leader with the experience and passion to drive clinical innovation in the medical device space, we encourage you to apply.
To express your interest in this Chief Medical Officer position, please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and suitability for the role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Medical Device and Diagnostics practice page. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss this exceptional leadership opportunity.
