Role Overview for Chief Medical Officer – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to exclusively represent a pioneering medical device company based in the vibrant heart of Chicago, IL, in their search for a transformative Chief Medical Officer (CMO). This is a career-defining executive leadership opportunity to join a dynamic, well-funded organization on the cusp of revolutionizing patient care through groundbreaking technology. Our client is a leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative medical devices that address significant unmet clinical needs. With a robust pipeline and a commitment to clinical excellence, they are poised for exponential growth and market disruption.
As the Chief Medical Officer, you will be the clinical cornerstone of the executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. You will be the ultimate authority on all medical, clinical, and scientific matters, providing the vision and strategic direction that will shape the company’s future. This role is not just about oversight; it’s about hands-on leadership, deep scientific inquiry, and a passion for translating complex medical concepts into life-changing products. You will serve as the company’s primary medical expert, interacting with regulatory bodies, key opinion leaders (KOLs), investors, and the global medical community.
Your guidance will be critical in navigating the complex pathways of product development, from initial ideation and preclinical studies through to global commercialization and post-market surveillance. The ideal candidate is a strategic visionary with an entrepreneurial spirit, a respected physician leader, and an expert in the medical device landscape. You will be instrumental in building a world-class medical affairs and clinical development organization, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, ethical conduct, and unwavering patient-centricity. This position requires a leader who can seamlessly bridge the gap between medicine, engineering, and business, ensuring that the company’s innovations are not only technologically advanced but also clinically relevant, safe, and effective.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Medical Officer – Chicago, IL
The CMO will have a broad and impactful remit, overseeing all aspects of the company’s clinical and medical strategy. Key responsibilities are multifaceted and include:
Clinical Development & Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-range clinical development strategy that aligns with corporate objectives and ensures a competitive advantage.
- Provide expert medical and scientific leadership for all clinical trial activities, from Phase I to Phase IV, including study design, protocol development, site selection, and investigator training.
- Oversee the execution of all clinical studies, ensuring they are conducted with the highest standards of quality, ethical integrity, and in compliance with GCP, ICH, and other applicable regulations.
- Analyze and interpret complex clinical trial data, and be responsible for the content of clinical study reports, regulatory submissions, and publications.
- Chair the clinical development committee and provide critical input to the product pipeline and portfolio management decisions.
Regulatory Affairs & Compliance
- Serve as the primary medical liaison with global regulatory agencies, including the FDA, EMA, and other international bodies.
- Provide strategic medical input for all regulatory submissions, including Investigational Device Exemptions (IDEs), Premarket Approvals (PMAs), and 510(k) applications.
- Ensure all company activities, from R&D to marketing, are in strict compliance with relevant medical and ethical standards and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
- Oversee the development and implementation of robust pharmacovigilance and post-market surveillance systems to monitor product safety and performance in the real world.
- Lead the company’s response to any medical or safety inquiries from regulatory authorities.
Medical Affairs & External Engagement
- Act as the lead medical spokesperson for the company, effectively communicating its clinical value proposition to physicians, patients, payers, and investors.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a global network of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), scientific advisors, and clinical investigators.
- Lead the development of a comprehensive publication and presentation strategy to disseminate clinical data and enhance the company’s scientific reputation.
- Oversee the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) team, ensuring they are a credible and effective resource for the medical community.
- Direct the creation of accurate and compelling medical and scientific content for promotional materials, training programs, and medical education initiatives.
Executive Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Provide inspirational leadership and mentorship to the clinical and medical affairs teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Collaborate closely with R&D, Engineering, and Product Management teams to provide critical medical insights throughout the entire product lifecycle.
- Partner with the Commercial team (Marketing and Sales) to develop effective strategies for product launch and market adoption.
- Contribute to business development activities, including due diligence on potential acquisitions, partnerships, and in-licensing opportunities.
- As a key member of the executive team, contribute to the overall corporate strategy, fundraising efforts, and long-term business planning.
Requirements for the Chief Medical Officer – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a distinguished physician executive with a proven track record of success within the medical device industry. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of clinical expertise, scientific acumen, and business savvy.
Required Qualifications:
Medical Degree
An M.D. or D.O. from an accredited institution is mandatory.
Board Certification
Current or prior board certification in a relevant medical specialty is required.
Industry Experience
A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in clinical practice and the medical device, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industry.
Leadership Experience
At least 7 years of experience in a senior leadership role (e.g., Vice President, Senior Medical Director) with direct management responsibility for clinical development and/or medical affairs teams.
Regulatory Expertise
Deep, hands-on experience interacting with the FDA and other global regulatory authorities. Proven success in leading the clinical aspects of IDE, PMA, or 510(k) submissions.
Clinical Trial Mastery
Extensive experience in designing, executing, and interpreting data from all phases of clinical trials for medical devices.
Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
- An MBA or other advanced business/management degree is highly desirable.
- Experience in a fast-paced, high-growth startup or small/mid-size company environment is strongly preferred.
- A well-established network of contacts within the academic, clinical, and regulatory communities.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a talent for translating complex scientific information into clear, actionable business strategies.
- Strong business acumen with a solid understanding of market dynamics, competitive intelligence, and the commercial aspects of the medical device industry.
- Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, with a deep commitment to ethical conduct and patient safety.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent. They offer a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Performance Bonus
A significant annual performance-based bonus tied to individual and corporate goal achievement.
Equity Incentives
A substantial long-term incentive package, including stock options or restricted stock units, providing a meaningful stake in the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 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, paid company holidays, and a commitment to a sustainable work-life integration.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for continuing medical education (CME), executive coaching, and attendance at key industry conferences.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate moving to the Chicago area.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary medical leader ready to make a significant impact on the future of healthcare technology, we invite you to apply for this confidential opportunity. To be considered, please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the life sciences sector. To learn more about our expertise and explore other opportunities, we encourage you to visit the JRG Partners’ Medical Device practice area page. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
