Role Overview for Chief Medical Officer – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in the life sciences sector, has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and strategic Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for our client, a rapidly growing and innovative medical device company based in the greater Philadelphia area. This is a pivotal executive leadership position for an individual poised to make a significant impact on the future of healthcare technology and patient outcomes. The successful candidate will serve as the company’s lead medical and clinical expert, providing the strategic direction and hands-on leadership necessary to guide our client’s groundbreaking product portfolio through all phases of clinical development, regulatory approval, and successful commercialization.
As the CMO, you will be the cornerstone of the company’s clinical and medical integrity, shaping the scientific narrative and ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and data quality. You will be responsible for building and leading a world-class medical and clinical affairs organization, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration. This role requires a unique blend of deep medical expertise, extensive experience in the medical device industry, sharp business acumen, and inspirational leadership.
You will be a key member of the executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, and will play a critical role in shaping corporate strategy, engaging with key opinion leaders (KOLs), and representing the company before regulatory bodies, investors, and the global medical community. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic organization on the cusp of major growth and to lead the medical function of a company dedicated to developing transformative solutions for unmet medical needs.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Medical Officer – Philadelphia, PA
The Chief Medical Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, clinical execution, and external engagement. Your duties will be critical to the company’s success and will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Strategic Clinical & Medical Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, integrated clinical development strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives, product pipeline, and long-term vision.
- Provide expert medical and scientific input across all stages of the product lifecycle, from initial concept and R&D to post-market surveillance and next-generation product enhancements.
- Serve as the primary medical authority within the organization, offering guidance on clinical trial design, data interpretation, risk management, and medical safety.
- Maintain a deep understanding of the competitive landscape, emerging medical trends, and evolving standards of care to ensure the company’s products maintain a competitive and clinical advantage.
Regulatory Affairs & Compliance
- Provide senior medical leadership for all regulatory interactions and submissions with global health authorities, including the FDA, EMA, and other international bodies.
- Ensure that all clinical activities are conducted in strict adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), company SOPs, and all applicable local and international regulations.
- Collaborate closely with the Regulatory Affairs team to develop robust regulatory strategies for new products and indications, navigating complex pathways such as 510(k), De Novo, and PMA submissions.
- Oversee all safety and pharmacovigilance activities, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of adverse events and the implementation of effective risk mitigation strategies. Your expertise will be crucial in interpreting and navigating complex FDA regulations for medical devices.
Clinical Development & Operations
- Oversee the design, planning, and execution of all clinical trials, from feasibility and pilot studies to pivotal and post-market clinical follow-up (PMCF) studies.
- Ensure clinical trials are executed on time and within budget, meeting the highest standards of scientific and ethical integrity.
- Lead the analysis and interpretation of clinical trial data, and oversee the preparation of clinical study reports, regulatory submission documents, and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Build and maintain a strong network of clinical investigators, research sites, and contract research organizations (CROs) to support the company’s clinical programs.
Medical Affairs & External Engagement
- Act as the primary medical spokesperson for the company, effectively communicating the clinical value and scientific underpinnings of its products to internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop and cultivate strong relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic institutions, and professional medical societies to foster advocacy and gather critical insights.
- Lead the development and dissemination of medical information, including scientific publications, conference presentations, and medical education materials.
- Provide medical and clinical support to the Commercial teams, ensuring that marketing and sales materials are scientifically accurate, balanced, and compliant.
Requirements for the Chief Medical Officer – Philadelphia, PA
We are seeking a highly qualified and accomplished medical leader with a proven track record of success in the medical device industry. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Education
An M.D. or D.O. is required. Board certification in a relevant medical specialty is strongly preferred. An advanced degree such as an MBA, MPH, or PhD is a significant plus.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in clinical research and development within the medical device, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industry. At least 7 years of experience in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Vice President, Senior Medical Director) with direct management responsibility for clinical and medical affairs teams.
Medical Device Expertise
Extensive, hands-on experience specifically within the medical device industry is mandatory. Proven success in leading devices through the entire product development lifecycle, including direct experience with IDEs and successful FDA submissions (PMA, 510(k)), is essential. Experience with Class II and/or Class III devices is highly desirable.
Leadership Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and build high-performing, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. A strategic thinker with the ability to translate corporate goals into actionable clinical plans.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific and medical concepts clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences, from engineers and regulators to physicians and investors.
Business Acumen
Strong understanding of the commercial aspects of the medical device industry, including market access, reimbursement, and competitive intelligence. Ability to partner effectively with commercial, R&D, and operational leaders.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in the greater Philadelphia, PA area. A relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Ownership
A substantial equity grant (stock options or RSUs) to ensure you are a true partner in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Generous Time Off
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation assistance package is available for qualified candidates moving to the Philadelphia area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing medical education, professional society memberships, and attendance at key industry conferences.
Impactful Work
The opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology that directly improves patient lives and to shape the future of a promising company.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is conducting this search on an exclusive basis for our client. If you are a visionary medical leader with the experience and passion to drive clinical innovation in the medical device space, we encourage you to apply. All inquiries and applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information about our expertise in this sector, you can learn more about JRG Partners’ Life Sciences executive search team and our commitment to connecting exceptional leaders with transformative companies. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications.
