Role Overview for Chief Digital Officer – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, category-leading medical device company in their search for a visionary Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Based in the vibrant tech and healthcare hub of Chicago, IL, this executive leadership role is a pivotal opportunity to redefine the future of patient care and medical technology. The successful candidate will be the driving force behind the company’s enterprise-wide digital transformation, architecting and executing a strategy that integrates cutting-edge technology into every facet of the organization—from R&D and manufacturing to commercial operations and patient engagement.
This is not merely an IT leadership role; it is a strategic business position designed for a transformative leader who can see the bigger picture. You will be responsible for creating a cohesive digital ecosystem that enhances product capabilities, optimizes operational efficiency, and delivers unparalleled value to healthcare providers and patients. You will champion a culture of innovation, leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to create a sustainable competitive advantage.
The ideal candidate understands that the future of healthcare is digital and is passionate about harnessing technology to improve outcomes and save lives. You will be at the forefront of the industry’s evolution, driving the future of digital health transformation and shaping how medical devices interact with the connected world. This role requires a unique blend of technological acumen, business strategy, and inspirational leadership to guide a global organization through a period of profound and exciting change.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Digital Officer – Chicago, IL
The Chief Digital Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities are segmented across several critical domains:
Digital Strategy and Vision
- Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, long-term digital vision and strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives and growth targets.
- Serve as the primary evangelist for digital innovation across the enterprise, securing buy-in from the Board of Directors, executive leadership, and all functional departments.
- Continuously scan the horizon for emerging digital trends, technologies, and potential disruptors within the MedTech, healthcare, and adjacent industries to inform strategic direction.
- Create and manage the digital transformation roadmap, defining key initiatives, setting priorities, allocating resources, and establishing clear metrics for success (KPIs and OKRs).
Technology and Innovation Leadership
- Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of digital platforms and technologies, including AI/ML, IoT, cloud computing, advanced analytics, and Software as a Medical Device (SaMD).
- Foster a culture of experimentation and rapid prototyping, establishing innovation labs or centers of excellence to explore new digital product concepts and business models.
- Oversee the integration of digital features into existing and future medical devices, enhancing their functionality, connectivity, and data-gathering capabilities.
- Ensure the company’s digital infrastructure is scalable, secure, and compliant with all relevant healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, FDA guidelines).
Data Analytics and Insights
- Champion a data-driven culture, establishing a robust data governance framework to ensure data quality, integrity, and security across the organization.
- Build and lead a world-class data science and analytics team capable of translating vast datasets from devices, clinical trials, and commercial operations into actionable business intelligence.
- Leverage predictive analytics and AI to identify new market opportunities, optimize clinical trial design, enhance supply chain efficiency, and personalize patient support programs.
- Develop dashboards and reporting mechanisms to provide the executive team with real-time insights into the performance of digital initiatives.
Customer and Patient Experience
- Reimagine the end-to-end patient and healthcare provider (HCP) journey, using digital tools to create seamless, personalized, and engaging experiences.
- Oversee the development of digital health platforms, mobile applications, and patient portals that improve therapy adherence, provide education, and facilitate better communication with care teams.
- Implement omnichannel marketing and commercial strategies, leveraging digital channels to effectively reach and support HCPs and patients.
- Utilize digital feedback mechanisms and user data to continuously iterate and improve upon products and services.
Organizational Leadership and Change Management
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, cross-functional digital team, attracting and retaining top talent in areas like product management, data science, UX/UI design, and digital marketing.
- Partner closely with other C-suite executives (CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, CTO) to ensure digital strategy is fully integrated into all business functions.
- Lead change management efforts to drive digital literacy and adoption throughout the organization, breaking down silos and fostering a collaborative, agile mindset.
- Manage the digital transformation budget, ensuring strategic allocation of capital and delivering a strong return on investment.
Requirements for the Chief Digital Officer – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading successful digital transformations in complex, regulated environments. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business field is required; an MBA or other advanced degree (e.g., MS in Computer Science, Data Science) is strongly preferred.
- A minimum of 15 years of professional experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role overseeing digital strategy, product development, or technology innovation.
- Direct experience within the medical device, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or a similarly regulated healthcare industry is essential. Understanding of the clinical, regulatory, and commercial pathways is critical.
- Demonstrable experience reporting to a CEO or Board of Directors and influencing strategy at the highest level of an organization.
- Proven track record of successfully conceptualizing, launching, and scaling digital products and enterprise-wide platforms from the ground up.
Skills and Competencies
- Deep expertise in modern digital technologies, including cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP), data analytics, AI/ML, IoT, cybersecurity, and agile development methodologies.
- Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to connect digital initiatives directly to financial outcomes and market share growth.
- Visionary leadership style with outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of inspiring and mobilizing a large, diverse organization.
- Strong financial literacy, including experience with P&L management, budget forecasting, and building business cases for significant technology investments.
- Adept at navigating complex stakeholder environments and building consensus across functions, geographies, and seniority levels.
- Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity in a fast-paced, evolving industry.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package designed to attract and retain top executive talent. This includes:
- Highly competitive base salary and executive bonus program tied to company and individual performance.
- Significant long-term incentive plan (LTI) with equity/stock options.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for you and your family.
- Generous 401(k) plan with a strong company match.
- Relocation assistance package for candidates moving to the Chicago area.
- Flexible paid time off (PTO) policy and company holidays.
- Annual budget for professional development, executive coaching, and conference attendance.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative, innovative work environment.
- Employee wellness programs and other corporate perks.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing this executive search. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience in leading digital transformation within the healthcare sector. We are committed to a confidential and respectful recruitment process.
For more information about our expertise in this space and to explore other opportunities, we invite you to visit the JRG Partners’ Digital Health & Technology practice page. We look forward to connecting with the next generation of digital leaders in MedTech.
