JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, fast-growing medical device company at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Located in the vibrant biotech hub of Cambridge, MA, our client is dedicated to developing life-changing technologies that improve patient outcomes and redefine standards of care. They have built a culture of excellence, driven by a passion for science and a commitment to solving complex medical challenges. As they enter a new phase of digitally-enabled growth, they are seeking a visionary and strategic executive to join their leadership team in the newly created role of Chief Digital Officer (CDO). This is a unique opportunity to build a world-class digital function from the ground up and shape the future of a company that is making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Role Overview for Chief Digital Officer – Cambridge, MA
The Chief Digital Officer (CDO) is a transformative executive role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team. This individual will be the chief architect and evangelist of the company’s comprehensive digital strategy, responsible for infusing a digital-first mindset across the entire organization. The CDO will not only oversee technology infrastructure but will fundamentally reshape how the company innovates, operates, and engages with patients, healthcare providers, and partners.
Your mission will be to leverage the power of data, analytics, and emerging digital technologies to create new revenue streams, enhance product capabilities, optimize operations, and deliver a superior customer experience. You will be instrumental in guiding the company through its next chapter of growth, ensuring it remains a leader in the competitive and rapidly evolving MedTech landscape. This role requires a unique blend of strategic vision, technical depth, business acumen, and inspirational leadership, with the ability to navigate the complexities of a highly regulated healthcare environment.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Digital Officer – Cambridge, MA
The CDO’s responsibilities are broad and deeply impactful, touching every aspect of the business. The successful candidate will be accountable for the following:
Develop and Execute Enterprise Digital Strategy
Craft a clear, compelling, and actionable digital roadmap that aligns with the company’s long-term strategic objectives. This includes identifying key digital priorities, defining success metrics (KPIs), and securing executive buy-in and resource allocation. You will be responsible for communicating this vision across all departments to ensure cohesive execution.
Lead Digital Innovation and Transformation
Act as the primary catalyst for digital innovation. Continuously scan the technological horizon for emerging trends and tools—such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain—and assess their potential application to create new products, services, and business models for the medical device sector.
Build a World-Class Data Analytics Capability
Champion a data-driven culture by establishing a robust data governance framework and building an advanced analytics function. Oversee the collection, storage, analysis, and visualization of data to unlock actionable insights that inform product development, clinical strategy, commercial operations, and patient support programs.
Oversee Digital Product Development (SaMD)
Lead the strategy for Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and connected device ecosystems. Collaborate intimately with R&D and Product Management teams to integrate digital features, software, and connectivity into the company’s product portfolio, transforming traditional devices into intelligent, data-generating platforms.
Enhance Digital Customer and Patient Engagement
Reimagine the customer journey for both healthcare professionals and patients. Develop and implement digital platforms, tools, and marketing strategies to improve education, support, and engagement. This includes overseeing the company’s digital presence, from web and mobile applications to social media and digital health communities.
Drive Operational Efficiency Through Digitization
Identify opportunities to streamline and automate internal business processes using digital solutions. Partner with leaders in Finance, HR, Supply Chain, and Operations to implement systems that enhance productivity, improve collaboration, and ensure the business can scale effectively.
Ensure Robust Cybersecurity and Regulatory Compliance
Establish and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to protect sensitive corporate and patient data (PHI). Ensure all digital products and initiatives adhere to stringent global regulatory standards, including HIPAA, GDPR, and specific guidelines from the FDA for digital health technologies.
Cultivate a High-Performing Digital Team
Recruit, develop, and mentor a talented team of professionals with expertise in digital strategy, data science, software engineering, UX/UI design, and digital marketing. Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous learning within the digital organization.
Requirements for the Chief Digital Officer – Cambridge, MA
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of driving digital transformation in a complex, regulated industry. We are seeking a leader who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on, results-oriented approach.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in technology, data, and digital leadership roles, with at least 5 years serving on a senior executive team (e.g., as CDO, CIO, CTO, or VP of Digital). Demonstrable experience reporting to a CEO and influencing a Board of Directors is critical.
Industry-Specific Expertise
Significant experience within the medical device, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or broader healthcare technology (HealthTech) sectors is strongly preferred. The candidate must have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of innovating within a regulated GxP and FDA-controlled environment.
Proven Digital Transformation Success
A documented history of successfully conceiving and leading large-scale, enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives that resulted in measurable business impact, such as revenue growth, cost savings, or improved market position.
Technical and Data Proficiency
Deep expertise across the modern digital technology stack, including cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), data architecture, advanced analytics, AI/ML model development and deployment, IoT platforms, and mobile application development. A strong understanding of best practices for software development in a regulated setting (e.g., IEC 62304) is essential.
Regulatory and Compliance Acumen
Sophisticated understanding of the global regulatory landscape for medical devices and digital health. This includes direct experience navigating requirements related to data privacy (HIPAA, GDPR), and product submissions. Familiarity with the nuances of FDA’s Digital Health policies and guidances is mandatory.
Strong Business and Financial Acumen
The ability to connect digital initiatives directly to financial outcomes and business strategy. Experience with budget management, financial modeling, ROI analysis, and managing a P&L for a digital or technology division is required.
Exceptional Communication and Influencing Skills
A world-class communicator and storyteller who can articulate a complex digital vision to a wide range of audiences, from engineers to investors. Proven ability to build consensus, manage change, and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline such as Computer Science, Engineering, or Data Science is required. An advanced degree (MBA, MS, or PhD) is highly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation Package
A compelling package that includes a competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term equity stake in the company.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness Benefits
Top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low employee contributions. The package also includes life insurance, disability coverage, and access to mental health and wellness programs.
Retirement Savings Plan
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and numerous paid company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Growth Opportunities
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, attendance at industry-leading conferences, and other professional development activities to ensure you remain at the cutting edge of your field.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the Cambridge/Boston area.
Prime Location
An opportunity to work in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative life sciences ecosystems, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and networking.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical Chief Digital Officer search. We are seeking a visionary leader who is passionate about leveraging technology to improve human health. If you are a transformative digital executive with the experience and drive to lead our client into its digital future, we invite you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for this role. For more insight into our specialized recruitment expertise in this sector, please visit our Technology Officers practice area page. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates.
