JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, market-leading medical device company in their search for a transformative Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Based in the vibrant healthcare and technology hub of Minneapolis, MN, this is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of patient care and medical technology. Our client is at the forefront of innovation, dedicated to developing life-changing devices, and they recognize that the next frontier of growth and impact lies in a cohesive, forward-thinking digital strategy.
The CDO will be a critical member of the executive leadership team, serving as the primary architect and driver of the company’s digital transformation journey. This role is not simply about technology; it is about reimagining business models, enhancing patient and physician experiences, and unlocking new revenue streams through the power of digital innovation. You will be empowered to build a world-class digital organization from the ground up, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making and relentless innovation that will solidify our client’s position as a leader in the digital health ecosystem for decades to come.
Role Overview for Chief Digital Officer – Minneapolis, MN
As the Chief Digital Officer, you will hold the ultimate responsibility for the company’s digital vision, strategy, and execution. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will operate at the intersection of technology, marketing, product development, and corporate strategy. Your mandate will be to infuse a digital-first mindset throughout the entire organization, from R&D and manufacturing to commercial operations and patient support.
You will be the catalyst for change, challenging the status quo and inspiring the organization to embrace new technologies and methodologies. This executive will be tasked with creating a comprehensive digital roadmap that not only optimizes current operations but also identifies and capitalizes on disruptive opportunities in the MedTech landscape.
This includes leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to create smarter products, building digital platforms that foster deeper engagement with healthcare providers and patients, and digitizing internal processes to achieve new levels of efficiency and agility. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record of leading large-scale digital transformation in a complex, regulated industry. You are both a strategist and an operator, capable of crafting a compelling vision and rolling up your sleeves to ensure its successful implementation.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Digital Officer – Minneapolis, MN
Develop and Champion the Enterprise Digital Vision
Define, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, long-term digital transformation strategy that aligns with and accelerates the company’s overall strategic objectives. Present and gain buy-in for this vision from the Board of Directors, executive team, and key stakeholders across the business. Continuously scan the horizon for emerging digital trends and technologies to ensure the company remains at the cutting edge of the medical device industry.
Lead Digital Product Innovation
Spearhead the integration of digital technologies into the core product portfolio. This includes the development of connected devices, Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), patient monitoring platforms, and data-driven therapeutic solutions. You will oversee the entire digital product lifecycle, from ideation and market analysis to development, launch, and post-market surveillance, ensuring all products meet rigorous quality and regulatory standards.
Build a Data-Driven Organization
Establish and govern an enterprise-wide data strategy that treats data as a critical strategic asset. Implement robust data analytics, AI, and machine learning capabilities to extract actionable insights that inform product development, personalize patient care, optimize clinical trials, and drive commercial success. Ensure the highest standards of data privacy, security, and compliance with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.
Reimagine the Customer and Patient Experience
Architect and oversee a world-class, omnichannel digital experience for all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients, payers, and hospital administrators. Leverage digital marketing, CRM, and personalized communication platforms to enhance engagement, improve education, and provide superior support, ultimately driving brand loyalty and therapy adoption.
Drive Operational Excellence through Digitization
Identify and implement digital solutions to streamline and optimize internal business processes. This includes digitizing the supply chain, implementing smart factory (Industry 4.0) principles in manufacturing, and deploying modern collaboration tools to enhance productivity and foster a more agile and connected workforce.
Cultivate a Culture of Digital Innovation
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing, cross-functional digital team. Foster a culture of experimentation, continuous learning, and customer-centricity. Act as the primary change agent for digital transformation, breaking down silos and empowering employees at all levels to embrace new ways of working and thinking.
Manage a Complex and Evolving Regulatory Landscape
Serve as the key executive responsible for navigating the intricate regulatory environment for digital health. Work in close partnership with the Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance teams to ensure all digital products and initiatives are compliant with global regulations. This includes maintaining a deep understanding of guidance from bodies like the FDA’s Digital Health Center of Excellence.
Oversee Technology and Vendor Partnerships
Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of the enterprise digital technology stack. Build and manage strategic partnerships with technology vendors, startups, and academic institutions to accelerate innovation and access best-in-class capabilities.
Ensure Financial Accountability and ROI
Own the P&L for the digital division. Develop business cases for digital investments, manage the digital budget effectively, and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact and return on investment of all digital initiatives.
Requirements for the Chief Digital Officer – Minneapolis, MN
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of professional experience with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CDO, CTO, VP of Digital) with a proven track record of successfully leading enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives in a large, complex organization.
Industry Expertise
Deep experience within a highly regulated industry is essential. Specific experience in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or a closely related healthcare technology sector is strongly preferred. The candidate must understand the unique challenges and opportunities of innovating within a regulated environment.
Technical and Digital Acumen
Demonstrated expertise across a broad range of digital domains, including cloud architecture, data science, artificial intelligence/machine learning, IoT, cybersecurity, enterprise software (ERP/CRM), and agile product development methodologies.
Commercial and Business Acumen
Strong financial literacy and P&L management experience are mandatory. The candidate must possess a strategic mindset with the ability to connect digital initiatives directly to business outcomes such as revenue growth, market share, and profitability.
Transformational Leadership
Exceptional leadership and communication skills with the proven ability to influence, inspire, and align stakeholders at all levels of an organization, from the boardroom to the front lines. A demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and drive significant organizational change is critical.
Regulatory Knowledge
A firm understanding of the global regulatory landscape for medical devices and digital health, including FDA regulations (e.g., 21 CFR Part 820, SaMD guidance), HIPAA, and GDPR.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation Package
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term equity incentive plan (stock options and/or RSUs).
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premium, low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents, in addition to a robust wellness program, mental health resources, and health savings accounts.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a substantial company match and potential for profit-sharing contributions.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and numerous paid holidays.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and attendance at key industry conferences and events to ensure you remain at the forefront of your field.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to move to the dynamic Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
Additional Perks
Includes an executive car allowance, life and disability insurance, and access to various employee discount programs.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm retained for this critical Chief Digital Officer position. We are seeking a visionary and results-oriented leader who is passionate about leveraging technology to improve human health. If you are a transformative digital executive ready to make a lasting impact at a world-class medical device company, we invite you to begin the confidential application process.
To learn more about our deep expertise in placing transformative executives, we invite you to review our Digital and Technology Leaders practice area. To apply, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your qualifications and your vision for this role through our secure application portal.
