Role Overview for Chief R&D Officer – Minneapolis, MN
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering medical device company at the forefront of healthcare innovation. We are seeking a transformative and visionary Chief Research and Development (R&D) Officer to join their executive leadership team in the vibrant med-tech hub of Minneapolis, MN. This is a career-defining opportunity for a strategic leader to helm the entire R&D organization, shaping the future of medical technology and directly impacting patient outcomes worldwide.
The Chief R&D Officer will be the driving force behind the company’s technological vision and product pipeline. You will be responsible for cultivating a culture of relentless innovation, scientific excellence, and engineering rigor. This role requires a unique blend of strategic foresight, technical mastery, and inspirational leadership. You will oversee the complete product development lifecycle, from initial ideation and feasibility studies through to design, development, verification, validation, regulatory approval, and successful market launch.
As a key member of the executive team, you will collaborate closely with the CEO, COO, and other leaders to ensure that the R&D strategy is perfectly aligned with the company’s ambitious business objectives, commercial goals, and long-term growth trajectory. Your leadership will be critical in navigating the complexities of the global medical device market, identifying new technological opportunities, and solidifying the company’s position as an industry leader.
We are looking for an individual who is not just a manager, but a mentor and a builder of world-class teams. You will inspire a diverse group of talented engineers, scientists, and researchers, empowering them to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Your guidance will ensure the development of safe, effective, and revolutionary medical devices that address unmet clinical needs and set new standards of care. If you are a passionate and experienced R&D leader with a proven history of bringing groundbreaking medical devices to market, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Key Responsibilities of Chief R&D Officer – Minneapolis, MN
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop and execute a comprehensive, forward-thinking R&D strategy that aligns with corporate goals. Define the long-term technology roadmap and champion innovation across the organization.
Product Pipeline Management
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle for all projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and regulatory standards. Manage the portfolio of R&D projects, prioritizing initiatives based on strategic importance and commercial potential.
Team Development & Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing, multi-disciplinary R&D team. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and accountable culture that attracts and retains top-tier talent in engineering, research, and clinical affairs.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
Ensure all R&D activities are conducted in strict compliance with global regulatory requirements, including FDA QSR (21 CFR Part 820), ISO 13485, and other international standards. Collaborate with the regulatory affairs team to develop successful submission strategies.
Intellectual Property Management
Direct the company’s intellectual property strategy, working with legal counsel to identify, protect, and expand a robust portfolio of patents, trademarks, and trade secrets that provide a sustainable competitive advantage.
Budget & Resource Allocation
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring efficient allocation of capital, resources, and personnel to achieve strategic objectives. Provide regular reporting on project status, milestones, and financial performance to the executive team and board of directors.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to other executive leaders, including Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Quality Assurance, to ensure seamless product transitions from development to commercialization.
External Innovation & Partnerships
Identify and evaluate external technologies, research collaborations, and strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, and other companies to accelerate innovation and expand the product pipeline.
Technology Evangelism
Stay at the forefront of emerging scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and competitive landscape shifts within the medical device industry. Represent the company at key industry conferences and scientific forums.
Requirements for the Chief R&D Officer – Minneapolis, MN
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical field is required. An MBA is a plus.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the medical device industry, with at least 7 years in a senior R&D leadership role (e.g., Vice President of R&D, Senior Director of Engineering) with significant strategic and budgetary responsibility.
Product Commercialization Track Record
Demonstrable success in leading teams through the full development cycle to successfully launch multiple complex medical devices (ideally Class II or Class III) in major global markets (US, EU).
Regulatory Expertise
Deep, hands-on knowledge of medical device design controls, risk management (ISO 14971), and quality systems. Extensive experience in navigating the complex FDA regulatory pathways, including 510(k) and PMA submissions, is essential.
Leadership Acumen
Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire large, diverse, and geographically distributed R&D teams. Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Business & Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of business principles, including financial management, market analysis, and strategic planning. Experience presenting to and communicating with a board of directors.
Communication Skills
Superior written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling technical and strategic vision to a wide range of audiences, from engineers to investors.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. Relocation assistance is available for the ideal candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term equity incentive package.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and numerous paid holidays, to promote a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates and their families to ensure a smooth transition to the Minneapolis area.
Professional Growth
Ample opportunities for professional development, including support for attending key industry conferences, executive coaching, and continuing education.
Work Environment
The opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility with a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven team dedicated to changing the face of healthcare.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary R&D leader with the experience and passion to drive the next wave of medical device innovation, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Medical Device Practice page. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
