JRG Partners is proud to lead the exclusive executive search for a transformative Chief People Officer (CPO) on behalf of our client, a pioneering medical device company based in the vibrant tech and healthcare hub of Minneapolis, MN. This is a career-defining opportunity to join a mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment of growth and innovation. As a key member of the executive leadership team, you will be the architect of the company’s most valuable asset: its people. You will be empowered to build a world-class human resources function that not only supports but actively drives the company’s strategic objectives. In an industry dedicated to improving and saving lives, this role is instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and purpose that enables groundbreaking advancements in medical technology. We are seeking a strategic, empathetic, and results-oriented leader who can balance high-level strategy with hands-on execution, shaping the future of work for a company at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
Role Overview for Chief People Officer – Minneapolis, MN
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief People Officer will serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the entire executive team. This role transcends traditional HR management; it is a leadership position responsible for the entire employee lifecycle and the cultivation of a high-performance, inclusive, and engaging corporate culture. The CPO will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive people strategy that aligns with the company’s ambitious growth plans.
This includes designing and implementing innovative programs for talent acquisition, leadership development, organizational design, compensation and benefits, employee engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the medical device sector. You will be tasked with building a resilient, agile, and talented workforce capable of navigating a complex regulatory landscape while pushing the boundaries of medical innovation. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to attract, develop, and retain the top-tier talent necessary to achieve its mission and maintain its competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Key Responsibilities of Chief People Officer – Minneapolis, MN
Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership
Act as a key member of the executive team, contributing to the overall business strategy and translating corporate goals into actionable, forward-thinking people initiatives. Provide expert counsel to the CEO and senior leaders on all matters related to human capital.
Talent Acquisition & Management
Architect and lead a sophisticated, data-driven talent acquisition strategy to attract and hire world-class talent across all functions, including R&D, engineering, clinical, regulatory, and commercial operations. Implement robust talent management and succession planning processes to build a strong leadership pipeline.
Culture & Employee Engagement
Serve as the primary champion and steward of the company’s culture. Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to measure and enhance employee engagement, foster a collaborative and inclusive environment, and ensure the company’s values are embedded in all people processes.
Organizational Design & Effectiveness
Partner with leadership to design and evolve the organizational structure to support strategic goals, scalability, and efficiency. Lead change management initiatives to ensure smooth transitions during periods of growth or transformation.
Total Rewards Strategy
Design, implement, and manage a competitive and equitable total rewards strategy, including executive compensation, base salary structures, incentive plans, and comprehensive benefits programs that attract and retain top talent in the competitive medical device industry.
Learning & Development
Build a culture of continuous learning by creating and overseeing innovative L&D programs. This includes leadership development, manager training, technical skill enhancement, and career-pathing initiatives to foster employee growth and retention.
Performance Management
Evolve and manage the company’s performance management philosophy and systems, shifting towards a model of continuous feedback, coaching, and development that drives high performance and employee accountability.
HR Operations & Compliance
Oversee all HR operations, including HRIS, payroll, and analytics, to ensure efficiency and data integrity. Guarantee full compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, maintaining a deep understanding of the complex regulatory environment and industry standards informed by organizations such as AdvaMed.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Develop, lead, and champion the company’s DEI strategy. Implement programs and initiatives that promote a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.
Employee Relations
Provide expert guidance and coaching to managers and employees on all employee relations issues. Foster a positive and ethical work environment by proactively addressing concerns and ensuring fair and consistent application of policies.
Requirements for the Chief People Officer – Minneapolis, MN
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP of HR, Head of People, CPO) with proven experience reporting to the CEO and partnering with an executive team.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience within the medical device, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or another highly regulated technology-driven industry is strongly preferred. Understanding the talent landscape and compliance requirements of this sector is critical.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS in HR) is highly desirable. Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR are a plus.
Strategic Acumen
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate business objectives into a cohesive and impactful people strategy. Experience scaling an organization through rapid growth is a significant asset.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing HR team. Must possess strong executive presence and the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels of the organization.
Data-Driven Mindset
A strong analytical orientation with the ability to use data and metrics to drive insights, inform decisions, and measure the effectiveness of HR initiatives.
Change Management
Proven experience leading organizations through significant change, such as rapid growth, M&A integration, or cultural transformation, with a thoughtful and empathetic approach.
Communication Skills
Superb communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. The ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision for the people function and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Location
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Minneapolis, MN metropolitan area. This role requires a significant on-site presence to effectively lead the team and partner with the executive staff.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation Package
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term equity incentive plan.
Comprehensive Health Insurance
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match, along with access to financial planning resources.
Wellness Programs
A holistic wellness program that includes mental health support through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), gym membership reimbursements, and other wellness initiatives.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to paid sick leave and numerous company holidays.
Professional Development
A substantial budget for continued education, executive coaching, industry conferences, and professional certifications to support your growth.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for an exceptional candidate moving to the Minneapolis area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. We are committed to a transparent, confidential, and respectful application process. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a member of our executive search team for an initial discussion. We invite you to learn more about our expertise in this area by visiting our Human Resources Executive Search practice page. This is a unique chance to make a lasting impact on a company that is changing the future of healthcare. We look forward to hearing from you.
