Role Overview for Chief People Officer – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to announce a retained executive search for a transformative Chief People Officer (CPO) on behalf of our client, a pioneering, venture-backed medical device company headquartered in the vibrant Research Triangle Park (RTP) area of Raleigh, NC. This organization is at the forefront of medical innovation, dedicated to developing and commercializing groundbreaking technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes and redefine standards of care. As they enter a pivotal phase of accelerated growth and prepare for commercial scale, they are seeking a strategic, hands-on people leader to join their executive team.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CPO will serve as a cornerstone of the leadership team and a true strategic business partner. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a world-class People function from the ground up, architecting the strategies, systems, and culture that will fuel the company’s long-term success. The ideal candidate is not just an HR executive but a visionary leader who understands how to leverage human capital as a competitive advantage in the highly dynamic and regulated medical device industry.
You will be the chief architect and steward of a high-performance, patient-centric, and inclusive culture that attracts, develops, and retains the brightest minds in the field. This role demands a leader who can seamlessly oscillate between high-level strategy and pragmatic execution, building the foundational infrastructure needed for scale while simultaneously coaching the executive team on complex organizational challenges.
Key Responsibilities of Chief People Officer – Raleigh, NC
The Chief People Officer will have a broad mandate to lead all aspects of the human resources function. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership & Executive Partnership
Act as a trusted advisor and coach to the CEO and executive team. Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term people strategy that directly supports and accelerates the company’s business objectives. Translate strategic plans into actionable HR initiatives that drive organizational performance, innovation, and profitability.
Talent Acquisition & Management
Design and lead a sophisticated, best-in-class talent acquisition strategy to attract and hire exceptional talent across all functions, with a particular focus on specialized roles in R&D, Clinical, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Commercial operations. Implement a robust talent management framework, including performance management, succession planning, and leadership development programs, to cultivate a strong internal talent pipeline.
Culture & Employee Engagement
Be the primary champion and cultivator of the company’s core values and culture. Develop and implement innovative programs that foster a highly engaged, collaborative, and mission-driven workforce. Utilize employee feedback, surveys, and data analytics to measure engagement and drive continuous improvement, establishing the company as a premier employer in the life sciences sector.
Organizational Design & Scalability
Lead organizational design and development efforts to create an agile, efficient, and scalable structure that can support rapid growth. Partner with leaders across the company to manage change effectively, ensuring smooth transitions during periods of expansion, product launches, or potential M&A activities.
Total Rewards & Compensation
Architect and manage a comprehensive total rewards strategy that is internally equitable and externally competitive within the medical device industry. This includes executive compensation, equity programs, sales incentive plans, and a full suite of benefits. Ensure compensation practices motivate high performance and align with the company’s strategic goals.
HR Operations & Compliance
Build and oversee a scalable HR operational infrastructure, including HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration, to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and a superior employee experience. Guarantee unwavering compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as industry-specific regulations and standards, thereby mitigating risk for the organization.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Develop and spearhead a comprehensive DEI strategy that is deeply integrated into every aspect of the employee lifecycle. Drive initiatives that foster a true sense of belonging and build a diverse workforce that reflects the patient communities the company serves.
Requirements for the Chief People Officer – Raleigh, NC
The successful candidate will be a seasoned and strategic HR leader with a proven track record of success in high-growth, innovative environments. Specific qualifications include:
Industry Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive human resources experience, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP of HR, CHRO). Crucially, candidates must have significant experience within the medical device, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry. This industry context is non-negotiable due to the unique regulatory, quality, and talent landscapes.
Growth-Stage Expertise
Proven experience in a high-growth, venture-backed or publicly-traded company is essential. The ideal candidate has successfully led an organization through significant scaling events, such as a major product commercialization, rapid headcount growth, or M&A integration.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related discipline is required. An advanced degree, such as an MBA or a Master’s in Human Resources Management, is strongly preferred. Professional certifications like SHRM-SCP or SPHR are highly valued.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional executive presence with the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels of the organization, from the Board of Directors to individual contributors. A ‘player-coach’ mentality with a willingness to be both strategic and hands-on is essential for success in this dynamic environment.
Core Competencies
Deep expertise in strategic human resource management, organizational development, and change management. A strong command of modern talent acquisition and management strategies for highly technical and specialized roles. Mastery of compensation theory and benefits design, including equity and executive compensation plans. Unimpeachable integrity and a sophisticated understanding of ethics and compliance in a regulated healthcare environment.
Data-Driven Mindset
A strong analytical orientation with the ability to leverage HR metrics and data to inform decisions, measure program effectiveness, and communicate the value of people initiatives to the executive team and board.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly attractive and competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The package includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive cash compensation package including a substantial base salary and an aggressive annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Ownership
A meaningful equity stake in the company (stock options or RSUs), providing the opportunity to share directly in the significant value you will help create.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, with a significant portion of the premiums covered by the company. Access to mental health resources, wellness programs, and a Health Savings Account (HSA).
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your financial future.
Work-Life Integration
A progressive paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and parental leave to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for professional development, including executive coaching, industry conference attendance, and continuing education.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the exceptional candidate relocating to the vibrant Raleigh-Durham area.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. We are seeking a visionary HR leader with a deep passion for building exceptional companies in the life sciences space. If you are ready for a transformative opportunity to make a lasting impact on a mission-driven organization, we invite you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential search, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your unique qualifications and your vision for the People function in a high-growth medical device company. JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the healthcare and technology sectors. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit our Life Sciences Executive Search practice page. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring this exciting role.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
