Role Overview for Chief Data and Analytics Officer – Cambridge, MA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering 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. We are seeking a transformative, visionary leader to join their executive team as the Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO). This is a career-defining opportunity to build and lead a world-class data organization from the ground up, shaping the future of a company that is revolutionizing medical care.
The CDAO will be the senior-most executive responsible for the company’s data strategy, governance, and execution. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will serve as the enterprise-wide champion for leveraging data as a strategic asset. You will be tasked with creating a cohesive vision for how data and advanced analytics can drive innovation across all business functions, from research and development and clinical trials to commercial operations and post-market surveillance.
This role requires a unique blend of strategic thinking, technical depth, and inspirational leadership. You will not only manage data but also cultivate a data-driven culture, empowering every department to make smarter, faster decisions. Your leadership will directly impact product efficacy, operational efficiency, and, most importantly, the lives of patients who depend on our client’s groundbreaking medical devices.
This position demands a leader who can operate at both the strategic and tactical levels. You will be instrumental in defining the data architecture, selecting the technology stack, and building the teams necessary to unlock the full potential of the company’s vast data resources. You will be a key advisor to the C-suite and the Board of Directors, translating complex data concepts into clear business imperatives and demonstrating the tangible ROI of your initiatives. If you are a passionate data leader with a proven track record in a regulated industry and a desire to make a profound impact on global health, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Data and Analytics Officer – Cambridge, MA
As the CDAO, you will have a broad and impactful remit. Your primary responsibilities will include:
Enterprise Data Strategy & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, forward-thinking data and analytics strategy that aligns with and accelerates the company’s overall business objectives. Establish the roadmap for data acquisition, management, and monetization.
Leadership & Team Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary data and analytics organization. This includes recruiting top talent in data science, data engineering, business intelligence, and data governance, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
Data Governance, Privacy, and Quality
Architect and implement a robust enterprise data governance framework. Establish clear policies, standards, and processes to ensure data quality, integrity, security, and ethical usage. Ensure strict compliance with global regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, and other relevant data privacy laws.
Advanced Analytics, AI, and Machine Learning
Champion and oversee the application of advanced statistical modeling, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to solve complex business challenges. Drive initiatives that enhance clinical trial design, predict device performance, optimize supply chains, and personalize patient engagement.
Business Intelligence & Actionable Insights
Lead the Business Intelligence (BI) function to deliver timely, accurate, and actionable insights to stakeholders across the organization. Oversee the development of sophisticated dashboards, self-service analytics tools, and reporting mechanisms that empower data-driven decision-making.
Data Architecture & Modernization
In partnership with the Chief Technology Officer, define and oversee the enterprise data architecture. Lead the modernization of the data infrastructure, championing cloud-based platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and scalable technologies to support future growth and analytical demands.
Cross-Functional Partnership
Serve as a strategic partner to executive leaders in R&D, Clinical Affairs, Regulatory, Commercial, Manufacturing, and Finance. Proactively identify opportunities where data and analytics can create significant value, drive efficiency, and mitigate risk.
Innovation & Thought Leadership
Act as the company’s leading expert on data and analytics. Stay at the forefront of industry trends, emerging technologies, and the evolving landscape of digital health technologies. Promote a culture of experimentation and data-centric innovation throughout the company.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
Ensure all data systems and analytical models used for regulatory submissions meet stringent FDA and other international regulatory body requirements. Oversee the generation of data-driven reports for quality control, post-market surveillance, and clinical evidence.
Requirements for the Chief Data and Analytics Officer – Cambridge, MA
The ideal candidate will be an accomplished data executive with a history of transformative leadership in a complex, regulated environment. We are looking for a strategic thinker who can also execute flawlessly.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Engineering, or a related discipline is required. An MBA in conjunction with a technical degree is highly desirable.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in data management, analytics, and data science, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP, Head of Data & Analytics, CDAO) with significant team and budget responsibilities.
Industry Expertise
Deep and demonstrable experience within a highly regulated industry is mandatory. Specific experience in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or a related healthcare sector is strongly preferred. Intimate familiarity with clinical data, real-world evidence (RWE), genomic data, and SaMD (Software as a Medical Device) is a significant asset.
Technical Acumen
Proven expertise in designing and managing modern data ecosystems. This includes hands-on familiarity with cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), data warehousing, data lakes, ETL/ELT processes, and master data management. Strong command of statistical methods and machine learning concepts.
Leadership and Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to build, inspire, and retain high-performing teams. Must possess superior communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to articulate a complex technical vision to non-technical stakeholders, including the Board of Directors.
Strategic and Business Acumen
A strategic mindset with the ability to connect data and analytics initiatives directly to business value, revenue growth, and operational efficiency. Must be able to think critically about the long-term needs of the business and how data can create a sustainable competitive advantage.
Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge
Comprehensive understanding of data privacy and security regulations, including HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA. Experience with data systems subject to regulatory oversight (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11) is highly advantageous.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term incentive package (equity/stock options).
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and a flexible spending account (FSA).
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and paid company holidays, to support a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Growth
A substantial budget for professional development, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and continuing education.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family.
Impactful Work
The unparalleled opportunity to be part of an executive team that is directly contributing to improving and saving lives through innovative medical technology.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and your vision for data and analytics in the medical device industry.
We encourage you to learn more about our expertise in this domain by visiting JRG Partners’ Data & Analytics executive search practice. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 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.
