Role Overview for Chief Innovation Officer – Minneapolis, MN
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for pioneering medical technology that saves and improves lives? JRG Partners is proud to partner with a leading, innovation-driven medical device company based in the heart of the Minneapolis MedTech hub. We are seeking a transformative Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of healthcare by spearheading the development of next-generation medical devices that address the world’s most pressing clinical needs.
As the Chief Innovation Officer, you will be the primary architect of the company’s technological future. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for all research, development, and innovation initiatives. This role requires a unique blend of scientific acumen, strategic business insight, and inspirational leadership. You will cultivate a dynamic culture of creativity, exploration, and disciplined execution, empowering a world-class team of engineers, scientists, and clinicians to push the boundaries of what is possible.
You will be instrumental in identifying and capitalizing on emerging technologies, market trends, and strategic partnerships to maintain and enhance the company’s position as an industry leader. This executive will not only oversee the entire product development lifecycle from concept to commercialization but will also ensure that the innovation pipeline is robust, financially viable, and aligned with the company’s long-term growth objectives. You will be the champion of innovation, driving the organization to deliver breakthrough products that create significant value for patients, healthcare providers, and shareholders.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Innovation Officer – Minneapolis, MN
The Chief Innovation Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including:
Strategic Innovation & Technology Roadmapping
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year innovation strategy and technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s overall business goals. Conduct rigorous analysis of market landscapes, competitive intelligence, and unmet clinical needs to identify and prioritize high-potential growth areas.
R&D Leadership & Portfolio Management
Provide executive leadership to the entire Research & Development organization. Oversee the entire product development portfolio, ensuring projects are properly resourced, managed within budget and timelines, and meet rigorous quality and regulatory standards. Implement best-in-class stage-gate processes and portfolio management techniques to balance risk and reward across early-stage research and late-stage development projects.
Cultivation of Innovation Culture
Foster a vibrant and sustainable culture of innovation, curiosity, and collaboration throughout the organization. Champion new ideas, encourage calculated risk-taking, and create pathways for intrapreneurs to develop and test novel concepts. Implement programs and processes that stimulate creative thinking and cross-functional problem-solving.
Technology Scouting & External Partnerships
Actively scout for and evaluate disruptive technologies, emerging scientific discoveries, and potential strategic partners. Build and maintain a strong network with academic institutions, research centers, startups, and key opinion leaders to source external innovation. Lead due diligence for M&A opportunities and structure strategic alliances, licensing agreements, and collaborations.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
In collaboration with legal counsel, develop and manage a robust intellectual property strategy to protect the company’s innovations and create a competitive advantage. Oversee the patent application process, manage the existing IP portfolio, and ensure freedom to operate for new product initiatives.
Regulatory & Clinical Strategy Alignment
Work closely with Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Affairs leaders to ensure that innovation strategies are developed with a clear path to regulatory approval and clinical adoption. Ensure all R&D activities are conducted in strict compliance with global regulatory standards, including FDA, ISO 13485, and other relevant international requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Executive Leadership
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing critical input on corporate strategy. Collaborate effectively with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Finance to ensure seamless product launches and commercial success. Communicate the company’s technology vision and progress to the Board of Directors, investors, and other key stakeholders.
Talent Development
Recruit, mentor, and develop top-tier talent within the R&D organization. Build a high-performing, engaged, and diverse team capable of delivering on the company’s ambitious innovation goals.
Requirements for the Chief Innovation Officer – Minneapolis, MN
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a proven track record of driving innovation within the medical device industry. Specific qualifications include:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D., or M.D.) in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline such as Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Medicine, or a related field is required. An MBA is highly desirable.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in the medical device industry, with at least 10 years in senior R&D or innovation leadership roles (e.g., VP of R&D, CTO, Head of Innovation).
Proven Product Success
A demonstrable track record of successfully leading teams to develop and commercialize multiple innovative, market-leading medical devices. Experience taking products from initial concept through all phases of development, regulatory approval, and launch is essential.
Regulatory Acumen
A deep understanding of the FDA’s regulatory framework for medical devices, as well as international regulatory processes (e.g., CE Marking under MDR). Experience with various device classes (Class II, Class III) is strongly preferred.
Strategic & Financial Acumen
Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen. Proven ability to translate complex technical and clinical concepts into a clear business strategy. Experience managing large, multi-million dollar R&D budgets and developing compelling business cases for new investments.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Superior leadership capabilities with a proven ability to inspire, motivate, and lead large, multidisciplinary teams. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus among a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Technical Breadth
Broad technical knowledge across various medical device domains is highly advantageous. The candidate should be fluent in the language of engineering, science, clinical medicine, and business.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top executive talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, RSUs).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with robust wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a strong company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including company-paid holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to move to the vibrant Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and participation in key industry conferences.
Additional Perks
Other executive-level perquisites may be included as part of the total rewards package.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative leader ready to define the future of medical technology, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your vision for innovation in the medical device space.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the life sciences sector. Learn more about our expertise in Medical Device Executive Search and connect with our team of specialized recruiters. We are committed to connecting exceptional talent with world-class organizations. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
