Role Overview for Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering medical device company based in San Francisco, CA, in their search for a distinguished and strategic Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer (CECO). Our client is a global leader in developing innovative technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes and transform healthcare delivery. This is a paramount executive leadership position for an individual with unimpeachable integrity, deep regulatory expertise, and a passion for fostering a culture of ethical excellence. The CECO will serve as the cornerstone of the organization’s global compliance framework, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors.
You will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of designing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive ethics and compliance program that not only ensures adherence to all applicable laws and regulations but also promotes a corporate environment where ethical conduct is intrinsic to every business decision. This role demands a visionary leader who can navigate the complex and ever-evolving regulatory landscape of the medical device industry, mitigating risks while enabling sustainable business growth and innovation. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s reputation, operational integrity, and its core mission of saving and improving lives worldwide.
As the CECO, you will be more than a legal advisor; you will be a strategic business partner and the principal champion of the company’s values. You will provide authoritative guidance to the executive team and the Board on matters of complex compliance, ethical considerations, and corporate governance. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying potential areas of vulnerability and risk, developing and implementing corrective action plans for the resolution of problematic issues, and providing general guidance on how to avoid or deal with similar situations in the future.
You will be the central point of contact for all compliance-related activities, from policy creation and training to monitoring, auditing, and internal investigations. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of the global healthcare ecosystem, including specific regulations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Your ability to build strong relationships across all functions of the organization—including R&D, Clinical, Sales, Marketing, and Operations—will be essential to embedding compliance principles into the fabric of the company culture. This is a unique opportunity to shape the ethical future of a dynamic, mission-driven organization at the forefront of medical technology.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – San Francisco, CA
The Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Program Development
Design, implement, and continuously enhance a best-in-class global ethics and compliance program that is effective in preventing and detecting violations of law and company policy. Develop and execute a strategic vision for compliance that aligns with the company’s business objectives and long-term goals.
Regulatory Leadership
Serve as the primary subject matter expert on all relevant laws, regulations, and industry codes. This includes deep expertise in U.S. healthcare laws such as the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), the False Claims Act (FCA), the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, HIPAA, as well as international regulations like the GDPR, FCPA, and other anti-bribery/anti-corruption laws. You will ensure the company maintains full compliance with all relevant FDA regulations for medical devices, ISO standards, and other international regulatory body requirements.
Risk Assessment and Management
Lead the enterprise-wide compliance risk assessment process to identify, analyze, and prioritize key compliance risks. Develop and implement robust mitigation strategies and internal controls to manage these risks effectively across all business units and geographical locations.
Policy and Procedure Governance
Oversee the development, review, and implementation of all compliance-related policies, procedures, and the Code of Conduct. Ensure that all policies are clearly written, effectively communicated, and readily accessible to all employees and relevant third parties.
Training and Communication
Develop and deploy a comprehensive training and communications plan to promote awareness and understanding of the company’s ethical standards and compliance requirements. This includes new hire orientation, annual training, and specialized training for high-risk roles and functions.
Monitoring and Auditing
Establish and manage a robust monitoring and auditing program to assess the effectiveness of compliance controls, identify potential weaknesses, and ensure adherence to policies and procedures. Collaborate with Internal Audit and other functions to coordinate assurance activities.
Investigations and Disciplinary Action
Oversee and ensure the effective operation of the company’s confidential reporting channels (e.g., hotline). Lead or delegate the investigation of potential compliance violations, ensuring a timely, thorough, and objective process. Recommend and oversee appropriate disciplinary and corrective actions.
Executive and Board Reporting
Prepare and deliver regular, comprehensive reports to the CEO, executive leadership, and the Board of Directors (or a designated committee) on the operation and progress of the compliance and ethics program. Provide transparent updates on key risks, investigation outcomes, and program enhancements.
Third-Party Management
Develop and manage a risk-based due diligence program for third-party intermediaries, including distributors, agents, and consultants, to mitigate risks associated with bribery and corruption.
Leadership and Team Development
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing global compliance team. Foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages professional growth and positions the compliance function as a trusted and valued partner to the business.
Requirements for the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – San Francisco, CA
We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of leadership and excellence in the compliance field. The ideal candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school is strongly preferred. An advanced degree in a related field (e.g., MBA, MHA) will also be considered.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in legal, ethics, and compliance roles, with at least 7 years in a significant leadership position. Direct, in-depth experience within the medical device, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industry is absolutely essential.
Regulatory Expertise
Demonstrated mastery of the legal and regulatory framework governing the global medical device industry. This includes extensive experience with U.S. fraud and abuse laws, FDA regulations, privacy laws (HIPAA/GDPR), and anti-corruption standards (FCPA/UK Bribery Act).
Leadership Acumen
Proven ability to lead and develop a global team of compliance professionals. Must possess executive presence and the ability to effectively influence and communicate with senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and external stakeholders.
Strategic Thinker
A strategic and pragmatic business-oriented approach to compliance. The ability to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into practical, actionable guidance and solutions that support business objectives.
Integrity and Judgment
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, sound judgment, and a strong moral compass. The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. The ability to articulate complex issues clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences, from engineers to board members.
Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. A collaborative style with the ability to build consensus and drive change across a matrixed, global organization.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC), Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), or similar credentials are highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term equity incentive package.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with company-sponsored life insurance, disability coverage, and a robust employee assistance program (EAP).
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A substantial budget for continuing education, professional certifications, and attendance at industry conferences to ensure you remain at the forefront of the compliance field.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate if required.
Additional Perks
Other perks include a wellness stipend, commuter benefits, and the opportunity to work within a state-of-the-art facility in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience. We encourage you to apply promptly as we are actively reviewing candidates. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates. If you are a transformative compliance leader ready to make a significant impact on a world-class medical device company, we want to hear from you.
To learn more about our specialized recruitment services and our commitment to connecting exceptional talent with industry leaders, we invite you to explore our expertise in Healthcare & Life Sciences executive search. Please direct all applications and inquiries through our confidential application portal.
