Role Overview for Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, global medical device company in their search for a distinguished Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer (CECO). Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of San Diego, CA, this is a paramount executive leadership position reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors. Our client is a market leader, renowned for developing innovative technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes and transform healthcare delivery worldwide. They are driven by a mission to solve complex medical challenges with integrity and a patient-first commitment, making this role absolutely critical to their continued success and trusted reputation.
The Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer will be the principal architect and steward of the company’s global ethics and compliance program. This individual will serve as the moral compass of the organization, responsible for fostering a deeply embedded culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability across all global operations. In an industry defined by rigorous regulatory scrutiny and complex legal landscapes, the CECO will provide strategic guidance to the executive team, ensuring the company not only meets but exceeds all legal and ethical standards.
This role demands a visionary leader who can proactively identify and mitigate risks, navigate the intricacies of global healthcare regulations, and inspire a workforce of thousands to conduct business with the highest level of ethical conduct. You will be instrumental in protecting the company’s assets, its people, and its brand, enabling sustainable growth and solidifying its position as an ethical leader in the medical device sector.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – San Diego, CA
Strategic Program Development
Design, implement, and continuously enhance a comprehensive, global ethics and compliance program that is effective, practical, and aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. This includes developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and internal controls to prevent, detect, and respond to potential violations of law or company policy.
Regulatory Leadership
Serve as the primary subject matter expert on all relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and international equivalents. Proactively monitor changes in the regulatory environment and advise leadership on potential impacts.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Lead the enterprise-wide compliance risk assessment process to identify key areas of vulnerability. Develop and execute robust risk mitigation plans and corrective action strategies to address identified gaps and strengthen the compliance framework.
Board and Executive Reporting
Prepare and deliver regular, insightful reports to the CEO, executive leadership, and the Board of Directors on the status and effectiveness of the compliance program, emerging risks, investigation outcomes, and key performance indicators.
Training and Communication
Champion a culture of compliance through the development and delivery of engaging and effective training and communication initiatives for all employees, executives, and relevant third parties. Ensure the workforce understands their compliance obligations and feels empowered to raise concerns.
Investigations and Disciplinary Action
Oversee and ensure the integrity of the internal investigation process for all reported concerns of misconduct or non-compliance. Manage a fair and consistent process, ensuring timely and thorough investigations and recommending appropriate disciplinary actions when necessary.
Policy Management
Oversee the creation, review, and implementation of all corporate policies related to ethics and compliance, including the Code of Conduct. Ensure policies are accessible, understood, and consistently enforced across the organization.
Third-Party Due Diligence
Develop and manage a risk-based due diligence program for third-party vendors, distributors, and partners to ensure they adhere to the company’s high ethical standards and compliance requirements.
Monitoring and Auditing
Establish and execute a strategic monitoring and auditing plan to assess the effectiveness of compliance controls, identify potential areas for improvement, and ensure ongoing adherence to policies and legal requirements.
Fostering an Ethical Culture
Act as a visible and approachable leader, promoting an environment where employees feel safe to speak up without fear of retaliation. Champion the company’s values and ethical principles in every interaction.
Global Collaboration
Work collaboratively with leaders across various functions—including Legal, HR, Finance, R&D, and Commercial—to integrate compliance considerations into all business processes and strategic decisions.
Requirements for the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – San Diego, CA
Educational Background
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a top-tier, accredited law school is required. Admission to at least one U.S. state bar is also mandatory.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive legal and compliance experience, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role within the medical device, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industry. Prior experience as a Chief Compliance Officer or Deputy Chief Compliance Officer is highly preferred.
Regulatory Expertise
Deep, substantive knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework governing the medical device industry. This includes extensive experience with FDA regulations, healthcare fraud and abuse laws (Stark, Anti-Kickback), FCPA, and global data privacy laws (GDPR, HIPAA). A strong understanding of the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals is essential.
Proven Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and build consensus across a global, matrixed organization. Experience managing a team of compliance professionals and providing mentorship and development.
Strategic and Business Acumen
Ability to think strategically and provide practical, business-oriented legal and compliance advice. Must be capable of translating complex legal requirements into actionable policies and procedures.
Unquestionable Integrity
Impeccable ethics, personal integrity, and a strong moral compass. Must possess the courage and conviction to make difficult decisions and uphold the company’s values under pressure.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences, from the Board of Directors to frontline employees.
Investigative Skills
Significant experience overseeing or conducting sensitive internal investigations with a high degree of discretion and professionalism.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) or Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) are highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. The package includes:
Competitive Executive Salary
A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Performance-Based Bonus
A significant annual bonus potential based on individual and company performance.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package (stock options/RSUs) to ensure you share in the long-term success of the company.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents with minimal employee contribution.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, professional certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate moving to the beautiful San Diego area.
Wellness Programs
Access to wellness initiatives, gym memberships, and mental health resources to support your overall well-being.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. All inquiries will be handled with the utmost discretion. If you are a transformative leader with a passion for ethics and a deep understanding of the medical device industry, we encourage you to apply. For more information on our expertise in this area, please visit JRG Partners’ Life Sciences Executive Search practice.
