Role Overview for Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – Los Angeles, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering medical device company in their search for a distinguished Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer (CECO). Based in the vibrant hub of Los Angeles, CA, this executive leadership role is critical to the continued success and integrity of our client, a global leader in developing life-saving and life-enhancing medical technologies. The CECO will serve as the cornerstone of the company’s ethical culture, responsible for the strategic direction, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive, global ethics and compliance program.
This is not merely a governance function; it is a strategic business partnership. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who can navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the medical device industry while fostering a culture where every employee feels empowered to act with integrity. You will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, providing counsel and guidance on matters of significant risk and ethical consideration.
Your leadership will directly impact patient safety, protect the company’s reputation, and enable sustainable, responsible growth in a highly competitive market. This role demands a proactive, forward-thinking individual who can anticipate future regulatory trends and build a resilient compliance framework that supports innovation and commercial excellence. You will be the senior-most authority on ethics and compliance, championing these principles from the C-suite to the front lines, ensuring that the company not only meets but exceeds legal and ethical standards worldwide.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – Los Angeles, CA
The Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, champion, and continually evolve the company’s global ethics and compliance vision, strategy, and framework. Serve as a key advisor to the Board of Directors, CEO, and executive leadership team on all compliance-related matters, providing regular, insightful reporting on program effectiveness and emerging risks.
Program Development & Implementation
Design, implement, and manage a best-in-class compliance program that addresses key risk areas. This includes drafting and disseminating policies, procedures, and the Code of Conduct. You will lead the development and delivery of engaging, role-based training and communication initiatives to embed compliance principles throughout the global organization.
Regulatory Oversight
Ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations governing the medical device industry. This includes a deep understanding of and proactive management of compliance with FDA regulations, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), HIPAA/HITECH, GDPR, and other international data privacy laws. You will also oversee compliance with industry codes such as the AdvaMed Code of Ethics.
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Conduct regular, comprehensive enterprise-wide risk assessments to identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability. Develop and implement robust corrective action plans and mitigation strategies to address identified risks. Proactively monitor regulatory changes and industry trends to adapt the compliance program accordingly.
Investigations & Disciplinary Action
Oversee and ensure the effective operation of the company’s ethics hotline and other reporting channels. Lead or direct privileged internal investigations into allegations of non-compliance or misconduct, ensuring they are conducted with fairness, thoroughness, and objectivity. Recommend and oversee appropriate disciplinary and corrective actions.
Monitoring & Auditing
Establish and execute a comprehensive monitoring and auditing plan to assess the effectiveness of compliance controls and policies. Analyze data and trends to provide actionable insights to business leaders, driving continuous improvement in the compliance program.
Team Leadership & Development
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing global team of compliance professionals. Foster a collaborative and business-oriented culture within the department, ensuring the team is a trusted and valued partner to all business units. Manage the departmental budget and external resources effectively.
Third-Party Management
Develop and oversee a robust due diligence and compliance management program for third-party intermediaries, including distributors, agents, and consultants, to mitigate associated risks.
Requirements for the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – Los Angeles, CA
We are seeking a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leadership in a complex, regulated environment. The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school is strongly preferred. An advanced degree in a relevant field 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 life sciences industry is mandatory. Prior experience as a sitting Chief Compliance Officer or Deputy Chief Compliance Officer is highly desirable.
Regulatory Expertise
Demonstrated, expert-level knowledge of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the global medical device industry. This includes deep familiarity with U.S. healthcare laws (AKS, FCA), FDA promotional and regulatory guidelines, FCPA, and international equivalents.
Leadership & Management Skills
Proven ability to lead and inspire a global team. Exceptional executive presence and the ability to effectively communicate with and influence stakeholders at all levels, including the Board of Directors. Experience managing departmental budgets and resources is required.
Strategic & Business Acumen
A strategic thinker with the ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal and compliance advice. Must be able to understand complex business and product strategies and integrate compliance solutions seamlessly.
Integrity & Judgment
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to ethical conduct. Must have the fortitude to challenge senior leaders when necessary and uphold the company’s ethical standards without compromise.
Communication Skills
Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex legal and regulatory concepts into clear, actionable guidance for a non-legal audience.
Certifications
Professional compliance certifications, such as Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) or similar credentials, are a significant plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
Incentive Programs
Eligibility for a significant annual performance-based bonus and a generous long-term incentive plan (equity).
Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. A robust wellness program, including gym memberships, mental health support, and other resources.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a substantial company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing education, professional certifications, and attendance at industry conferences to ensure you remain at the forefront of the compliance field.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate, if required.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative compliance leader with the experience and passion to drive a culture of integrity at a world-class medical device company, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest in this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit our Healthcare & Life Sciences practice area page. JRG Partners and our client are equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
