Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, high-growth medical device company in its search for a transformative Chief Operating Officer (COO). Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of Raleigh, North Carolina, this is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned operational leader to shape the future of an organization dedicated to improving patient outcomes through groundbreaking technology. Our client is at the forefront of medical innovation, developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art devices that address critical unmet needs in healthcare.
The Chief Operating Officer will serve as a key member of the executive team, acting as the strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This role is fundamentally about execution; you will be responsible for translating the company’s vision and strategy into actionable, world-class operational plans. The ideal candidate is a master of scale, capable of building robust systems, processes, and teams that can support rapid growth while maintaining the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
You will have full ownership of the company’s day-to-day operations, including manufacturing, supply chain, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and project management. This is more than a job; it’s a mission to build a scalable, efficient, and resilient organization that can deliver life-changing products to a global market. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to innovate, compete, and ultimately, improve the lives of patients worldwide. We are seeking a leader who is not only operationally brilliant but also a culture-builder, a mentor, and a strategist who can inspire excellence across every facet of the organization.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer – Raleigh, NC
The COO will have a broad and impactful mandate, overseeing all internal operations and ensuring the company is structured for sustainable, profitable growth. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership and Execution
Collaborate directly with the CEO and executive team to develop and implement the company’s strategic plan. Translate high-level strategy into tangible operational goals, metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Drive accountability and results across all departments.
Operational Excellence and Scalability
Architect and lead all manufacturing and production operations. Implement Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. Design and build scalable processes and infrastructure to support aggressive growth targets and new product introductions.
Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Develop and manage a resilient, global supply chain. Oversee procurement, inventory management, logistics, and distribution to ensure an uninterrupted supply of materials and timely delivery of finished products. Build strong relationships with key suppliers and contract manufacturers.
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
Champion a culture of quality throughout the organization. Ensure unwavering compliance with all relevant domestic and international regulations, including strict adherence to the FDA regulations for medical devices, ISO 13485 standards, and other applicable quality management systems (QMS). Lead the company through regulatory audits and inspections with confidence.
Financial and P&L Management
Partner with the CFO to develop and manage the annual operating budget. Assume P&L responsibility for all operational departments, driving profitability through cost control, efficiency gains, and strategic resource allocation. Provide data-driven insights to inform financial forecasting and strategic investments.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operational team. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Attract and retain top-tier talent, building a deep bench of future leaders within the organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the operational linchpin, ensuring seamless collaboration between R&D, commercial, finance, and other departments. Facilitate effective communication and alignment to ensure successful product development, launch, and lifecycle management.
Technology and Infrastructure
Oversee the implementation and optimization of operational technologies, including ERP systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and quality management software, to drive data-driven decision-making and operational visibility.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer – Raleigh, NC
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record of operational success within the complex and highly regulated medical device industry. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic vision, tactical execution, and inspirational leadership.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive role (e.g., COO, VP of Operations, General Manager) with full P&L responsibility within the medical device or a closely related life sciences industry.
Industry Expertise
Deep, hands-on experience in the medical device sector is non-negotiable. This must include extensive knowledge of cGMP, QMS, ISO 13485, and FDA regulatory pathways (510(k), PMA).
Proven Scaling Success
Demonstrated experience successfully scaling operations in a high-growth environment, including managing new product introductions, facility expansions, and international supply chains.
Financial Acumen
Sophisticated financial skills, including extensive experience with budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, and data-driven operational analysis.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills. A proven ability to build, motivate, and lead high-performance teams. A servant-leader mindset with a history of mentoring and developing talent.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and holistically while also maintaining a strong command of the operational details. Experience in strategic planning and execution is critical.
Communication Skills
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision to employees, partners, the board of directors, and other stakeholders.
Location
The candidate must be based in or willing to relocate to the Raleigh, NC area. Experience within the Research Triangle Park (RTP) ecosystem is a significant advantage.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in rewarding its leaders for their contributions to the company’s success. The compensation and benefits package is designed to attract and retain the very best executive talent and includes:
- A highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary and performance-based annual bonus.
- A significant equity stake (stock options or RSUs) that provides a meaningful opportunity for wealth creation tied to the company’s growth.
- Comprehensive and premium health, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays to support work-life balance.
- Full relocation assistance package for qualified candidates and their families.
- A professional development budget to support continuous learning, executive coaching, and industry engagement.
- The invaluable opportunity to work with a world-class team and make a tangible impact on the future of healthcare.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. We are committed to a confidential, transparent, and respectful recruitment process.
JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates and employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
To learn more about our expertise in placing top-tier executives in this sector, please visit our Healthcare & Life Sciences Executive Search practice page.
