Role Overview for Chief Development Officer with a Public Diagnostics Firm – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a transformative Chief Development Officer (CDO) for our client, a publicly-traded, cutting-edge diagnostics company based in the vibrant life sciences hub of San Diego, CA. This is a paramount executive leadership position for an individual with the vision, strategic acumen, and execution prowess to steer the company’s next phase of exponential growth and innovation. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CDO will be the central architect of the company’s corporate and product development strategy. You will hold ultimate responsibility for the entire development pipeline, from early-stage research and discovery through to commercialization, while also leading all corporate development initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic partnerships, and technology licensing.
This is not merely a role; it is an opportunity to leave an indelible mark on a dynamic organization and the broader healthcare landscape. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a profound understanding of the diagnostics industry, a proven track record of bringing innovative products to market, and extensive experience in a public company setting. You will be tasked with building and nurturing a world-class development organization, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and relentless innovation. Your leadership will be critical in identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities, navigating the complex regulatory environment, and ultimately delivering significant value to patients, clinicians, and shareholders. If you are a strategic thinker, a dealmaker, and an inspirational leader passionate about shaping the future of diagnostics, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Development Officer with a Public Diagnostics Firm – San Diego, CA
The Chief Development Officer will have a broad and impactful remit, encompassing the full spectrum of development activities. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
In collaboration with the CEO and executive team, develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive corporate and product development strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term goals and market opportunities. Drive the annual strategic planning process for all development-related functions.
R&D Pipeline Management
Provide executive oversight for the entire Research & Development pipeline. This includes managing discovery, preclinical, clinical development, and product lifecycle management. Ensure programs are managed to budget, timeline, and strategic objectives.
Portfolio Strategy & Prioritization
Lead the evaluation and prioritization of all internal and external development opportunities. Implement rigorous, data-driven decision-making processes to optimize the product portfolio, balancing risk, investment, and potential return.
Corporate Development & M&A
Spearhead the identification, evaluation, due diligence, and execution of strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances that enhance the company’s technology platform, product portfolio, and market position.
Business Development & Licensing
Lead all in-licensing and out-licensing activities. Build and maintain a robust network of contacts within the biopharmaceutical, diagnostic, and academic communities to source and secure high-value partnerships and technologies.
Regulatory & Clinical Strategy
Partner closely with the heads of Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Affairs to devise and implement innovative and efficient global regulatory and clinical strategies. Ensure a deep understanding of the evolving landscape, including navigating the complex regulatory pathways for In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) with agencies like the FDA, EMA, and other international bodies.
Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis
Maintain a sophisticated understanding of the competitive landscape, market trends, and emerging technologies. Translate insights into actionable strategies to ensure the company maintains a competitive advantage.
Investor & Stakeholder Communication
Serve as a key spokesperson for the company’s development strategy and pipeline. Effectively communicate progress, milestones, and vision to the Board of Directors, investors, analysts, and the scientific community.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performance, multi-disciplinary development team. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and scientific rigor.
Budget & Financial Oversight
Develop and manage the annual budget for all R&D, business development, and related functions. Ensure prudent allocation of resources to maximize value creation and return on investment.
Requirements for the Chief Development Officer with a Public Diagnostics Firm – San Diego, CA
The successful candidate will be a distinguished leader with a history of significant accomplishments in the life sciences industry. The specific qualifications we are seeking include:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.) in a relevant life sciences discipline is strongly preferred. An MBA in addition to a scientific degree is highly desirable.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in the diagnostics, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles overseeing R&D, business development, or corporate strategy.
Public Company Acumen
Significant and recent experience working as an executive within a publicly-traded company is mandatory. Must possess a thorough understanding of public market dynamics, investor relations, and SEC reporting requirements.
Proven R&D Leadership
A demonstrated track record of successfully advancing diagnostic or therapeutic products through the entire development lifecycle, from concept to successful commercial launch.
Deal-Making Expertise
Verifiable success in leading and closing a variety of complex corporate and business development transactions, including M&A, asset acquisitions, and significant licensing deals.
Scientific & Technical Depth
Deep expertise in modern diagnostic platforms and technologies, such as molecular diagnostics, immunoassays, next-generation sequencing (NGS), liquid biopsy, or digital pathology.
Global Regulatory Knowledge
Comprehensive understanding of the global regulatory landscape for medical devices and diagnostics, including extensive experience with FDA (PMA/510(k)) and CE-IVDR submissions.
Strategic & Analytical Skills
Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to synthesize complex information, identify key insights, and develop clear, actionable plans. Strong financial acumen and analytical skills are essential.
Leadership & Communication
Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, influence stakeholders at all levels, and communicate complex scientific and business concepts with clarity and conviction.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in San Diego, CA. A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term incentive package (stock options, RSUs) designed to reward long-term value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Includes access to wellness programs, mental health support, and more.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for candidates relocating to the San Diego area.
Professional Development
A generous budget for continuing education, industry conferences, and professional development to ensure you remain at the forefront of the industry.
Impactful Work
The unparalleled opportunity to play a pivotal role in a company dedicated to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes on a global scale.
How to Apply
This is a confidential, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence. We encourage you to learn more about JRG Partners and our expertise by visiting the page for our dedicated Life Sciences Executive Search practice. Our team of specialized recruiters is ready to connect exceptional leaders with transformative opportunities.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. They are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
