Role Overview for Vice President of Marketing (Upstream & Downstream) – Medical Device – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering medical device company based in the vibrant life sciences hub of San Diego, CA. Our client is at the forefront of developing transformative technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes and redefine standards of care. They are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-oriented Vice President of Marketing to lead their global marketing initiatives. This is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for the entire marketing continuum, from initial market conception (upstream) to successful commercialization and market adoption (downstream). The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record in the medical device industry, capable of building and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy that drives revenue growth, brand equity, and market leadership.
This executive will serve as the chief architect of the company’s marketing vision, product portfolio strategy, and commercial execution plan. You will be responsible for translating complex clinical needs and market dynamics into a compelling product roadmap and a powerful go-to-market strategy. This role demands a unique blend of analytical rigor, creative thinking, and inspirational leadership. You will manage a talented team of marketing professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration. Reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer, you will work in close partnership with R&D, Sales, Clinical Affairs, and Regulatory teams to ensure seamless alignment from product development through to post-market success. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned marketing executive to make a tangible impact on a fast-growing organization and shape the future of medical technology.
Key Responsibilities of Vice President of Marketing (Upstream & Downstream) – Medical Device – San Diego, CA
The Vice President of Marketing will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic planning, product lifecycle management, commercial execution, and team leadership.
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, global marketing strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives and financial goals.
- Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive threats, and new market opportunities, providing actionable insights to the executive team.
- Define and manage the overall marketing budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to maximize ROI and achieve strategic priorities.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the marketing department, including market share, revenue growth, lead generation, and brand awareness.
- Serve as a key spokesperson for the company’s product portfolio, articulating a clear and compelling value proposition to internal and external stakeholders, including investors, partners, and key opinion leaders (KOLs).
Upstream Marketing & Product Strategy
- Lead the product lifecycle management process from concept to end-of-life, including the development of multi-generational product plans.
- Direct market research and Voice of Customer (VOC) initiatives to uncover unmet clinical needs and user requirements, translating these insights into detailed product specifications.
- Collaborate intimately with R&D and Engineering to guide the new product development (NPD) pipeline, ensuring that new products are clinically relevant, commercially viable, and strategically differentiated.
- Develop robust business cases for new product concepts, including market sizing, financial modeling, and competitive analysis to support investment decisions.
- Champion the product roadmap, ensuring it is well-defined, communicated, and aligned with the company’s overall strategic direction.
Downstream Marketing & Commercial Execution
- Architect and orchestrate flawless global product launches, developing comprehensive go-to-market plans that include positioning, messaging, pricing, and sales channel strategy.
- Oversee the creation of all marketing collateral and sales enablement tools, including brochures, websites, presentations, white papers, and training materials, ensuring brand consistency and message clarity.
- Develop and manage integrated marketing communication campaigns across multiple channels, including digital marketing (SEO, SEM, social media), public relations, and advertising.
- Lead the strategy for global tradeshows, congresses, and other promotional events to maximize lead generation and brand visibility.
- Build and nurture strong relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and clinical societies to drive advocacy and support market adoption.
- Partner with the sales leadership to develop effective sales training programs and tools that empower the sales force to successfully sell the product portfolio.
Requirements for the Vice President of Marketing (Upstream & Downstream) – Medical Device – San Diego, CA
We are seeking a candidate with a deep understanding of the medical device landscape and a history of commercial success.
Core Qualifications:
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive marketing experience, with at least 10 years specifically within the medical device, life sciences, or biotech industry.
- A minimum of 7 years in a senior leadership role, with demonstrated experience building, managing, and mentoring high-performing marketing teams.
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Engineering, or a related field is required.
- Proven experience managing the full marketing spectrum, with significant hands-on expertise in both upstream (product development, market analysis) and downstream (commercial launch, promotion) activities.
- Demonstrable track record of successfully launching Class II or Class III medical devices in major global markets (US, EU, APAC).
- Deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, including FDA and CE mark requirements. Experience with devices requiring a complex regulatory pathway, such as the Premarket Approval (PMA) process, is highly valued.
Preferred Qualifications:
- An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
- Experience in a high-growth, venture-backed, or private equity-owned company environment is a significant plus.
- Experience within relevant clinical specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, or surgical technologies.
- A strong network of clinical and industry Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).
Essential Skills & Competencies:
Strategic Mindset
Ability to see the big picture, anticipate future market trends, and develop long-term strategies that create a competitive advantage.
Leadership Acumen
An inspirational leader who can motivate a team, foster a collaborative environment, and develop talent.
Analytical & Data-Driven
Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex market data and translate it into actionable business strategy.
Exceptional Communicator
Superior written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
A proven ability to work effectively with colleagues across all functions and levels of the organization, particularly R&D, Sales, and Regulatory Affairs.
Financial Acumen
Strong command of budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Competitive Salary
A highly attractive base salary commensurate with experience.
Executive Bonus Plan
A significant annual performance-based bonus opportunity.
Equity Participation
Meaningful stock options or equity grants, providing a stake in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday policy.
Professional Development
Support for continuing education, industry conferences, and professional growth.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary marketing leader with a passion for innovation in the medical device field, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Medical Device & Life Sciences practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you.
