Role Overview for VP Biomedical Product Development – Minneapolis, MN
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering medical technology company at the forefront of biomedical innovation. Our client is dedicated to developing and commercializing life-changing therapeutic solutions that address significant unmet medical needs. Located in the heart of Minneapolis, MN—a globally recognized hub for MedTech innovation known as ‘Medical Alley’—our client is seeking a visionary and strategic Vice President of Biomedical Product Development to join their executive leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of healthcare by leading the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept to global market launch.
As the VP of Biomedical Product Development, you will be the driving force behind the company’s innovation engine. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for all research and development initiatives, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence, and leading a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and technical professionals. You will have ultimate accountability for the successful, timely, and on-budget delivery of a complex portfolio of next-generation biomedical products. This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership. The ideal candidate is a seasoned veteran of the medical device industry with a proven track record of bringing revolutionary products to market that have made a tangible impact on patient lives. If you are a mission-driven leader passionate about building great teams and even greater products, we invite you to apply for this career-defining role.
Key Responsibilities of VP Biomedical Product Development – Minneapolis, MN
The Vice President of Biomedical Product Development will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, and team mentorship. Your primary goal is to ensure the company’s product pipeline is robust, innovative, and aligned with its long-term commercial objectives.
Strategic Leadership and R&D Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive product development strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business goals. Identify emerging technologies, clinical trends, and market opportunities to build a multi-generational product roadmap. Champion a vision for innovation that positions the company as a leader in its therapeutic areas.
Product Lifecycle Management
Provide executive oversight for the entire product development lifecycle. This includes managing projects through all phases: ideation, feasibility, design and development, verification, validation, regulatory submission, and successful transition to manufacturing and commercialization. Implement and refine robust phase-gate processes to ensure disciplined execution and risk mitigation.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, project managers, and technicians. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented culture. Be responsible for organizational design, talent acquisition, performance management, and professional development to build a world-class R&D organization.
Regulatory and Quality Compliance
Ensure all product development activities are conducted in strict compliance with global regulatory standards, including FDA regulations (e.g., 21 CFR 820), ISO 13485, and other international requirements. You will be expected to have a deep understanding of the FDA’s Design Control guidance and champion its principles throughout the organization. Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs leadership to ensure seamless integration of quality and compliance into the design process and successful regulatory submissions.
Budget and Resource Management
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of financial and human resources across the project portfolio. Implement metrics and dashboards to track project progress, spending, and ROI. Drive efficiency and fiscal responsibility without compromising innovation or quality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the executive team, fostering strong partnerships with other departments, including Marketing, Sales, Clinical Affairs, Operations, and Finance. Ensure transparent communication and alignment on product strategy, timelines, and launch readiness to guarantee commercial success.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
In partnership with legal counsel, develop and manage the company’s intellectual property portfolio. Drive the identification of novel inventions, oversee the patent application process, and ensure the company’s technological innovations are robustly protected to create a sustainable competitive advantage.
External Innovation and Partnerships
Establish and maintain a strong network of external partners, including Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), academic institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), and technology suppliers. Identify and evaluate external technologies and potential M&A opportunities to supplement the internal innovation pipeline.
Requirements for the VP Biomedical Product Development – Minneapolis, MN
We are seeking an accomplished and dynamic leader with a distinguished career in medical device product development. The successful candidate will possess a deep technical foundation complemented by strategic insight and proven leadership capabilities.
Required Qualifications:
Education
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline is required.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience within the medical device, life sciences, or biomedical industry, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role managing R&D and product development functions.
Track Record
Demonstrated success in leading the development and commercialization of multiple Class II or Class III medical devices from concept through market launch.
Regulatory Expertise
In-depth knowledge of the global regulatory landscape for medical devices, including extensive experience with FDA QSR (21 CFR Part 820), ISO 13485, ISO 14971 (Risk Management), and the process for 510(k) and/or PMA submissions.
Leadership Skills
Proven ability to build, lead, and motivate large, high-performance, multi-disciplinary technical teams. Must possess exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, from the Board of Directors to junior engineers.
Business Acumen
Strong financial and business acumen, with experience developing and managing multi-million dollar budgets, conducting ROI analysis, and contributing to long-range strategic planning.
Preferred Qualifications:
- An MBA is highly desirable and considered a significant asset.
- Experience with complex therapeutic devices, such as implantables, combination products (device/drug), biologics, or capital equipment with software components.
- Experience working in both large, established corporations and high-growth, venture-backed startup environments.
- An established professional network within the Minneapolis ‘Medical Alley’ ecosystem and the broader medical device community.
- Experience with due diligence for M&A activities and subsequent technology/team integration.
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 competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term incentive plan (i.e., stock options or equity) that aligns your success with the company’s growth.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits, including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, as well as life and disability insurance.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Work-Life Balance
A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays, to support a healthy work-life integration.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the vibrant Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Professional Growth
A commitment to your ongoing professional development, with support for attending industry conferences, executive education programs, and relevant certifications.
Impactful Culture
The opportunity to work in a mission-driven, innovative, and collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact patient outcomes and shape the future of medicine.
How to Apply
If you are a transformative leader with the experience and passion to drive biomedical innovation, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. This executive search is being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your vision for leading a world-class product development organization.
JRG Partners is a leader in retained executive search for the healthcare and technology sectors. Learn more about our expertise in Orthopedic Devices Executive Search Firm and submit your application for this confidential search. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring how your leadership can help our client achieve their mission.
