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# Chief Data and Analytics Officer – San Diego, CA


Role Overview for Chief Data and Analytics Officer – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a transformative Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) for a pioneering medical device company based in the vibrant life sciences hub of San Diego, CA. Our client is at the forefront of medical innovation, developing life-changing technologies that improve patient outcomes and redefine standards of care. In an industry where data is becoming the most critical asset, this role is paramount to the company’s long-term success, competitive advantage, and mission to enhance global health.
As the CDAO, you will be the senior-most executive responsible for the organization’s data and analytics vision, strategy, and execution. This is not merely a technical leadership role; it is a strategic business position that will shape the future of the company. You will be tasked with building and leading a world-class data organization, fostering a data-driven culture, and harnessing the power of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) across every facet of the business—from R&D and clinical trials to manufacturing, commercial operations, and post-market surveillance.
You will report directly to the CEO and serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing the strategic insights that will guide decision-making, fuel innovation, and create unprecedented value for patients, healthcare providers, and stakeholders.
We are seeking a visionary leader with a proven track record of leveraging data to drive tangible business impact within a highly regulated environment. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic acumen, deep technical expertise, and exceptional leadership skills, with a profound understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the medical device or broader healthcare sector. If you are passionate about using data to save lives and are ready to make a lasting impact, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Data and Analytics Officer – San Diego, CA
The Chief Data and Analytics Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, fundamentally shaping how the organization leverages data as a strategic asset. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth through data-driven strategies.
Strategic Vision and Leadership

Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, enterprise-wide data and analytics strategy that aligns directly with the company’s core business objectives and long-range plans.
Champion a data-first culture throughout the organization, promoting data literacy and advocating for the use of analytics in strategic decision-making at all levels.
Serve as the primary data evangelist and thought leader, both internally and externally, staying abreast of emerging trends in data science, AI/ML, and their applications in the medical device industry.
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, centralized data and analytics organization, attracting top-tier talent in data science, data engineering, business intelligence, and data governance.

Data Governance, Quality, and Compliance

Establish and oversee a robust, enterprise-wide data governance framework, including policies, standards, and processes to ensure data quality, consistency, and security.
Guarantee that all data practices adhere to the highest ethical standards and comply with stringent global regulations, including HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, and specific FDA requirements for medical device data and software as a medical device (SaMD).
Implement master data management (MDM) strategies to create a single source of truth for critical data domains such as patient, product, and provider data.
Develop and manage the data lifecycle, from acquisition and storage to processing and archival, ensuring integrity and accessibility while maintaining strict security protocols. This includes implementing rigorous data governance and compliance standards critical for regulatory approval and market trust.

Advanced Analytics and Insight Generation

Lead the analytics function to deliver actionable, high-impact insights that address key business questions and uncover new opportunities across R&D, clinical development, supply chain, and commercial operations.
Spearhead the development and deployment of advanced predictive and prescriptive models, leveraging machine learning and AI to optimize processes, predict outcomes, and personalize patient care.
Oversee the business intelligence (BI) and reporting functions, ensuring that stakeholders have access to timely, accurate, and intuitive dashboards and reports to monitor performance and drive operational excellence.
Drive innovation by exploring new data sources, including real-world evidence (RWE) from connected devices and IoT sensors, to enhance product development and demonstrate value to payers and providers.

Technology and Infrastructure

Own the vision and roadmap for the company’s data architecture and technology stack, ensuring it is scalable, secure, and capable of supporting advanced analytics and AI initiatives.
Lead the design and implementation of a modern data platform, potentially including a cloud-based data lakehouse, to unify disparate data sources and enable self-service analytics.
Evaluate and select best-in-class tools and technologies for data storage, processing, integration, and visualization, managing vendor relationships and ensuring a positive ROI.
Collaborate closely with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to ensure seamless integration and robust security of the data ecosystem.

Requirements for the Chief Data and Analytics Officer – San Diego, CA
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a deep passion for data and a demonstrated history of leading data transformation in complex, regulated industries. This role requires a unique combination of technical depth, business strategy, and inspirational leadership.
Educational & Professional Experience

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline. An MBA is highly desirable.
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in data management, analytics, and/or data science, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP of Analytics, Head of Data Science) managing large, multi-disciplinary teams.

Crucial
Significant experience within the medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or a similarly regulated healthcare environment is mandatory. A deep understanding of clinical trial data, real-world evidence, and GxP/FDA regulations is essential.

Proven track record of developing and executing a successful enterprise data strategy that resulted in measurable business value, such as increased revenue, improved operational efficiency, or new product innovation.

Technical and Analytical Acumen

Expert-level understanding of modern data architecture principles, including data warehousing, data lakes, data mesh, and ETL/ELT processes.
Hands-on experience with major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and their associated data services.
Deep knowledge of data governance and data quality frameworks, as well as experience implementing MDM and data cataloging solutions.
Strong familiarity with the full spectrum of analytics, from descriptive BI (using tools like Tableau or Power BI) to predictive and prescriptive modeling using Python, R, and common machine learning libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow).

Leadership and Communication Skills

Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and develop talent.
Superior communication and presentation skills, with the ability to distill complex technical concepts into clear, compelling business narratives for executive-level audiences and board members.
Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, capable of navigating ambiguity and complexity to chart a clear path forward.
Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively across functions and at all levels of a global organization, building strong relationships and driving consensus.

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:

A competitive executive base salary commensurate with experience.
A significant annual performance-based bonus.
A substantial long-term incentive plan, including equity/stock options, to ensure you share in the company’s success.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave policies.
Relocation assistance to the beautiful city of San Diego, CA, for the ideal candidate.
A professional development budget to support continuous learning, conference attendance, and executive coaching.
The unparalleled opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and healthcare, making a tangible and lasting impact on patient lives worldwide.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm for this Chief Data and Analytics Officer position. All applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. If you are a visionary data leader ready to drive the next wave of innovation in the medical device industry, we encourage you to apply.
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and strategic vision for this role. To learn more about how JRG Partners connects top talent with transformative roles in technology leadership, please visit our Technology Officers Practice page.