Role Overview for Chief Data and Analytics Officer – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering force in the medical device industry in their search for a visionary Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO). Based in the vibrant tech hub of San Francisco, CA, this is a transformative executive leadership role poised to redefine the intersection of healthcare, technology, and data-driven strategy. Our client is a globally recognized leader committed to improving patient outcomes through relentless innovation. They are seeking a CDAO who will not only manage data but will harness its power to revolutionize product development, clinical trials, commercial operations, and ultimately, the standard of patient care.
This is a career-defining opportunity for a strategic leader to build and champion a world-class data and analytics function from the ground up. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will be a key member of the executive team, responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive vision for data as a strategic enterprise asset. You will be the central figure in fostering a data-first culture, empowering every facet of the organization—from R&D to sales and marketing—with actionable insights that drive competitive advantage and sustainable growth.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with deep expertise in the life sciences or medical device sector, possessing the technical acumen to lead data science and engineering teams and the business savvy to translate complex data into compelling narratives that influence board-level decisions. If you are passionate about using data to save and improve 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 Francisco, CA
The Chief Data and Analytics Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate. Your primary objective is to build and lead an integrated data ecosystem that serves as the backbone for all strategic initiatives. This involves a blend of strategic vision, technical leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Key responsibilities include:
Enterprise Data & Analytics Strategy
Design, champion, and execute a cohesive, forward-thinking data and analytics strategy that aligns directly with the company’s long-term business goals. This includes identifying new opportunities for data-driven innovation in areas like personalized medicine, predictive device maintenance, and clinical trial optimization.
Leadership & Team Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performance, multi-disciplinary team of data scientists, data engineers, analysts, and data governance professionals. Foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning that attracts and retains top-tier talent.
Data Governance and Quality
Establish and enforce a robust, enterprise-wide data governance framework. Implement policies, standards, and processes to ensure data integrity, accuracy, privacy, and security across all systems, ensuring compliance with stringent industry regulations.
Advanced Analytics and AI/ML Innovation
Drive the adoption of advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to unlock predictive and prescriptive insights. Oversee the development of models that enhance product efficacy, optimize supply chains, and personalize customer engagement.
Technology & Infrastructure Oversight
In partnership with the CTO, define the data technology roadmap. Lead the selection and implementation of a modern data stack, including cloud platforms, data warehousing solutions, and business intelligence tools, to create a scalable and efficient data infrastructure.
Executive Partnership and Influence
Serve as the primary data evangelist and trusted advisor to the C-suite and Board of Directors. Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable business insights and strategic recommendations to guide executive decision-making.
Commercial & R&D Enablement
Collaborate closely with commercial leaders to leverage data for market segmentation, sales forecasting, and marketing ROI analysis. Partner with R&D and clinical teams to use real-world evidence and clinical data to accelerate product development and regulatory submissions.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure all data practices and systems adhere to the highest standards of regulatory compliance, including FDA guidelines and global data privacy laws. Act as the key authority on data-related matters during regulatory audits and inspections.
Performance Measurement & Reporting
Develop and manage a comprehensive suite of KPIs and dashboards to monitor business performance, track the impact of data initiatives, and provide transparent reporting to all stakeholders.
Requirements for the Chief Data and Analytics Officer – San Francisco, CA
We are seeking an exceptional candidate with a proven track record of executive leadership and deep domain expertise. The ideal candidate will possess a unique combination of technical depth, business acumen, and a passion for the medical device industry. Specific qualifications include:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in data and analytics, with at least 8 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP, Head of Data, CDAO) responsible for setting strategy and managing large, cross-functional teams.
Industry-Specific Expertise
Demonstrable experience within the medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or a closely related regulated healthcare industry is mandatory. A deep understanding of the unique data challenges and opportunities in this sector is critical.
Technical Proficiency
Expert-level knowledge of modern data architecture, data science methodologies, and AI/ML concepts. Hands-on experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), data warehousing solutions (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift), and BI/visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
Regulatory Acumen
Profound understanding of the regulatory landscape governing healthcare data, including a working knowledge of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), GDPR, and FDA (21 CFR Part 11) requirements.
Strategic Vision & Business Acumen
Proven ability to think strategically and link data initiatives directly to tangible business outcomes, such as revenue growth, cost reduction, and operational efficiency. Experience presenting to and influencing executive boards is essential.
Transformational Leadership
A history of successfully leading data transformation initiatives and fostering a data-literate culture within an organization. Must be an exceptional communicator, collaborator, and influencer capable of driving change across a complex enterprise.
Problem-Solving Skills
Superior analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver results in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with generous wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Development
A significant budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, conference attendance, and advanced certifications.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate moving to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Impactful Work
The opportunity to work on cutting-edge products that have a direct and positive impact on the lives of patients around the world.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary data leader with the requisite experience in the medical device industry and a passion for driving innovation, we encourage you to apply for this transformative opportunity. Join a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. Learn more about our expertise and apply through our Life Sciences Executive Search Practice. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can shape the future of our client’s data-driven success.
