Role Overview for Chief Digital Officer – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and transformative Chief Digital Officer (CDO) for our client, a pioneering global leader in the medical device industry. Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of San Diego, CA, this executive will join the senior leadership team and serve as the primary architect of the company’s digital future. This is a career-defining opportunity to revolutionize how medical technology enhances patient outcomes, engages healthcare professionals (HCPs), and drives unprecedented business growth.
In an era where the convergence of healthcare and technology is accelerating, the role of the Chief Digital Officer has never been more critical. Our client is committed to leading this charge by leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions, data analytics, and connected technologies to create a more personalized, efficient, and effective healthcare ecosystem. The CDO will be the driving force behind this enterprise-wide transformation, infusing a digital-first mindset into every facet of the organization—from research and development and clinical trials to manufacturing, marketing, and patient support.
The successful candidate will be a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading large-scale digital initiatives within a complex, regulated industry. You will be responsible for crafting and executing a cohesive digital strategy that encompasses digital health solutions, data monetization, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and the creation of a seamless omnichannel experience for all stakeholders. This role demands a unique blend of strategic vision, technological expertise, commercial acumen, and inspirational leadership to navigate the complexities of the medical device landscape and unlock new frontiers of value.
Joining the team in San Diego means becoming part of one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative clusters for biotechnology and medical technology. You will operate at the heart of innovation, collaborating with world-class engineers, clinicians, and business leaders to build the next generation of life-changing medical devices and digital platforms. If you are a passionate digital evangelist with the ambition to make a tangible impact on global health, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Digital Officer – San Diego, CA
The Chief Digital Officer will have a broad and impactful remit, responsible for leading the digital transformation journey across the global enterprise. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Digital Roadmap Development
Conceive, develop, and champion a comprehensive, long-term digital vision and strategy that aligns with and accelerates the company’s overall strategic objectives. Present and gain buy-in from the Board of Directors and executive team.
Executive Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, acting as the primary advocate for digital innovation. Foster a culture of collaboration by working closely with leaders in R&D, IT, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs to ensure a unified digital approach.
Digital Product & Service Innovation
Spearhead the ideation, development, and commercialization of new digital health products, connected devices, and software-as-a-medical-device (SaMD) solutions. Oversee the entire digital product lifecycle from concept to launch and post-market surveillance.
Data Governance & Advanced Analytics
Establish a robust data governance framework and build a world-class analytics capability. Leverage big data, machine learning, and AI to extract actionable insights that inform product development, clinical strategy, commercial execution, and patient outcomes.
Omnichannel Customer Experience
Design and implement a seamless, personalized, and engaging omnichannel experience for patients, physicians, and hospital systems. Integrate digital touchpoints across web, mobile, social media, and connected devices to build lasting relationships and improve care delivery.
Digital Marketing & Commercial Excellence
Partner with the commercial teams to transform digital marketing and sales enablement capabilities. Implement advanced digital marketing strategies, including SEO, SEM, content marketing, and marketing automation, to drive lead generation, brand awareness, and revenue growth.
Operational Efficiency & Process Digitization
Identify opportunities to leverage digital technology to streamline internal operations, enhance supply chain visibility, automate manual processes, and improve overall organizational efficiency and agility.
Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
In partnership with the CISO, ensure that all digital platforms, products, and data assets are secure and protected against cyber threats. Guarantee the privacy of sensitive patient and customer data in compliance with global regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
Navigate the complex global regulatory environment for digital health and medical devices. Ensure all digital initiatives and products comply with evolving healthcare regulations, including guidelines from the FDA’s Digital Health Center of Excellence, and maintain the highest standards of quality.
Talent Development & Team Leadership
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary digital team. Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and calculated risk-taking to attract and retain top digital talent.
Financial Management & ROI Optimization
Develop and manage the annual digital budget, ensuring investments are prioritized and allocated effectively. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success and financial return of all digital initiatives.
Requirements for the Chief Digital Officer – San Diego, CA
We are seeking a distinguished leader with deep expertise in digital strategy and a passion for transforming the healthcare industry. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in digital strategy, product management, or technology roles, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive capacity (e.g., CDO, VP of Digital, CTO) for a global organization.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience within a highly regulated industry is essential. A background in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or digital health is strongly preferred. Demonstrable success in launching digital health products or platforms is a major plus.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly desirable.
Transformational Leadership
Proven ability to lead large-scale, enterprise-wide change and digital transformation initiatives. A track record of building and scaling digital capabilities from the ground up.
Technical Proficiency
Deep understanding of the modern digital technology stack, including cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP), data science, AI/ML, IoT, mobile application development, and cybersecurity principles.
Commercial Acumen
Strong business and financial acumen with experience managing a P&L. The ability to translate complex technological concepts into clear business propositions and demonstrate ROI.
Regulatory Knowledge
Familiarity with the global regulatory landscape for medical devices and digital health, including FDA regulations (e.g., 21 CFR Part 820), HIPAA, and GDPR.
Communication & Influence
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to influence and build consensus among a wide range of stakeholders, from the C-suite and Board of Directors to engineering teams.
Global Mindset
Experience working in a global, matrixed organization with an appreciation for cultural nuances and international market dynamics.
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 Package
A lucrative package including a competitive base salary, an aggressive annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs, and health savings accounts (HSA).
Retirement & Financial Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match, along with access to financial planning and advisory services.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life integration.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to move to the beautiful and innovative city of San Diego.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, professional development, and attendance at key industry conferences to ensure you remain at the forefront of digital innovation.
Impactful Work
The unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of a leading medical device company and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of patients around the world.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this Chief Digital Officer position. If you are a visionary digital leader ready to take on this exciting challenge, we encourage you to apply. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and your vision for digital in the medical device industry.
To apply, please use the application portal on this page. To explore other executive opportunities and learn more about our expertise in placing transformative leaders, please visit our Life Sciences Executive Search Practice page.
