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# Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – Minneapolis, MN


Executive Search: Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – Medical Device
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, is proud to lead the confidential search for a transformative Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer (CECO) on behalf of our client, a pioneering global leader in the medical device industry. Based in the vibrant med-tech hub of Minneapolis, MN, this executive will serve as the cornerstone of the company’s ethical framework, safeguarding its integrity and reputation in a complex regulatory landscape.
This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic senior leadership team and champion a culture of compliance that permeates every level of a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving patient outcomes worldwide.
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with an unimpeachable ethical compass and deep expertise in the legal and regulatory intricacies of the medical device sector. You will be responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a best-in-class global ethics and compliance program. This role demands not only a masterful understanding of legal requirements but also the business acumen to integrate compliance seamlessly into commercial strategies, fostering innovation while mitigating risk.
You will be the trusted advisor to the CEO, the executive team, and the Board of Directors, providing critical guidance on matters of the highest importance and shaping the ethical future of the company.
Role Overview for Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – Minneapolis, MN
As the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, you will be the principal architect and guardian of the company’s global compliance program. Your mandate is to ensure the organization conducts its business with the highest standards of integrity, adhering to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry codes across all jurisdictions. You will lead a dedicated team of compliance professionals, fostering their growth and empowering them to be effective partners to the business.
This strategic role requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential compliance risks, from anti-bribery and corruption to data privacy and interactions with healthcare professionals. You will cultivate a ‘speak-up’ culture where employees feel empowered to raise concerns without fear of retaliation, and you will oversee fair and thorough investigations when issues arise. Your leadership will be instrumental in maintaining the company’s license to operate, protecting its brand, and enabling sustainable growth in a highly scrutinized industry.
Success in this position means moving beyond a check-the-box mentality to build a living, breathing culture of ethics that is understood, embraced, and championed by every employee. You will be a visible and accessible leader, translating complex legal concepts into practical, actionable guidance for a diverse global workforce.
By partnering closely with Legal, HR, Internal Audit, R&D, and Commercial operations, you will ensure that compliance is a shared responsibility and a competitive advantage. This is more than a legal function; it is a critical leadership role that shapes corporate character and builds enduring trust with patients, healthcare providers, regulators, and shareholders.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – Minneapolis, MN
The CECO will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, requiring a dynamic blend of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and inspirational leadership. Your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Program Leadership & Strategy
Design, implement, and continuously enhance a comprehensive, risk-based global ethics and compliance program that is effective, practical, and aligned with business objectives. Set the strategic vision for the compliance function and report on its performance to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors.
Regulatory Oversight & Advisory
Act as the primary subject matter expert on all relevant regulations. Proactively monitor the evolving global regulatory environment, including changes to the FDA’s stringent regulatory framework for medical devices, Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, FCPA, UK Bribery Act, AdvaMed Code, and data privacy laws like GDPR and HIPAA. Provide expert counsel to all business units.
Risk Management
Lead the enterprise-wide compliance risk assessment process to identify, analyze, and prioritize key risk areas. Develop and implement effective mitigation strategies, policies, and internal controls to address identified risks.
Policy & Procedure Development
Develop, draft, and maintain a clear and accessible Code of Conduct and a full suite of compliance policies and procedures. Ensure these documents are effectively communicated and integrated into daily operations globally.
Training & Communication
Oversee the development and deployment of a robust, engaging, and tailored training and communication plan to educate employees at all levels on their compliance obligations and the company’s ethical standards.
Investigations & Case Management
Establish and manage a confidential reporting system (e.g., ethics hotline). Oversee and, when necessary, lead internal investigations into allegations of misconduct or non-compliance, ensuring they are conducted promptly, thoroughly, and impartially. Recommend and track corrective actions and disciplinary measures.
Monitoring & Auditing
In partnership with Internal Audit, design and execute a risk-based monitoring and auditing plan to assess the effectiveness of the compliance program and adherence to policies. Analyze findings to identify trends and areas for programmatic improvement.
Third-Party Management
Develop and oversee a comprehensive due diligence and management program for third-party intermediaries, including distributors, agents, and consultants, to mitigate risks related to bribery and corruption.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global team of compliance professionals. Foster a collaborative and business-oriented culture within the department.
Requirements for the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – Minneapolis, MN
We are seeking an accomplished and highly credible executive with a proven track record of leading compliance functions within the life sciences sector. The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:
Educational Background
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in legal and/or compliance roles, with at least 7 years spent in a senior leadership position within the medical device, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industry.
Deep Industry Knowledge
Expert-level understanding of the laws, regulations, and industry codes governing the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of medical devices globally. Direct experience interacting with regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) is essential.
Global Leadership
Demonstrated success in leading and managing a global compliance program and team across diverse cultures and legal systems. Experience building a program from the ground up or significantly transforming an existing one is highly desirable.
Investigative Expertise
Proven experience overseeing and conducting complex internal investigations with integrity and sound judgment.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and provide pragmatic, business-oriented legal and compliance advice. Must be able to balance legal risk with commercial objectives effectively.
Executive Presence
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to influence and build credibility with senior executives, the Board of Directors, and external stakeholders is critical.
Unquestionable Integrity
A strong ethical compass, high moral character, and the courage to make difficult decisions and uphold the company’s values under pressure.
Certifications
Compliance-related certifications such as CCEP (Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional) or CHC (Certified in Healthcare Compliance) are a plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:

An attractive base salary and significant annual bonus potential.
A compelling long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, RSUs).
Comprehensive, premium 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.
Executive-level professional development and continuing education support.
Relocation assistance for qualified candidates to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on global health in a collaborative and innovative work environment.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is managing this executive search exclusively for our client. To express your interest in this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
As specialists in connecting elite talent with leading organizations, we understand the nuances of high-stakes placements. To learn more about our dedicated approach, please visit our Legal and Compliance Recruiting practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your experience aligns with this exceptional leadership role.