Role Overview for Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering global medical device company in their search for a Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer (CECO). Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of Raleigh, North Carolina, this executive leadership role is critical to the organization’s continued success and commitment to integrity.
The CECO will be the principal architect and steward of the company’s global ethics and compliance program, ensuring that all business operations are conducted in strict adherence to legal and ethical standards worldwide. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned compliance professional to shape the ethical culture of a dynamic, innovative organization that is dedicated to improving patient outcomes.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, the CECO will have the autonomy and resources necessary to build, implement, and maintain a best-in-class compliance framework. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the complex regulatory landscape governing the medical device industry.
You will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team and the Board, providing expert guidance on compliance matters and fostering a corporate culture where ethical conduct is a cornerstone of every decision. This role demands a proactive leader who can anticipate emerging risks, translate complex regulations into practical business solutions, and inspire a global team to uphold the highest standards of integrity. You will be responsible for protecting the company’s reputation, mitigating risk, and enabling sustainable growth by ensuring that compliance is seamlessly integrated into all business processes.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – Raleigh, NC
The Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Leadership
Develop, implement, and continuously enhance a comprehensive global ethics and compliance strategy that aligns with the company’s mission, values, and business objectives. Serve as the primary subject matter expert on all compliance-related issues for senior management and the Board of Directors.
Program Management
Oversee all facets of the global compliance program, including the Code of Conduct, policies, procedures, training, monitoring, auditing, and investigations. Ensure the program is effective, practical, and tailored to the specific risks of the medical device industry.
Regulatory Adherence
Maintain expert-level knowledge of and ensure company-wide compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, U.S. FDA regulations for medical devices, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, HIPAA, and international equivalents such as the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
Policy Development & Implementation
Lead the creation, review, and dissemination of clear and concise compliance policies and procedures covering key risk areas such as anti-bribery and anti-corruption (FCPA, UK Bribery Act), interactions with healthcare professionals, promotional practices, data privacy (GDPR, CCPA), and conflicts of interest.
Training & Communication
Design and deploy engaging and effective compliance training programs for all employees, board members, and relevant third parties. Champion a robust communication plan to promote awareness of the compliance program and foster a speak-up culture.
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Conduct periodic, enterprise-wide compliance risk assessments to identify, analyze, and prioritize potential legal and ethical risks. Develop and implement mitigation plans to address identified vulnerabilities.
Monitoring & Auditing
Establish and manage a proactive risk-based monitoring and auditing program to assess the effectiveness of compliance controls, detect potential misconduct, and ensure adherence to company policies and legal requirements.
Investigations
Oversee a clear and consistent process for receiving, investigating, and resolving compliance-related complaints and allegations of misconduct. Manage the company’s anonymous reporting hotline and ensure all investigations are conducted promptly, thoroughly, and impartially.
Reporting & Analytics
Provide regular, comprehensive reports to the CEO, executive leadership team, and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on the operation and effectiveness of the compliance program, including key metrics, investigation outcomes, and emerging risk trends.
Third-Party Due Diligence
Develop and manage a robust due diligence and compliance management program for all third-party intermediaries, including distributors, agents, and consultants, to mitigate third-party risk.
Requirements for the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer – Raleigh, NC
We are seeking a distinguished leader with a proven track record of excellence in the legal and compliance fields. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a top-tier, ABA-accredited law school is required. Must be an active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive legal and compliance experience, with a significant portion of that time spent in-house within the medical device, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industry. A minimum of 7 years in a senior leadership role with direct responsibility for managing a global compliance function and team.
Subject Matter Expertise
Deep and demonstrable expertise in the laws, regulations, and industry codes governing the medical device sector. This includes extensive knowledge of U.S. healthcare fraud and abuse laws (AKS, FCA), FDA promotional regulations, the Sunshine Act, and global anti-corruption laws (FCPA). Experience with data privacy laws (HIPAA, GDPR) is also essential.
Leadership & Management Skills
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global compliance team. Exceptional executive presence and the ability to effectively advise and influence senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Superior written and verbal communication skills. The ability to distill complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for business partners. A collaborative and approachable demeanor with the ability to build strong relationships and consensus across diverse cultures and functions.
Business Acumen
A practical, business-oriented approach to problem-solving. The ability to understand business objectives and provide compliance solutions that enable, rather than hinder, commercial success.
Integrity & Judgment
Unquestionable personal integrity, ethics, and sound judgment. The courage and conviction to make difficult decisions and navigate challenging situations.
Regulatory Interaction
Experience interacting with government regulatory agencies (e.g., DOJ, OIG, FDA) is highly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term equity incentive package (stock options/RSUs).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. A robust wellness program, including gym membership reimbursement and mental health resources.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match and potential for profit sharing.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, numerous paid holidays, and a commitment to flexible work arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Growth
A substantial budget for continuing legal education (CLE), professional certifications (e.g., CCEP), and attendance at key industry conferences to ensure you remain at the forefront of the compliance field.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to move to the dynamic Raleigh, NC area.
Additional Benefits
Company-paid life and disability insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), generous parental leave policies, and other perks.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary and pragmatic compliance leader ready to make a significant impact within a world-class medical device organization, we strongly encourage you to apply. JRG Partners is committed to connecting exceptional leaders with transformative opportunities. Please submit your confidential resume and a detailed cover letter outlining your qualifications for this specific role.
To learn more about how JRG Partners connects top talent with leading organizations in this specialized field, please visit our Legal & Compliance Executive Search practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
