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# Chief Information Security Officer – Philadelphia, PA


Role Overview for Chief Information Security Officer – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a visionary and strategic Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) on behalf of our client, a pioneering medical device company based in the vibrant tech and life sciences hub of Philadelphia, PA. This is a rare opportunity to join a mission-driven organization at the forefront of healthcare innovation, where your expertise will directly contribute to the safety and efficacy of life-saving technologies. As the CISO, you will be the senior-most executive responsible for the company’s global information security posture, tasked with protecting sensitive patient data, intellectual property, and critical infrastructure from an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
This role is not merely technical; it is a key business leadership position that requires a deep understanding of the intersection between technology, regulatory compliance, and corporate strategy. You will be the principal advisor to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors on all matters concerning cybersecurity risk and strategy. You will build and lead a world-class security organization, fostering a culture of security awareness and resilience across the entire company.
The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of developing and executing comprehensive security programs within highly regulated environments, preferably within the medical device, pharmaceutical, or healthcare sectors. You will be instrumental in ensuring that our client’s products, from connected implantables to diagnostic software, are secure by design, thereby safeguarding patient trust and maintaining the company’s sterling reputation for excellence and integrity.
Success in this role means transforming the cybersecurity function from a cost center into a strategic business enabler. You will champion security initiatives that not only mitigate risk but also support product innovation, streamline operations, and build a competitive advantage in a market where data security is paramount. You will be responsible for a multi-million dollar budget, a global team of security professionals, and the overall resilience of the organization against sophisticated cyber adversaries.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Information Security Officer – Philadelphia, PA
The Chief Information Security Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive, long-term information security strategy and roadmap aligned with the company’s business objectives, growth plans, and regulatory obligations. Articulate a clear vision for cybersecurity that inspires confidence and drives execution across the organization.
Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
Establish and oversee a formal GRC framework. Lead enterprise-wide risk assessments to identify, quantify, and prioritize security risks. Ensure full compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including FDA cybersecurity guidance, ISO 27001, and the HIPAA Security Rule. Manage internal and external audits and serve as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies.
Security Operations & Incident Response
Lead the Security Operations Center (SOC) and oversee the 24/7 monitoring, detection, and analysis of security threats. Develop, mature, and regularly test a robust incident response plan to ensure the swift containment, eradication, and recovery from security breaches. Provide executive-level communication during and after critical incidents.
Product & IoT Security
Embed security into the entire product development lifecycle (Secure SDLC). Partner closely with R&D and engineering teams to ensure medical devices, embedded systems, and connected platforms are designed, built, and maintained with the highest standards of security and privacy.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing global team of cybersecurity professionals. Foster a collaborative and innovative culture. Manage resource allocation, professional development, and succession planning to build a resilient and skilled security organization.
Threat Intelligence & Vulnerability Management
Implement a proactive threat intelligence program to anticipate emerging threats targeting the medical device industry. Oversee a comprehensive vulnerability management program, including regular penetration testing, code scanning, and patch management across all corporate and product environments.
Identity & Access Management (IAM)
Architect and manage a modern IAM framework, including privileged access management (PAM), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and single sign-on (SSO), to ensure the principle of least privilege is enforced across all systems and applications.
Vendor & Third-Party Risk Management
Develop and enforce a rigorous program for assessing and managing the cybersecurity risks associated with third-party vendors, suppliers, and partners, ensuring the entire supply chain adheres to the company’s security standards.
Budget & Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual cybersecurity budget, ensuring strategic allocation of capital and operational expenses. Justify investments in security technologies and initiatives by building strong business cases based on risk reduction and ROI.
Executive & Board Reporting
Regularly prepare and present clear, concise reports and dashboards to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors on the state of the company’s security posture, risk levels, and the effectiveness of the security program.
Requirements for the Chief Information Security Officer – Philadelphia, PA
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a distinguished career in cybersecurity. The following qualifications are essential for consideration:
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in information security, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CISO, Deputy CISO, VP of Security) for a global organization.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable experience within a highly regulated industry is mandatory. Direct experience in the medical device, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or healthcare sector is strongly preferred.
Regulatory Knowledge
Deep and practical knowledge of relevant frameworks and regulations such as NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), ISO 27001/27002, HITRUST, HIPAA/HITECH, GDPR, and FDA pre-market and post-market cybersecurity guidance.
Technical Acumen
Broad technical knowledge across multiple security domains, including cloud security (AWS, Azure), network security, application security (SAST/DAST), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and security for IoT/embedded systems.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Cybersecurity) is highly desirable.
Certifications
Professional security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or CRISC are required.
Leadership Skills
Proven ability to lead, influence, and build consensus across all levels of an organization. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business-oriented language for non-technical stakeholders.
Strategic Mindset
A strategic thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to align security initiatives with enterprise goals and risk appetite.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

Executive-level base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
Significant long-term incentives, including stock options and/or restricted stock units (RSUs).
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Generous 401(k) plan with a substantial company match.
Flexible and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy and company holidays.
Full relocation assistance package for candidates moving to the Philadelphia area.
Annual budget for professional development, conferences, and certifications.
Executive wellness programs and a supportive work-life balance culture.
The opportunity to make a tangible impact on patient safety and public health.

How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your confidential resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. All applications will be treated with the utmost discretion.
JRG Partners is a premier executive search firm specializing in the recruitment of senior-level cybersecurity talent. We connect innovative companies with the leaders who can protect them. To learn more about our dedicated practice in this area, please visit our Cybersecurity Executive Search practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.