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# Chief Information Security Officer – San Diego, CA


Role Overview for Chief Information Security Officer – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) on behalf of our client, a pioneering medical device company headquartered in the vibrant tech hub of San Diego, CA. This is a rare opportunity to join a C-suite team dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovation, where the security of products and data directly impacts patient lives and well-being. The CISO will be the organization’s senior-most leader responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive, enterprise-wide information security and risk management program.
In an era where medical devices are increasingly connected, the threat landscape is more complex and dynamic than ever. This role is not merely about protecting corporate IT systems; it is about safeguarding the entire ecosystem, from R&D data and patient health information (PHI) to the embedded software in life-saving and life-sustaining devices. You will be the strategic visionary who builds the ‘immune system’ for the company’s technology, ensuring resilience against sophisticated cyber threats while enabling the business to innovate and grow securely.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CISO will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors. You will be responsible for developing a forward-thinking security strategy that aligns with business objectives, navigates a complex web of global regulations (including FDA, HIPAA, and GDPR), and fosters a culture of security awareness throughout the organization.
This position demands a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, exceptional leadership skills, and an unwavering commitment to ethical responsibility. You will be the champion of security, building bridges between engineering, legal, compliance, and business units to create a unified defense posture. The ideal candidate is a transformative leader who can move beyond traditional compliance-based security and build a proactive, intelligence-driven program that becomes a competitive advantage for the company.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Information Security Officer – San Diego, CA
The CISO will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Program Development
Design, implement, and mature a comprehensive enterprise information security vision, strategy, and program. Develop a strategic roadmap to address evolving threats, align with business goals, and ensure the long-term security and resilience of the organization.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
Establish and oversee a formal GRC framework. Develop, publish, and enforce corporate security policies, standards, and procedures in alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA, HITECH, GDPR, CCPA, FDA pre-market and post-market guidance). Lead risk assessment activities, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing across the enterprise.
Product & Device Security (DevSecOps)
Act as a key partner to the R&D and Product Development teams to integrate security into the entire System Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Champion the implementation of secure coding practices, threat modeling, and security testing for embedded systems, IoT devices, mobile applications, and cloud-based platforms.
Security Operations & Incident Response
Lead the Security Operations Center (SOC) function, including threat intelligence gathering, network monitoring, and security event analysis. Develop and mature the company’s incident response plan, leading tabletop exercises and managing the response to any security incidents or breaches with speed and precision.
Data Protection & Privacy
Architect and implement robust data protection strategies to safeguard sensitive corporate information and Protected Health Information (PHI). Oversee the deployment of Data Loss Prevention (DLP) technologies and data classification schemas.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Define the strategy and oversee the implementation of IAM solutions to ensure the principle of least privilege is maintained for employees, contractors, and partners across all critical systems and applications.
Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management
Establish a comprehensive program to assess and manage the security risk posed by third-party vendors, suppliers, and business partners, ensuring they meet the company’s security standards.
Budget and Team Management
Develop and manage the annual information security budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources. Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of security professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
Executive & Board Communication
Translate complex cybersecurity risks and concepts into clear, actionable business terms for the executive team and Board of Directors. Provide regular, concise reporting on the status and effectiveness of the information security program.
Requirements for the Chief Information Security Officer – San Diego, CA
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished leader with the following qualifications:
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in information security, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., CISO, VP of Security, Senior Director) with proven experience setting strategy and managing teams.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable experience within a highly regulated industry is mandatory. Strong preference will be given to candidates with direct experience in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare. A deep understanding of the unique challenges of securing connected medical devices and manufacturing environments is critical.
Regulatory Fluency
Expert-level knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, including FDA cybersecurity guidance (pre- and post-market), HIPAA Security and Privacy Rules, NIST standards, ISO 27001/27002, and international privacy laws like GDPR.
Technical Acumen
Broad and deep technical knowledge across all security domains, including cloud security (AWS/Azure), application security, network architecture, cryptography, security operations, and IAM. Familiarity with key frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is essential.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Engineering, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, M.S. in Cybersecurity) is highly desirable.
Professional Certifications
One or more leading security certifications are required, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).
Leadership & Communication Skills
Proven ability to lead, influence, and build consensus across all levels and departments of an organization. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate a vision, translate technical details for non-technical audiences, and present confidently to executive leadership.
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, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term equity incentive package.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Professional Growth
A substantial budget for professional development, including industry conferences, training, and certifications.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
Impact
The opportunity to build a world-class security program at a mission-driven company whose products save and improve lives daily.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary cybersecurity leader with a passion for protecting critical healthcare technology and a proven track record of building successful security programs, we invite you to explore this confidential opportunity. JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this critical CISO position.
To express your interest and begin the application process, please connect with our team through our official practice area page. You can learn more about our expertise in this domain and submit your credentials by visiting our Information Technology & Cybersecurity Executive Search page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.