Executive Search: Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) – Medical Device Sector
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, has been exclusively retained by a pioneering medical device company to identify a transformative Chief Innovation Officer (CIO). This is a career-defining opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and shape the future of healthcare technology from the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant biotech and med-tech hubs: Cambridge, Massachusetts. Our client is a market leader renowned for its commitment to developing life-changing medical solutions. They are seeking a visionary leader who can architect and execute a long-term innovation strategy that will solidify their position at the forefront of the industry and drive the next wave of growth.
This role is more than a leadership position; it is a call to action for an individual passionate about leveraging cutting-edge science and technology to solve complex medical challenges. You will be the central force for innovation, fostering a culture of creativity, calculated risk-taking, and relentless pursuit of excellence across the entire organization. If you are a strategic thinker with a proven track record of bringing groundbreaking medical devices from concept to market, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Role Overview for Chief Innovation Officer – Cambridge, MA
The Chief Innovation Officer will serve as the key architect of the company’s technological future. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), you will be responsible for the entire innovation lifecycle, from initial ideation and technology scouting to product development, clinical validation, and successful commercial launch. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of world-class scientists, engineers, and product managers, providing the vision and strategic direction necessary to build a robust and sustainable pipeline of next-generation medical devices.
Operating from our client’s state-of-the-art R&D facility in Cambridge, MA, you will be immersed in an ecosystem of unparalleled innovation, with access to leading academic institutions, research hospitals, and a thriving network of tech startups. Your mandate will be to harness this environment to identify emerging technologies, forge strategic partnerships, and anticipate future market trends. The ideal candidate will be a master of balancing a long-term, ambitious vision with the pragmatic, disciplined execution required to deliver results in a highly regulated industry. You will be a key member of the executive leadership team, and your insights will be critical in shaping corporate strategy, investment decisions, and long-term business planning. This role demands a unique blend of scientific acumen, commercial savvy, inspirational leadership, and an unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Innovation Officer – Cambridge, MA
The CIO will have a broad and impactful set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Innovation Leadership
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive, long-range innovation and technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s overall strategic goals. Champion a forward-thinking vision that anticipates market shifts, competitive threats, and new technological paradigms.
R&D and Product Pipeline Management
Oversee the entire research and development function, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and the timely execution of projects. Manage the product pipeline from early-stage discovery through to late-stage development, making critical go/no-go decisions based on rigorous technical and commercial assessments.
Technology Scouting & External Innovation
Actively scan the external landscape for disruptive technologies, novel materials, and innovative digital health solutions. Cultivate a strong network within academia, venture capital, and startups to identify and evaluate potential licensing, acquisition, and strategic partnership opportunities.
Intellectual Property Strategy
In collaboration with legal counsel, develop and manage a robust intellectual property portfolio to protect the company’s innovations and create a sustainable competitive advantage. Oversee patent filings, freedom-to-operate analyses, and IP due diligence for potential partnerships.
Regulatory & Clinical Excellence
Provide strategic oversight for regulatory affairs, ensuring all product development activities adhere to global standards. Guide teams in successfully navigating the complex FDA regulatory pathways and other international regulatory bodies, from pre-submission meetings to final market clearance.
Team Leadership and Culture Cultivation
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing R&D organization. Foster a dynamic and inclusive culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent in engineering, science, and product development.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work seamlessly with other executive leaders, including the heads of Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Finance, to ensure that the innovation strategy is fully integrated with the commercial and operational functions of the business. Ensure a smooth transition of products from development to manufacturing and commercialization.
Financial & Budgetary Oversight
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring investments are prioritized to maximize return and strategic impact. Present clear business cases and financial models for new projects and technology investments to the executive team and Board of Directors.
Requirements for the Chief Innovation Officer – Cambridge, MA
The successful candidate will be a seasoned executive with deep experience in the medical device industry and a passion for innovation. We are seeking a candidate who meets the following qualifications:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific field is required. An MBA or equivalent business degree is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience within the medical device industry, with at least 5 years in a senior R&D leadership role (e.g., VP of R&D, CTO, Head of Innovation).
Proven Track Record
Demonstrable success in leading the development and commercialization of multiple innovative, market-leading medical devices (Class II or Class III experience is highly desirable).
Technical Expertise
Broad technical knowledge across relevant disciplines, which may include areas such as surgical robotics, minimally invasive instruments, advanced imaging, connected devices, AI/ML in diagnostics, or novel biomaterials.
Strategic Acumen
Proven ability to think strategically and translate broad corporate goals into a clear, actionable technology and product roadmap. Experience with portfolio management and strategic planning is essential.
Regulatory Knowledge
Deep understanding of the global regulatory landscape for medical devices, including FDA (510(k), PMA) and CE marking requirements.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire and motivate large, diverse teams. A proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels, from the lab bench to the boardroom.
Location
The ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in Cambridge, MA is required. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. The package includes:
- A competitive base salary and significant annual performance-based bonus.
- A substantial long-term incentive plan with equity (stock options/RSUs).
- Comprehensive 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) and company holidays.
- Full relocation package for candidates moving to the Cambridge area.
- A professional development budget to support continuous learning, conference attendance, and executive coaching.
- On-site wellness programs and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
- An opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your work directly impacts patient lives.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is managing this search on an exclusive basis. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. If you are a visionary leader with the experience and drive to lead innovation at a world-class medical device company, we encourage you to apply. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Medical Device & Life Sciences Executive Search practice area. Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications for this specific role.
