Role Overview for Chief Innovation Officer – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering force in the medical device industry in their exclusive search for a transformative Chief Innovation Officer (CIO). Based in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, this is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of healthcare technology and patient outcomes. Our client is a globally recognized leader renowned for its commitment to quality, clinical excellence, and groundbreaking solutions that address complex medical challenges. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CIO will be the primary architect of the company’s innovation engine, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. You will be entrusted with the strategic vision and operational execution of the entire research and development pipeline, from nascent ideation to successful global commercialization.
his role demands a unique blend of scientific acumen, strategic foresight, and inspirational leadership. You will be responsible for cultivating a dynamic culture of creativity and calculated risk-taking, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of the rapidly evolving medical technology landscape. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who can not only anticipate future market trends and clinical needs but also translate those insights into a tangible, high-growth product portfolio that solidifies the company’s market leadership for years to come. This is more than a job; it is a chance to leave an indelible mark on an industry and improve the lives of millions of patients worldwide.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Innovation Officer – Chicago, IL
The Chief Innovation Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, overseeing all facets of the company’s innovation lifecycle. Success in this role will be measured by the strategic growth of the product pipeline, the successful launch of disruptive technologies, and the overall strengthening of the company’s competitive position.
Strategic Innovation & Technology Roadmap
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, long-range technology and innovation strategy that aligns with the company’s overarching business objectives. Champion this vision across the organization, securing buy-in from the Board of Directors, executive peers, and key stakeholders.
Product Pipeline Leadership
Assume ultimate ownership of the entire product development process. This includes managing the innovation funnel, overseeing new product discovery, directing rigorous stage-gate development processes, and ensuring timely and on-budget project execution from concept through to market launch.
R&D and Engineering Excellence
Lead, mentor, and inspire a world-class, multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and clinical experts. Foster a high-performance culture characterized by collaboration, accountability, scientific rigor, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Implement best practices in R&D management to optimize efficiency and output.
Technology Scouting & External Innovation
Proactively identify and evaluate emerging technologies, disruptive startups, and potential strategic partners or acquisition targets. Build and maintain a strong network within academia, venture capital, and the broader MedTech ecosystem to source external innovation opportunities.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
Oversee the development and management of the company’s global intellectual property portfolio. Work closely with legal counsel to formulate a robust IP strategy that protects core technologies, provides freedom to operate, and creates a sustainable competitive advantage.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
Ensure all R&D and product development activities are conducted in strict adherence to global regulatory and quality standards. This includes maintaining a deep understanding of requirements from bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical devices, as well as international equivalents (e.g., MDR in Europe). Champion a culture where quality is paramount.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a critical bridge between the technical teams and the commercial side of the business. Collaborate intimately with Marketing, Sales, Clinical Affairs, and Operations to ensure that product development is market-driven and that commercialization strategies are seamlessly executed for maximum impact.
Financial & Resource Management
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring strategic allocation of capital and human resources to projects with the highest potential for return on investment. Provide regular, transparent reporting on project status, budget performance, and key innovation metrics to the executive team and board.
Requirements for the Chief Innovation Officer – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished executive with a demonstrable history of driving innovation and commercial success within the medical device sector. The qualifications for this critical role include:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline 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 5-7 years serving in a senior executive capacity (e.g., Vice President of R&D, Chief Technology Officer, Head of Innovation) with significant P&L and budgetary responsibility.
Commercialization Track Record
A proven and verifiable track record of leading teams to successfully develop and commercialize multiple complex medical devices. Experience with Class II and/or Class III devices, and navigating the associated regulatory pathways (510(k), PMA), is essential.
Technical & Regulatory Acumen
Deep expertise in the medical device design control process (21 CFR 820), quality management systems (ISO 13485), and risk management (ISO 14971). Must possess a strong understanding of the global regulatory landscape.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. The ability to inspire, motivate, and develop large, high-functioning technical teams is paramount. Must be skilled at presenting complex technical and strategic information to a wide range of audiences, from engineers to board members.
Strategic & Business Mindset
A strong strategic thinker with outstanding business acumen. Must be capable of analyzing market dynamics, identifying unmet clinical needs, and building compelling business cases for new technology investments.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in the greater Chicago, IL area. A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client understands that attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent requires a compelling and holistic compensation and benefits package. The successful candidate will be rewarded with:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive compensation package featuring a substantial base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) designed to reward value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. The package includes access to executive health programs, mental health resources, and corporate wellness initiatives.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match, along with access to professional financial planning services.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, supplemented by numerous company-paid holidays, to ensure a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and attendance at major global industry conferences and symposiums to stay at the cutting edge of medical innovation.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, white-glove relocation package to ensure a smooth and seamless transition to the Chicago area for you and your family.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this Chief Innovation Officer position. We invite all qualified and interested candidates to submit their applications for confidential review. To be considered, please submit a current resume along with a cover letter outlining your unique qualifications and your vision for innovation in the medical device industry. Applications should be submitted directly through JRG Partners. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Life Sciences executive search practice area. We look forward to reviewing your credentials and discussing this exceptional opportunity with you.
