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# Chief Innovation Officer – New York, NY


Role Overview for Chief Innovation Officer – New York, NY
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering force in the medical device industry to identify and recruit a transformative Chief Innovation Officer (CIO). Based in the dynamic hub of New York, NY, our client is a globally recognized leader dedicated to developing life-changing medical technologies that improve patient outcomes and redefine standards of care. This is a rare executive leadership opportunity to steer the innovation engine of a company at the forefront of medical technology, shaping the future of healthcare on a global scale.
The Chief Innovation Officer will be a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This role is not merely about managing R&D; it is about architecting the future. You will be responsible for creating and executing a cohesive, forward-thinking innovation strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives.
You will lead a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and product developers, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and relentless curiosity. Your vision will guide the company through the entire innovation lifecycle, from ideation and discovery to product development, regulatory approval, and successful market launch.
We are seeking a strategic visionary with a deep understanding of the medical device landscape, a proven track record of bringing disruptive products to market, and the executive presence to champion innovation across the entire organization. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment and possess the unique ability to balance groundbreaking scientific exploration with pragmatic commercial execution. This position offers the chance to make a profound impact on the company’s trajectory and, more importantly, on the lives of millions of patients worldwide. If you are a leader who can inspire teams to challenge the status quo and turn ambitious ideas into tangible medical solutions, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Innovation Officer – New York, NY
The Chief Innovation Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational excellence, and cultural stewardship. Success in this role requires a hands-on approach to guiding the innovation pipeline while maintaining a high-level strategic perspective. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Innovation Leadership
Develop and implement the company’s overarching long-term technology and innovation roadmap. Identify and champion strategic growth opportunities through new technologies, product categories, and business models.
Research & Development Oversight
Provide executive leadership and direction to the entire R&D organization. Oversee the design, development, and validation of new medical devices, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Portfolio and Pipeline Management
Manage the company’s entire product development pipeline, from early-stage conceptualization to late-stage clinical trials and commercialization. Make critical decisions on project prioritization, resource allocation, and go/no-go milestones.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
Cultivate and sustain a dynamic, agile, and collaborative R&D environment that encourages creative thinking, calculated risk-taking, and continuous learning. Implement processes and systems that empower teams and accelerate the innovation cycle.
Technology Scouting & External Innovation
Proactively identify, evaluate, and integrate external technologies, partnerships, and intellectual property. Build and maintain a strong network with academic institutions, startups, and key opinion leaders to stay ahead of emerging trends.
Intellectual Property Strategy
In partnership with legal counsel, develop and execute a robust intellectual property strategy to protect the company’s innovations and create a sustainable competitive advantage. Oversee patent filings, portfolio management, and freedom-to-operate analyses.
Regulatory and Quality Compliance
Ensure all R&D activities and product development processes adhere to the highest standards of quality and compliance. Provide strategic guidance on navigating complex global regulatory landscapes, including deep familiarity with FDA regulatory guidelines and CE marking requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the primary innovation liaison to other executive leaders. Work closely with Marketing, Sales, Clinical Affairs, and Operations to ensure seamless alignment from product conception to market launch and post-market surveillance.
Financial & Budgetary Management
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of capital and resources to support strategic priorities. Provide regular, transparent reporting on R&D performance, project status, and key metrics to the CEO and Board of Directors.
Team Leadership and Development
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team of top-tier talent. Set clear goals, provide constructive feedback, and create career development pathways to retain and motivate key personnel.
Requirements for the Chief Innovation Officer – New York, NY
This is a senior executive role that demands a unique blend of scientific expertise, business acumen, and inspirational leadership. The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field is required. An MBA or equivalent business education is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience within the medical device industry, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP of R&D, CTO, Head of Innovation) with significant P&L and budgetary responsibility.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrated success in leading the development and commercialization of multiple complex medical devices from concept to market. Experience with Class II and Class III devices is essential.
Regulatory Expertise
In-depth knowledge of global medical device regulations, including FDA 510(k) and PMA pathways, as well as European MDR. Experience interacting directly with regulatory bodies is critical.
Technical Acumen
Broad and deep technical expertise across relevant disciplines, which may include materials science, software development (SaMD), electronics, clinical trial design, and manufacturing processes.
Strategic Mindset
Proven ability to think strategically, anticipate future market and technology trends, and translate them into a coherent and actionable innovation strategy.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership capabilities with a proven ability to inspire, influence, and motivate large, diverse teams. Superior communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to a wide range of audiences, including investors, board members, and clinical partners.
Business Acumen
Strong financial literacy and a deep understanding of market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and commercial strategy within the medical technology sector.
Location
Ability to work on-site from the company’s headquarters in New York, NY, with willingness to travel globally as needed.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term equity incentive package.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and a generous health savings account (HSA) contribution.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match and access to financial planning services.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, to support a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and attendance at key industry conferences to foster continuous growth.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family.
Additional Perks
Includes executive physicals, life and disability insurance, and other perquisites befitting a senior leadership role.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this pivotal Chief Innovation Officer role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your vision for innovation in the medical device industry. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We encourage you to learn more about our expertise by visiting the JRG Partners’ Medical Device Executive Search practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this transformative opportunity with you.