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# Chief Medical Officer – San Diego, CA


Role Overview for Chief Medical Officer – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, venture-backed medical device company at the forefront of therapeutic innovation. Located in the vibrant life sciences hub of San Diego, CA, our client is dedicated to developing and commercializing next-generation technologies that address significant unmet medical needs and fundamentally improve patient outcomes. Their culture is one of relentless innovation, scientific rigor, and a shared passion for making a tangible difference in the world.
We are seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a paramount role that will serve as the company’s lead medical and clinical authority, providing the strategic direction and hands-on leadership necessary to advance the company’s product pipeline through all phases of clinical development and commercialization. The CMO will be the primary architect of the clinical strategy, ensuring that all clinical activities are scientifically sound, ethically conducted, and aligned with regulatory requirements and commercial objectives.
As a key member of the C-suite, you will collaborate closely with the CEO, CTO, and other executive leaders to shape the overall corporate strategy. You will be the medical voice of the company to a wide range of external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), clinical investigators, investors, and strategic partners. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned physician-executive to leave an indelible mark on a high-growth organization and influence the future standard of care in their therapeutic area.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Medical Officer – San Diego, CA
The Chief Medical Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory strategy, and executive leadership. Success in this role requires a blend of deep scientific expertise, strategic acumen, and inspirational leadership.
Clinical Development & Strategy

Develop, articulate, and execute the overarching clinical development strategy for the company’s portfolio, from first-in-human studies through post-market approval.
Oversee the design, planning, and execution of all clinical trials, ensuring they are conducted with the highest standards of quality, ethical integrity, and operational efficiency.
Provide expert medical oversight for ongoing trials, including monitoring patient safety, interpreting clinical data, and making critical decisions regarding study conduct.
Author and review key clinical documents, including protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports (CSRs), and sections of regulatory submissions.
Stay abreast of the competitive landscape, emerging scientific research, and evolving clinical practices to ensure the company’s clinical strategy remains innovative and relevant.

Medical Affairs & Safety

Build and lead a world-class Medical Affairs function to support product commercialization and lifecycle management.
Establish and direct the company’s pharmacovigilance and medical safety strategy, ensuring robust systems are in place for safety data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Serve as the ultimate authority on all medical safety issues, providing guidance and making decisions on risk management and mitigation strategies.
Develop and execute a comprehensive publication and communication strategy to disseminate clinical data effectively to the medical community through peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.
Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a global network of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), scientific advisors, and professional societies.

Regulatory Leadership

Partner with the Head of Regulatory Affairs to devise and implement global regulatory strategies that optimize development timelines and maximize the probability of successful product approvals.
Serve as the lead medical expert in interactions with global health authorities, including the FDA, EMA, and other regulatory bodies.
Provide critical medical and clinical insights for the preparation of major regulatory submissions, including Investigational Device Exemptions (IDEs), Premarket Approvals (PMAs), and 510(k)s.
Ensure all clinical activities are in full compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), international guidelines, and all applicable regulations from bodies such as the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH).

Executive Leadership & Management

As a member of the executive team, contribute to the development and execution of the company’s overall business strategy, long-range planning, and corporate goals.
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of professionals across clinical development, clinical operations, and medical affairs.
Foster a dynamic, collaborative, and scientifically driven culture within the clinical organization and across the company.
Effectively manage departmental budgets, resources, and timelines to achieve corporate objectives.
Represent the company’s medical and scientific platform to the investment community, potential partners, and the Board of Directors.

Requirements for the Chief Medical Officer – San Diego, CA
The ideal candidate will be a results-oriented physician leader with a proven track record of success in the medical device industry. We are looking for an individual with the intellect, experience, and executive presence to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Education
An M.D. or D.O. is required. Board certification in a relevant medical specialty is strongly preferred. An advanced degree such as a PhD, MPH, or MBA is considered a significant asset.
Industry Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience within the medical device, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industry, with at least 10 years in a leadership role within clinical development and/or medical affairs.
Medical Device Expertise
Deep, hands-on experience in the medical device sector is essential. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully leading a device through the entire clinical development lifecycle, resulting in regulatory approval and successful commercial launch.
Regulatory Acumen
Extensive experience interacting directly with the FDA and other international regulatory agencies is required. Must have a thorough understanding of the global regulatory landscape for medical devices, including IDE, PMA, and 510(k) pathways.
Leadership Skills
Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and motivate high-performing teams. Must possess exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Communication
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. The ability to clearly and persuasively articulate complex scientific and clinical concepts to a wide variety of audiences, from scientists and clinicians to investors and commercial partners.
Personal Attributes
High level of integrity and ethics. A collaborative, team-oriented mindset. A ‘player-coach’ mentality with a willingness to be hands-on when necessary. Strong business acumen and the ability to balance scientific goals with commercial realities.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Ownership
A substantial long-term incentive package, including stock options or RSUs, providing a meaningful opportunity to share in the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. A robust wellness program, including gym membership reimbursement and mental health resources.
Retirement Planning
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and a commitment to supporting a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for continuing medical education, attending key scientific conferences, and maintaining professional memberships.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the exceptional candidate who is not currently based in the San Diego area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm retained to manage this prestigious Chief Medical Officer recruitment. We are committed to a thorough and confidential search process.
To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your curriculum vitae (CV) and a compelling cover letter that outlines your specific qualifications and suitability for the role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
For more information about our specialized expertise in this sector and to explore other leadership opportunities, please visit our Medical Device Executive Search practice page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. They celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.