Role Overview for Chief Medical Officer – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a trailblazing, venture-backed medical device company based in the heart of innovation, San Francisco, CA. Our client is on a mission to revolutionize patient outcomes in their therapeutic area through cutting-edge technology and a patient-centric approach. They have developed a groundbreaking platform that is poised to set a new standard of care. We are seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to join their executive leadership team and steer the company through its next phase of clinical development, regulatory approval, and global commercialization.
As the Chief Medical Officer, you will be the primary clinical and medical authority within the organization. This is a pivotal role that combines deep medical expertise, strategic leadership, and a passion for innovation. You will be responsible for architecting and executing the company’s global clinical development strategy, overseeing all clinical trials, and ensuring regulatory compliance. You will serve as the key medical spokesperson for the company, engaging with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), regulatory bodies, investors, and strategic partners.
his position requires a dynamic leader who can thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and is driven by the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of patients worldwide. You will be instrumental in shaping the company’s future, providing critical medical insights that will influence product development, corporate strategy, and market positioning. You will lead a growing team of dedicated medical and clinical professionals, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and excellence.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Medical Officer – San Francisco, CA
The Chief Medical Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing clinical strategy, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, and team leadership. Your expertise will be critical in guiding the company from late-stage clinical trials to successful market launch and beyond.
Clinical Strategy and Development
Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term clinical development strategy aligned with corporate objectives. Design and oversee the implementation of all clinical trials, from protocol development to final study reports, ensuring they are conducted with the highest standards of quality, ethics, and efficiency. Provide medical and scientific oversight for all clinical programs, ensuring robust data collection and analysis to support regulatory submissions and publications.
Regulatory Affairs Leadership
Serve as the primary medical liaison with global regulatory agencies, including the FDA, EMA, and other international bodies. Lead the preparation and submission of key regulatory documents, such as Investigational Device Exemptions (IDEs), Premarket Approvals (PMAs), and 510(k)s. Ensure all clinical activities are in strict compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), regulatory guidelines, and internal SOPs. Your expertise in navigating the complex regulatory landscape will be paramount to the company’s success.
Medical Affairs and KOL Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with a global network of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), principal investigators, and clinical advisors. Develop and lead the company’s medical affairs strategy, including scientific communications, publications, and medical education initiatives. Represent the company at major medical conferences, advisory board meetings, and investor presentations, effectively communicating the clinical value and scientific merit of the company’s technology.
Product Development and Safety Oversight
Provide critical medical and clinical input to the R&D and engineering teams throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept to post-market surveillance. Establish and oversee a robust pharmacovigilance and medical safety monitoring program for all clinical trials and commercial products. Ensure timely and accurate assessment and reporting of all adverse events.
Executive Leadership and Team Management
As a key member of the executive team, contribute to the overall corporate strategy, business development activities, and fundraising efforts. Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of clinical and medical affairs professionals. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented culture within the department and across the organization. Manage the departmental budget, resources, and external vendors to achieve strategic goals efficiently.
Requirements for the Chief Medical Officer – San Francisco, CA
We are seeking an accomplished medical leader with a proven track record of success in the medical device industry. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of scientific acumen, strategic thinking, and inspirational leadership.
Medical Doctorate (MD)
An MD or equivalent degree is required. Board certification in a relevant specialty is highly preferred. An advanced degree such as a PhD, MPH, or MBA is a significant plus.
Extensive Industry Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in clinical research and development within the life sciences industry, with at least 7-10 years specifically in the medical device sector. A minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP, Senior Director, or CMO) with direct management responsibility is essential.
Proven Clinical Trial Expertise
Demonstrable experience designing, executing, and managing all phases of clinical trials for medical devices, including pivotal trials intended to support regulatory approval. Deep knowledge of clinical trial methodologies, biostatistics, and data interpretation.
Regulatory Mastery
In-depth, hands-on experience with global regulatory submissions and a successful track record of interactions with the FDA (PMA and/or 510(k) pathways) and other major international regulatory authorities. Thorough understanding of GCP, ISO standards, and other relevant regulations.
Leadership and Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership, management, and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Superb written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific and clinical concepts to a wide range of audiences, from physicians and scientists to investors and commercial partners.
Strategic and Business Acumen
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Experience working in a fast-paced, resource-constrained startup environment is highly desirable. Ability to seamlessly integrate clinical and medical strategy with overall business goals.
Location
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area to work closely with the executive team and foster a strong on-site presence.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. They believe in investing in their employees’ well-being and professional growth.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Meaningful Equity
A substantial equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity to share directly in the success you help create.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, with a significant portion of the premiums covered by the company.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to paid company holidays, to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for professional development, including attendance at key industry conferences, continuing education, and leadership training.
Innovative Culture
The opportunity to work with a brilliant, passionate, and mission-driven team in a dynamic and collaborative environment where your contributions will have a direct and lasting impact.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative medical leader with the experience and passion to drive a pioneering medical device company to success, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. You can learn more about our expertise in this area by visiting the JRG Partners’ Healthcare & Life Sciences Executive Search practice page.
JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
