Role Overview for Chief People Officer – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering medical device company based in the vibrant life sciences hub of Philadelphia, PA, in their search for a transformative Chief People Officer (CPO). Our client is a leader in developing life-saving and life-enhancing medical technologies, driven by a mission to improve patient outcomes through relentless innovation. This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team. The CPO will be the chief architect and steward of the company’s most valuable asset: its people.
In an industry defined by rapid technological advancement, stringent regulatory oversight, and a constant war for specialized talent, the CPO will play a critical role in shaping a high-performance, resilient, and inclusive culture. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive human capital strategy that aligns with and accelerates the company’s ambitious growth objectives.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, forward-thinking leader with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the medical device or broader life sciences sector. You will be tasked with building a world-class people function that can scale effectively, attract top-tier talent, and foster an environment where employees feel empowered, engaged, and connected to the company’s mission. This is more than an HR leadership role; it is an opportunity to be a strategic business partner who will profoundly impact the organization’s trajectory and its ability to innovate for patients worldwide.
The CPO will oversee all facets of human resources, including talent acquisition, talent management, organizational development, total rewards, employee relations, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), and HR operations. You will be a trusted advisor to the CEO and the board, providing insightful counsel on all people-related matters, from executive compensation to succession planning and organizational design. Your leadership will ensure that the company not only complies with all relevant regulations but also sets the standard for being an employer of choice in the competitive Philadelphia MedTech landscape.
Key Responsibilities of Chief People Officer – Philadelphia, PA
Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership
- Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to define and execute a long-term human capital strategy that supports sustainable growth, innovation, and market leadership.
- Serve as a strategic advisor and coach to senior leaders, providing guidance on organizational design, change management, leadership development, and workforce planning.
- Translate business priorities into actionable, progressive HR initiatives that drive employee performance and engagement.
- Utilize data analytics and HR metrics to provide insights, inform decision-making, and measure the effectiveness of people-related programs and investments.
- Champion the company’s mission, vision, and values, ensuring they are deeply embedded in all aspects of the employee lifecycle.
Talent Acquisition & Management
- Design and lead a sophisticated, proactive talent acquisition strategy to attract, assess, and hire top-tier talent, from niche R&D scientists to skilled commercial professionals.
- Develop a robust talent management framework, including comprehensive succession planning for critical roles and high-potential employee development programs.
- Implement and refine performance management systems that foster a culture of continuous feedback, accountability, and professional growth.
- Create innovative learning and development programs that enhance employee skills, support career progression, and build leadership capabilities across the organization.
Organizational Development & Culture
- Act as the primary architect of the company culture, actively shaping an environment that is inclusive, collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven.
- Lead DE&I strategy and initiatives, ensuring the company fosters a sense of belonging for all employees and leverages diversity as a competitive advantage.
- Spearhead change management efforts related to M&A activities, organizational restructuring, and process improvements to ensure smooth transitions and employee buy-in.
- Develop and monitor employee engagement and feedback mechanisms, translating insights into tangible actions to improve the employee experience.
Total Rewards & HR Operations
- Oversee the design and administration of a competitive and equitable total rewards strategy, including compensation, benefits, equity programs, and recognition initiatives.
- Ensure compensation and benefits programs are aligned with market trends, business objectives, and the company’s financial goals.
- Modernize and optimize HR operations, systems, and technologies (HRIS) to improve efficiency, data accuracy, and the user experience for employees and managers.
- Ensure meticulous compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, particularly those specific to the medical device industry, such as navigating complex regulatory environments.
Requirements for the Chief People Officer – Philadelphia, PA
Required Qualifications:
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (VP or higher) overseeing the entire HR function.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
- Demonstrable experience within the medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or a related regulated life sciences industry is essential.
- Proven track record of success as a strategic business partner to a CEO and senior executive team, with the ability to influence and drive change at the highest levels.
- Deep expertise across all HR disciplines, including talent acquisition, organizational development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and compliance.
- Experience leading the people function through periods of significant organizational growth and transformation, including M&A and integration activities.
- Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to understand and articulate the impact of HR initiatives on the company’s bottom line.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree (MBA, MHRM, or similar) is highly preferred.
- SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification is a strong plus.
- Experience working in both public and private equity-backed company environments.
- Experience leading a global or multi-national HR function.
- A reputation as a modern, data-driven HR leader who embraces technology and innovative people practices.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels of the organization.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. The package includes:
Competitive Compensation
An attractive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term equity incentive package.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low employee contributions for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company-paid holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including conferences, certifications, and executive coaching.
Wellness Programs
Company-sponsored wellness initiatives, including gym membership reimbursements and mental health support resources.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy. We encourage you to apply promptly as we are actively reviewing candidates.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the life sciences and healthcare sectors. To learn more about our expertise in placing top-tier HR leaders, please visit our JRG Partners’ Human Resources Executive Search practice page. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
