Role Overview for Chief R&D Officer – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a transformative Chief Research and Development (R&D) Officer on behalf of our client, a pioneering leader in the medical device industry. Located in the thriving life sciences hub of Philadelphia, PA, this is a career-defining opportunity for a visionary executive to steer the entire innovation pipeline of a company dedicated to improving patient outcomes through groundbreaking technology. The successful candidate will be a cornerstone of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, and will hold ultimate responsibility for the company’s technological vision, product development roadmap, and intellectual property strategy.
This role is not merely about managing a department; it is about building the future. You will be tasked with cultivating a world-class R&D organization, fostering a culture of relentless innovation, scientific rigor, and collaborative excellence. You will oversee every stage of the product lifecycle, from initial ideation and feasibility studies through to design, development, verification, validation, and successful regulatory submission and commercial launch.
As the Chief R&D Officer, your influence will extend across the entire organization, collaborating closely with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Quality Assurance to ensure that our product portfolio not only meets the highest standards of safety and efficacy but also addresses unmet clinical needs and achieves significant market success. You will be the champion of innovation, the steward of our technological assets, and the strategic mind that positions our client at the forefront of the medical device landscape for years to come.
We are seeking a leader who is both a brilliant strategist and a hands-on mentor, capable of inspiring a diverse team of engineers, scientists, and clinical experts. Your leadership will ensure that the R&D function operates with efficiency, agility, and a clear focus on strategic objectives. This position demands a deep understanding of the competitive landscape, emerging technologies, and the complex regulatory environment that governs the medical device sector. If you are a results-driven R&D executive with a proven track record of bringing innovative medical devices to market and a passion for making a tangible impact on global health, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief R&D Officer – Philadelphia, PA
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business goals. Define the long-term technology roadmap and product pipeline to ensure sustained growth and market leadership.
Product Development Oversight
Lead the end-to-end product development process for all new and next-generation medical devices, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Implement and refine robust design control processes.
Team Building & Mentorship
Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary R&D team. Foster a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative culture that encourages creativity, risk-taking, and continuous learning. Provide mentorship and career development opportunities for team members.
Budget & Resource Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the R&D department. Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources, capital, and personnel to achieve strategic priorities.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
Ensure all R&D activities and documentation rigorously comply with global regulatory standards, including FDA QSR (21 CFR 820), ISO 13485, and other relevant international requirements. Partner with the Quality and Regulatory Affairs teams to navigate the submission and approval processes successfully.
Intellectual Property Management
Direct the company’s intellectual property strategy. Work with legal counsel to identify, protect, and expand the company’s portfolio of patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, creating a powerful competitive advantage.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the executive team, providing technical insights and strategic guidance. Collaborate effectively with commercial, operational, clinical, and financial leaders to ensure seamless product launches and lifecycle management.
External Innovation & Partnerships
Monitor the external landscape for emerging technologies, market trends, and competitive activities. Identify and evaluate opportunities for strategic partnerships, technology licensing, and acquisitions to enhance the company’s innovation capabilities.
Clinical & Scientific Acumen
Engage with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), clinicians, and scientific advisors to gather insights, validate product concepts, and ensure that new products meet the evolving needs of the medical community and patients.
Requirements for the Chief R&D Officer – Philadelphia, PA
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience within the medical device industry, with at least 7-10 years in a senior R&D leadership role (e.g., VP, Senior Director) with significant strategic and budgetary responsibilities.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrable success in leading the development and commercialization of multiple complex medical devices, from concept through market launch. Experience with Class II and/or Class III devices is highly desirable.
Regulatory Expertise
In-depth, practical knowledge of global medical device regulations and standards. Must have extensive experience with design controls and navigating the FDA’s rigorous regulatory pathways, including 510(k) and PMA submissions.
Technical Proficiency
Broad technical expertise across relevant engineering and scientific disciplines. Must possess the ability to understand complex technical challenges and guide teams toward innovative and practical solutions.
Strategic & Business Acumen
Strong business and financial acumen with experience in strategic planning, portfolio management, and financial modeling. Ability to translate technical and clinical value into a compelling business case.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. A proven ability to inspire and motivate teams, manage conflict, and drive performance in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company headquarters in the greater Philadelphia, PA area. Relocation assistance is available for the ideal candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package (stock options or RSUs) that provides a meaningful stake in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package to support a smooth transition to the Philadelphia area.
Professional Development
A budget for continuing education, executive coaching, and attendance at key industry conferences.
Additional Perks
Other benefits may include life insurance, disability coverage, and a wellness program.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is conducting this executive search on an exclusive basis for our client. If you are a visionary R&D leader with the experience and passion to drive the next wave of medical device innovation, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
For more information or to discuss your qualifications, please connect with our expert recruiters in the Life Sciences practice area who specialize in placing top talent within the medical device sector. We look forward to learning more about your background and how you can contribute to our client’s mission.
