Role Overview for VP, Clinical Development with a MedTech Company – Irvine, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering medical technology company based in the vibrant innovation hub of Irvine, California. Our client is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking medical devices that address critical unmet needs and significantly improve patient outcomes. They are seeking a strategic, results-oriented, and visionary leader to join their executive team as the Vice President of Clinical Development. This is a paramount role responsible for providing the strategic direction and operational oversight for the company’s entire clinical development portfolio.
The VP of Clinical Development will be the chief architect of the clinical evidence strategy, steering the company’s innovative products from early-stage development through to global regulatory approval and commercialization. This individual will be instrumental in shaping the future of the organization by ensuring clinical programs are executed with the highest standards of scientific rigor, ethical conduct, and operational excellence. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
This position requires a unique blend of scientific expertise, business acumen, and inspirational leadership to navigate the complex and dynamic landscape of MedTech clinical trials and regulatory affairs. If you are a seasoned clinical development leader passionate about translating cutting-edge technology into life-changing medical solutions, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Clinical Development with a MedTech Company – Irvine, CA
The Vice President of Clinical Development will assume a wide range of critical responsibilities, driving the clinical function to achieve corporate milestones. Key duties include:
Strategic Clinical Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, long-range global clinical development strategy that is tightly aligned with the company’s corporate objectives and commercial goals. Provide expert clinical and scientific input to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors, influencing key business and portfolio decisions.
Clinical Trial Design and Execution
Provide ultimate oversight for the design, planning, and execution of all clinical studies, including feasibility, pivotal, and post-market trials. Ensure protocols are scientifically sound, operationally feasible, and designed to meet global regulatory requirements for product approval and market access.
Regulatory Strategy and Interaction
Serve as the primary clinical representative in interactions with global regulatory authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Notified Bodies, and other international agencies. Lead the development and authoring of clinical sections of regulatory submissions, such as Investigational Device Exemptions (IDEs), Premarket Approvals (PMAs), 510(k)s, and CE Mark technical files.
Team Leadership and Development
Build, lead, mentor, and inspire a world-class clinical development organization. This includes overseeing Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Data Management, and Medical Writing functions. Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture, promoting professional growth and development within the team.
Operational and Financial Oversight
Establish and manage the clinical development budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets. Develop robust processes and systems to ensure clinical trials are completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), industry standards, and all applicable regulations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as a key collaborative partner to other functional leaders, including Research & Development, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Marketing. Ensure seamless integration of clinical development activities with the overall product development lifecycle. Provide clinical insights to support product design, health economics, and market access strategies.
Data Analysis and Publication Strategy
Oversee the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of clinical trial data. Drive the development of a strategic publication and presentation plan to disseminate clinical results to the medical and scientific communities through peer-reviewed journals and major medical conferences.
External Relationship Management
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), principal investigators, clinical research organizations (CROs), and other external partners to ensure the successful execution of clinical programs and to stay at the forefront of medical and scientific advancements.
Requirements for the VP, Clinical Development with a MedTech Company – Irvine, CA
The ideal candidate will be a distinguished leader with a proven track record of success in medical device clinical development. The following qualifications are essential for this role:
Educational Background
An advanced degree in a scientific or medical field is required. MD, PhD, or PharmD is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in clinical research and development within the medical device, MedTech, or pharmaceutical industry. At least 7-10 years must be in a senior leadership capacity, with demonstrated experience managing and scaling a clinical development function.
Regulatory Expertise
Extensive, hands-on experience in leading regulatory submissions for medical devices (Class II and Class III). A deep and nuanced understanding of global regulatory landscapes, including FDA regulations (21 CFR Part 812, 814), ISO 14155, and the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR). Proven success in negotiating with regulatory agencies is critical.
Operational Excellence
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-center, global clinical trials from concept to completion. Strong project management skills and a history of delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced environment are essential.
Scientific Acumen
Strong scientific and analytical skills, with the ability to critically evaluate clinical and preclinical data, design robust clinical trial protocols, and contribute to scientific publications. Experience in therapeutic areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, or a related field is highly desirable.
Leadership and Management Skills
Exceptional leadership qualities with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a diverse team. A strategic thinker who can translate high-level goals into actionable plans. Must possess outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and build consensus across all levels of the organization.
Communication Skills
Impeccable written and verbal communication skills. The ability to clearly and effectively present complex scientific and clinical information to a wide range of audiences, from scientific experts to board members and investors.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term incentive package, including stock options.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to employee development, with support for attending conferences, continuing education, and other professional growth opportunities.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the Irvine, CA area.
Wellness Programs
Access to company-sponsored wellness initiatives, gym membership subsidies, and other resources to support your health and well-being.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. If you are a qualified and passionate clinical development leader ready to make a significant impact at an innovative MedTech company, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role.
To learn more about how we connect top talent with leading companies in the healthcare sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Life Sciences practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
