Role Overview for VP Neurovascular Product Development – Irvine, CA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering medical device company at the forefront of neurological treatment. We are seeking a visionary and transformative leader to assume the role of Vice President of Neurovascular Product Development. Based in the vibrant med-tech hub of Irvine, California, this executive position is a unique opportunity to shape the future of stroke care, aneurysm treatment, and other critical neurovascular interventions. The successful candidate will be a strategic leader with a profound understanding of the entire product lifecycle, from conceptualization to commercialization, and a passion for developing technologies that save lives and improve patient outcomes.
As the VP of Neurovascular Product Development, you will hold ultimate responsibility for the company’s R&D pipeline and product development strategy. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of world-class engineers, scientists, and project managers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and executional excellence. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s growth trajectory, market position, and ability to address unmet clinical needs in the complex and rapidly evolving neurovascular space. This role requires a dynamic blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and inspirational leadership. You will be tasked with overseeing the development of next-generation catheter-based systems, coils, stents, and other implantable devices, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and quality. You will navigate the intricate landscape of global regulatory requirements, manage substantial budgets, and collaborate closely with executive peers in Marketing, Clinical Affairs, Operations, and Sales to ensure seamless product launches and sustained market success. This is more than a job; it is a chance to leave an indelible mark on an industry and on the lives of millions of patients worldwide.
Key Responsibilities of VP Neurovascular Product Development – Irvine, CA
The Vice President of Neurovascular Product Development will be accountable for a wide range of strategic and operational duties, including but not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Management
- Develop and execute a comprehensive product development strategy and technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives and addresses key market trends and clinical needs.
- Conduct in-depth market analysis, competitive intelligence, and technology assessments to identify new product opportunities and potential portfolio gaps.
- Champion a culture of innovation, encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of novel technologies and therapeutic approaches for treating conditions like ischemic stroke and cerebral aneurysms.
- Manage the entire neurovascular product portfolio, making data-driven decisions regarding project prioritization, resource allocation, and lifecycle management for new and existing products.
- Present strategic plans, project updates, and business cases to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors, effectively communicating technical complexities and commercial potential.
R&D and Engineering Excellence
- Provide executive oversight for all R&D and product development activities, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Lead and mentor a high-performing organization of engineers (mechanical, biomedical, software), scientists, and technical staff, fostering their professional growth and development.
- Implement and refine best-in-class product development processes (PDP), incorporating principles of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), lean product development, and agile methodologies where appropriate.
- Drive the technical execution of complex projects, including device design, material selection, prototyping, verification and validation testing, and design transfer to manufacturing.
- Oversee the management of intellectual property, working with legal counsel to build and defend a robust patent portfolio.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
- Ensure all product development activities are conducted in strict compliance with global regulatory standards, including FDA QSR (21 CFR Part 820), ISO 13485, and Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
- Partner closely with the Regulatory Affairs team to develop and execute successful regulatory submission strategies for new products, including 510(k)s and PMAs.
- Champion a quality-first mindset throughout the R&D organization, ensuring robust design controls, risk management (ISO 14971), and documentation practices are meticulously followed.
- Act as a key stakeholder in regulatory body audits and inspections, confidently representing the company’s R&D and product development functions. Staying current with all FDA medical device regulations is paramount.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key cross-functional leaders, including VPs of Marketing, Sales, Clinical Affairs, Operations, and Quality Assurance.
- Work with Marketing to define product requirements, target market segments, and value propositions based on voice-of-customer feedback and clinical insights.
- Collaborate with Clinical Affairs to design and support pre-clinical and clinical studies required for regulatory approval and market adoption.
- Engage with key opinion leaders (KOLs), neurointerventional surgeons, and clinicians to gather insights, validate product concepts, and build advocacy for the company’s technology.
- Manage departmental budgets, forecasting, and long-range financial planning to ensure efficient use of company resources.
Requirements for the VP Neurovascular Product Development – Irvine, CA
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a proven track record of success in medical device product development, specifically within a relevant and complex field.
Educational & Professional Experience
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree is required.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the medical device industry, with at least 10 years in a leadership role managing R&D and product development teams.
- Direct and extensive experience in the neurovascular, peripheral vascular, or complex cardiovascular device space is mandatory. Specific experience with products such as catheters, guidewires, stents, flow diverters, or embolic coils is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated success in leading multiple products through the entire development lifecycle, from concept to successful commercial launch in major global markets (US, EU, etc.).
- Proven experience managing large, multidisciplinary teams and multi-million dollar departmental budgets.
Skills & Competencies
- Deep technical expertise in the design and development of Class II and Class III medical devices.
- Expert-level knowledge of global regulatory pathways, quality systems (ISO 13485, QSR), and design controls.
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a talent for translating complex market needs into actionable product development plans.
- Outstanding leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire teams, influence stakeholders, and articulate a compelling vision.
- Strong business and financial acumen, with experience in P&L management, budgeting, and resource planning.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and results-oriented environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Executive Salary
A compelling base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Program
A significant annual performance-based bonus plan tied to individual and company achievements.
Equity/Long-Term Incentives
A meaningful equity package (stock options or RSUs) to ensure you share in the long-term success you help create.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates moving to the Irvine, CA area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for conferences, executive coaching, and continuing education to support your growth.
Wellness Programs
Access to wellness initiatives and resources to support your health and well-being.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your unique qualifications and interest. We invite you to learn more about our expertise in this sector by visiting the JRG Partners’ Orthopedic Devices Executive Search Firm practice area page. Join us in advancing the field of neurovascular medicine and making a tangible difference in patients’ lives. We look forward to reviewing your application.
