VP Cardiovascular Devices R&D – Minneapolis, MN

Role Overview for VP Cardiovascular Devices R&D – Minneapolis, MN

JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering force in the medical technology industry, a company dedicated to transforming patient care through groundbreaking cardiovascular innovations. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven executive to join their senior leadership team as the Vice President of Cardiovascular Devices Research & Development. This is a premier opportunity based in the thriving med-tech hub of Minneapolis, MN, to lead a world-class R&D organization and shape the future of cardiovascular treatment.

As the VP of R&D, you will be the strategic architect behind the company’s next generation of life-saving and life-enhancing cardiovascular devices. You will command the entire product development lifecycle, from initial ideation and conceptualization through rigorous design, development, verification, validation, and ultimately, successful global commercialization. This role is not just about managing projects; it’s about fostering a culture of relentless innovation, scientific excellence, and engineering prowess. You will be responsible for building and mentoring a high-performance team of engineers, scientists, and technical professionals, empowering them to solve complex clinical challenges.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a profound understanding of the cardiovascular space, a proven track record of bringing Class III medical devices to market, and the strategic acumen to align R&D initiatives with overarching business objectives. You will be a key voice in the company’s long-term strategy, identifying new technological opportunities, evaluating potential acquisitions, and ensuring the product pipeline remains robust, competitive, and clinically relevant. This executive position demands a unique blend of technical depth, business savvy, inspirational leadership, and an unwavering commitment to quality and patient safety. If you are driven by the challenge of creating technologies that have a tangible impact on millions of lives, we invite you to explore this career-defining role.

Key Responsibilities of VP Cardiovascular Devices R&D – Minneapolis, MN

The Vice President of R&D will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational excellence, and team development.

Strategic & Technical Leadership:

Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy and product roadmap that aligns with the company’s strategic goals, market trends, and unmet clinical needs in the cardiovascular sector.

Champion a culture of innovation, encouraging creative problem-solving, and exploring disruptive technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Direct all phases of the product development lifecycle for complex cardiovascular devices, including catheters, stents, heart valves, and electrophysiology systems, from concept to launch and post-market surveillance.

Oversee the management of the intellectual property portfolio, including patent strategy, invention disclosures, and competitive landscape analysis to protect and expand the company’s technological assets.

Serve as the primary technical advisor to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors, providing insights on industry trends, technological advancements, and R&D performance.

Team & Organizational Development:

Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-disciplinary R&D organization, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software development, materials science, and clinical research teams.

Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture that attracts, retains, and develops top-tier talent.

Implement best-in-class R&D processes, design controls, and project management methodologies to ensure predictable execution, on-time delivery, and budget adherence.

Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the R&D department to drive continuous improvement in efficiency, quality, and innovation.

Allocate and manage a significant R&D budget, ensuring optimal investment in projects, personnel, and infrastructure to achieve strategic objectives.

Regulatory & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Ensure all R&D activities are conducted in strict compliance with global regulatory standards, including FDA QSR (21 CFR Part 820), ISO 13485, and other relevant international requirements.

Collaborate intimately with Regulatory Affairs to develop and execute successful submission strategies for PMA, 510(k), and CE Mark approvals.

Partner with Clinical Affairs to design and support pre-clinical and clinical studies, ensuring device designs meet clinical performance and safety endpoints.

Work closely with Marketing and Business Development to define product requirements, understand market dynamics, and provide technical support for commercial activities.

Liaise with Operations and Manufacturing teams to ensure seamless design transfer, scalability, and cost-effective production of new devices.

Requirements for the VP Cardiovascular Devices R&D – Minneapolis, MN

We are seeking a distinguished leader with a deep and specific background in medical device innovation. The following qualifications are essential for success in this role:

Educational Background:

An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field such as Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related life sciences discipline is strongly preferred.

A Bachelor of Science in an engineering or technical field is required.

Professional Experience:

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in medical device research and development, with a significant focus on cardiovascular products.

At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership capacity (Director, Senior Director, or VP level), with a proven track record of managing large, multi-disciplinary R&D teams.

Demonstrated success in leading the development and commercialization of multiple Class II and/or Class III cardiovascular medical devices from concept to market approval and launch.

Extensive experience navigating the complex landscape of FDA medical device regulations and international standards (ISO 13485).

Strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-million dollar R&D budgets and resources effectively.

Skills & Competencies:

Strategic Vision

Ability to anticipate future trends, develop long-range plans, and translate a compelling vision into actionable strategy.

Inspirational Leadership

Proven ability to build, lead, and motivate high-performing technical teams, fostering an environment of accountability and innovation.

Technical Expertise

Deep domain knowledge in cardiovascular physiology, pathology, and related medical device technologies (e.g., structural heart, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology).

Business Acumen

Strong understanding of market dynamics, competitive intelligence, and the financial drivers of a medical device business.

Exceptional Communication

Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including executive leadership and external stakeholders.

Problem-Solving

A creative and analytical mindset with a demonstrated ability to overcome significant technical and organizational challenges.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed for executive-level talent. This includes:

Executive Compensation

A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with a robust wellness program.

Retirement Savings

A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.

Generous Paid Time Off

A flexible and substantial paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays, to promote work-life balance.

Relocation Assistance

A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates moving to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Professional Development

A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and advanced training.

Additional Perks

Life insurance, disability coverage, and other ancillary benefits to provide peace of mind for you and your family.

How to Apply

This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative R&D leader with the experience and passion to drive the next wave of cardiovascular 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 leadership philosophy. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Top Cardiovascular Device Executive Search Firm Practice Area page. JRG Partners and our client are equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.