Director, Compliance Framework & Policies

KARL STORZ North America; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

KARL STORZ North America seeks a strategic Director to lead the Compliance Framework & Policies, partnering with senior leaders to implement scalable, compliant solutions across North America. This role blends governance, training strategy, and culture-building to strengthen the program while enabling business growth.

In this senior, highly visible position, you will translate complex regulations into practical policies, manage risk, and drive cross-functional initiatives with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years of experience in Compliance, Legal, or related functions, preferably in medical device, pharmaceutical, or life sciences.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare compliance regulations, fraud and abuse laws, transparency reporting requirements, OIG guidance, and AdvaMed and/or PhRMA Codes.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and provide practical guidance.
• Excellent executive-level written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of compliance policies, SOPs, guidelines, and work instructions.
• Align materials with laws, regulations, standards, and business objectives.
• Provide policy interpretation, implementation, and compliance guidance to the business.
• Serve as primary compliance partner for commercial and corporate stakeholders.
• Build relationships with leaders to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive compliance training and communications strategy.
• Monitor training effectiveness and reporting; drive culture of compliance across the organization.
• Support executive-level reporting on program performance, risks, and initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Governance

Policy development

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

About KARL STORZ

From the operating room to surgery centers—and everywhere in between—KARL STORZ North America is a global leader in medical technology and advanced visualization solutions. We design specialty innovations, smart instruments and devices, integrated ecosystems, and intelligent imaging—to build a more connected, software-enabled operating room.

As an independent, family-owned MedTech company, we ambitiously think in generations instead of quarters to improve patients’ lives around the world.

About The Role

KARL STORZ is seeking a strategic and influential compliance leader to oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of our Compliance Framework, policies, procedures, training, and culture initiatives across North America.

As Director, Compliance Framework & Policies, you will serve as a trusted business partner to leaders across the organization, translating complex regulatory requirements into practical, scalable solutions that enable business success while managing risk. This highly visible role combines compliance expertise, policy governance, training strategy, and culture-building to strengthen and advance our compliance program.

What You’ll Do

Compliance Framework, Policies & Governance

• Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of compliance policies, SOPs, guidelines, and work instructions.
• Ensure compliance framework materials align with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards, and business objectives.
• Conduct periodic reviews of policies and procedures, driving updates, enhancements, and remediation of control gaps.
• Serve as a key advisor on policy interpretation, implementation, and compliance-related business decisions.

Business Partnership & Risk Advisory

• Act as the primary compliance business partner for commercial and corporate stakeholders.
• Build trusted relationships with leaders across the organization to identify execution risks and develop practical mitigation strategies.
• Provide guidance on ethical, regulatory, and compliance considerations related to new initiatives, processes, and business activities.
• Partner with stakeholders to develop fit-for-purpose solutions that balance compliance expectations with operational effectiveness.

Training, Education & Communications

• Develop and execute a comprehensive compliance training and communications strategy that promotes employee engagement and accountability.
• Drive innovative learning initiatives that address knowledge gaps and strengthen compliance awareness across the organization.
• Oversee compliance training content, learning management processes, onboarding programs, and education-related projects.
• Partner with Compliance Operations to monitor training effectiveness, completion metrics, and reporting.

Culture of Compliance

• Champion a values-based culture grounded in integrity, accountability, and patient trust.
• Partner with business leaders, HR, and senior leadership to foster a safe, inclusive environment that encourages open dialogue and ethical decision-making.
• Build and support a network of Compliance Champions and Ambassadors across the organization.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen awareness of compliance resources, expectations, and company values.

Program Effectiveness & Continuous Improvement

• Enhance systems and processes used to capture, manage, and communicate compliance guidance and advisory support.
• Identify opportunities to improve compliance program effectiveness through process optimization and innovative solutions.
• Support executive-level reporting and provide insights on program performance, risks, and compliance initiatives.
• Monitor emerging regulatory and industry trends to ensure the compliance framework remains current and effective.

Required

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years of experience in Compliance, Legal, or related functions, preferably within the medical device, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience, including coaching, development, and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare compliance regulations, fraud and abuse laws, transparency reporting requirements, OIG guidance, and AdvaMed and/or PhRMA Codes.
• Demonstrated experience resolving complex compliance issues and providing practical business-focused guidance.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and build partnerships across all organizational levels.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent executive-level written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel is approximately 15-25%.

Preferred

• MBA, MS, or JD.
• Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC), Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), or related certification.
• Experience leading compliance policy governance, training programs, and culture initiatives within a regulated industry.

What Will Make You Successful

• You are a trusted advisor and relationship builder. You develop strong partnerships across the organization and are viewed as a practical problem solver who balances compliance requirements with business objectives.
• You influence through credibility and collaboration. You can navigate complex situations, build consensus, and drive decision-making across diverse stakeholder groups.
• You think strategically and execute effectively. You identify opportunities for continuous improvement and translate regulatory expectations into scalable, business-friendly solutions.
• You are passionate about culture and engagement. You create programs that inspire employees to embrace compliance as a business enabler rather than a requirement.
• You thrive in a dynamic environment. You can quickly shift priorities, manage competing initiatives, and make sound decisions in fast-paced situations.

Why KARL STORZ?

Join KARL STORZ and be part of a team creating medical innovations that truly make a difference. Beyond technology, you’ll be part of a culture that values talent as its greatest asset, empowering you to contribute to a mission that improves patient care worldwide.