Product Manager

SUMMARY:

The Product Manager reports to the VP of Sales & Marketing and has responsibilities for activities related to the product line including forecast & production planning, market analysis & research, product positioning, marketing plan management, and implementation. The Product Manager will be responsible for new product development and lifecycle management of the product portfolio. The Product Manager actively seeks continuous product improvements and creates and implements long-term plans to meet company and customer needs.

The Product Manager works with internal stakeholders, channel partners, and customers to ensure customer satisfaction for the product portfolio, identify growth opportunities, and develop strategic plans to obtain market share and sales growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Gain a deep understanding of customer experience, identify, and fill product gaps and generate new ideas that grow market share, improve customer experience and drive growth for the product portfolio
• Execute all marketing strategies, planning, tactics, operations, related to the portfolio
• Manage S&OP and demand forecasting to ensure product supply and inventory control
• Own/achieve all financial targets for the year including revenue and expenses
• In collaboration with the finance department determine product pricing, revenue, profit, and return on investment for channels of business
• Support and facilitate solutions for customer/channel partner’s product issues, looking at trends to act upon improvement opportunities
• Represent the company by visiting customers and business partners to solicit feedback on company products and services
• Evaluate promotional plans to ensure that they are consistent with product line strategy and that the message is effectively conveyed
• Act as a product promoter to build awareness and understanding.
• Lead the initiative for any product design change requests and new product development requirements
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of new product launches to meet or exceed sales expectations
• Participate in the R&D process, participate in meetings and represent the customer in R&D initiatives
• Work closely with engineering teams to deliver design concept, sample production, testing, forecast, cost, mass production with quick time-to-market and optimal resources
• Lead initiative for end-of-life product decisions and process
• Scope and prioritize activities based on business and customer impact

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• MS/BS degree in Marketing or equivalent preferred
• 5+ years of experience in the ophthalmic industry with 2+ years of experience in a similar role
• Knowledge of the US ophthalmic market
• Prior track record of achievement in positions with significant responsibilities
• Proven track record of managing all aspects of a successful product throughout its lifecycle and portfolio management
• Proven ability to develop product and marketing strategies and effectively communicate recommendations to executive management
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to do what’s necessary to get the job done efficiently and ethically
• Skilled at working effectively with cross-functional teams in a matrix organization
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills