Manager, Brand

Job Summary –Identifies market trends, issues and competitive environment and forms strategic and tactical plans for product. Initiate lifecycle planning strategies in the form of supporting existing brands and creating new products.  Evaluates the needs of product marketing and sales personnel on a global basis and is responsible for the development and execution of comprehensive marketing plans, programs, and budgets to meet company sales profit objectives and optimize market opportunities. General Functions –§ Oversee the formulation of marketing strategies and tactical execution including pricing, selection of market segments for special emphasis, promotional and advertising support of sales, and specifying the necessary product characteristics.§ Directs regular review of markets and products to identify promising opportunities for creating separate product business and specialized professional areas.§ Develop efforts to bring new products from concept through commercialization including market exit.§ Conducts market segmentation analysis, develops and/or utilizes business analytic tools to refine targeting strategy.§ Coordinates and manages advertising and promotional programs and evaluates overall effectiveness.§ Determines list pricing for all assigned products via thorough competitive analysis, market trends, etc.§ Maintains high level of product category and technical knowledge through staying current in published information, regional market contacts, surgeon interaction, surgery observations, industry educational meetings and significant sales force interaction.§ Conducts market research activities to analyze and identify market needs and issues.  Evaluates existing product lines in light of those changes and develops line simplification strategies when appropriate.§ Represents company at conventions and professional exhibitions to maintain company image and remain aware of product requirements and new market opportunities.§ Prepares long range, annual, quarterly, and monthly forecasts for each product line.  Analyzes forecasts variances and recommends corrective actions to minimize future back orders or potential obsolescence.  Reviews forecast for product requirements and originates plans and objectives to continually be competitive with or ahead of market needs.§ Develops and manages assigned budgets for administration and marketing activities of the products that are assigned to this responsibility.  Analyzes budget variances and recommends corrective actions.§ Actively participates in assigned project teams.  Works across multiple internal and external groups such as design, packaging and labeling, regulatory claims, surgical technique generation and advertising. Expected Areas of Competence (i.e. KSAs) –§ Develops global brand positioning with key messages and creates the tools and programs to deliver messages to key stakeholders.§ Builds and maintains long-term relationships with high level surgical consultants, key strategic customers and regional sales teams to promote and support the Zimmer brands.§ Uses knowledge of existing products, new developments and market needs to formulate strategic and creative marketing plans.§ Develops a firm understanding of financial trends and performance in specific brand lines. § Prepares forecasts and identifies market shifts and threats.  § Uses and understands technical medical language to interact with internal and external customers.  Translates technical language and discusses it internally in business terms.§ Assesses brand viability relative to existing products with new product offerings to enhance overall brand offering.  Champions the brand through a comprehensive understanding of customer and end-user needs and product positioning relative to the competition.§ Ability to communicate both orally and in written form with a clear and concise manner.  Excel at making business presentations.§ Strong analytical skills and outstanding interpersonal skills.§ Ability to lead a team, influence others, and through strong organizational skills, handle increasing levels of responsibility.  § Energizes all levels of the organization to deliver on business goals and objectives.§ Demonstrates characteristics of high potential for future development opportunities. Education Requirements – B.S. degree required, preferably including formal studies in business, MBA or work on an MBA is preferred.  Experience Requirements – Minimum 3-5 years product marketing experience or related experience in healthcare or medical device.  Experience working with traditional marketing concepts, marketing strategies, product promotion, market analysis, and forecasting.  Experience in implantable medical devices is preferred. Skill Requirements – Microsoft Office Suite; general knowledge of medical device business including the science, products (Zimmer and competitors), research and commercialization process, manufacturing, marketing, and sales; knowledge of orthopaedic market, products within assigned group, surgical process, selling process, regulatory process, development process, and marketing strategies.Travel Requirements – 40%Education: BachelorsJob Level: 3 - 5 yearsPercent Travel: 31-40%