Product Marketing Manager - Surgical Equipment

Primary Function of the Position

The Product Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing programs for new and existing medical technology products to maximize market adoption, value, and sales in the Japanese market. This role oversees marketing initiatives across a broad product portfolio, including capital systems, instruments, accessories, advanced technologies, and energy-based devices.

Given the breadth of the portfolio, achieving objectives through effective collaboration with internal team members is a critical competency. The Product Marketing Manager works closely with global and regional business partners, as well as cross-functional leaders within the local organization, to coordinate and execute relevant activities in Japan.

Roles and Responsibilities

Key Objectives

• Plan and execute new product launch strategies and manage the end-to-end new product introduction process in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

• Manage existing products, including inventory oversight and market complaint handling

• Oversee document control activities for instructions for use (IFUs), marketing materials, and regulatory-related filings

• Manage product end-of-life activities to optimize product generations available in the Japanese market

• Plan and implement downstream marketing programs to increase market penetration

• Support the sales organization by providing sales and marketing tools, as well as product-related education programs aligned with growth objectives

New Product Launch

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional launch preparation activities and timelines

• Manage marketing budgets for assigned new product lines

• Research and analyze industry trends, customer needs, scientific developments, and competitive landscape

• Develop localized product positioning and value propositions for the Japanese market

• Define pricing strategies and sales forecasts to achieve revenue and profitability targets

• Develop localized marketing materials in collaboration with internal teams and external partners

• Conduct pre-market clinical evaluations in collaboration with key opinion leaders

• Plan and execute launch initiatives and events

• Develop and deliver product training programs for the sales force

Management of Existing Products

• Create demand forecasts for assigned products in collaboration with supply chain management

• Work closely with quality assurance, safety, and regulatory teams to resolve product-related complaints from the market

• Conduct field visits as needed to manage customer expectations and support issue resolution

Document Control

• Initiate translation of IFUs and development of marketing materials

• Determine customer communication strategies related to product changes

• Manage contractual documentation involving healthcare professionals and third-party vendors

Product Lifecycle Management

• Develop and execute localized product mix strategies for the Japanese market in collaboration with internal and external partners

• Monitor post-launch sales performance and lead corrective actions when necessary

• Collect voice-of-customer feedback and prepare reports and proposals for relevant stakeholders

• Analyze product line performance using both quantitative and qualitative data to determine discontinuation plans and strategies to revitalize existing products

Support for Sales Organization

• Maintain up-to-date product knowledge within the sales organization through ongoing communication

• Develop effective sales support tools and materials

• Conduct joint field visits to support product demonstrations, in-services, and customer education

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred

• Minimum of 5 years of marketing experience, including at least 3 years in product marketing within the medical device industry (surgical and/or operating room experience preferred)

• Proven ability to position and message products or procedures and develop effective sales support materials to drive adoption

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Japanese

• Strong planning, time management, and organizational skills

• Solid understanding of demand planning processes, quality management systems, and regulatory requirements

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions and with external partners

• Strong analytical and process-oriented skill set

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications