Product Marketing Manager

Position Overview

The Product Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing programs for cutting-edge surgical systems, instruments, accessories, energy devices, training simulators, and digital health solutions in Japan.

This role leads new product introductions (NPI), product lifecycle management, and downstream commercialization to maximize market penetration and procedure growth. Acting as a key bridge, this position collaborates closely with global business partners and local cross-functional leaders to drive commercial success.

Key Responsibilities

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Launch Planning

• Launch Execution: Develop and manage end-to-end launch strategies, cross-functional timelines, and promotional events for new technologies and product lines.
• Positioning & Strategy: Define localized product positioning, value propositions, pricing strategies, and sales forecasts tailored to the Japanese market.
• Market Intelligence: Conduct market research to analyze industry trends, clinical developments, customer needs, and competitive dynamics.
• KOL & Clinical Engagement: Partner with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) on pre-market clinical evaluations and scientific marketing initiatives.
• Budget & Content Management: Oversee Assigned product launch budgets and create localized marketing collateral.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

• Portfolio Strategy: Formulate localized product-mix strategies to maximize market share across new and existing product generations.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor post-launch sales performance, analyze quantitative and qualitative metrics, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• End-of-Life (EOL) Management: Oversee product retirement/discontinuation plans to optimize inventory and facilitate smooth transitions between product generations.
• Voice of Customer (VOC): Gather ongoing feedback from clinicians and stakeholders to inform regional strategy and provide actionable reports to global teams.

Sales Enablement & Downstream Support

• Sales Training: Deliver comprehensive training programs and routine updates to enhance product knowledge across the sales organization.
• Commercial Tools: Create effective selling materials, demonstration tools, and customer-facing presentations.
• Field Support: Conduct joint field visits with sales reps to support product detailing, OR in-services, and clinical demonstrations.

Global & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Stakeholder Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison between local cross-functional teams (Sales, Operations, Regulatory, Clinical) and global business partners.
• Team Leadership: Align cross-functional stakeholders around unified commercial goals across a broad product portfolio.

Requirements & Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or advanced degree preferred.
• Professional Experience: 5+ years of total marketing experience, including a minimum of 3 years in medical device product marketing.
• Clinical Knowledge: Experience in surgical technologies, operating room (OR) environments, or capital equipment is highly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Language Proficiency: Business-level fluency in both Japanese and English (written, spoken, and presentation skills).
• Commercial Capability: Proven track record of successfully positioning medical technologies and driving product adoption.
• Analytical & Organizational Skills: Strong analytical mindset, process management, and time management capabilities.
• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate across diverse global and local teams.
• Technical Skills: High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).