Primary Purpose
Responsible for product development of the gas exchange product line including: identifying potential products, conducting market research, defining product requirements, determining specifications, pricing, marketing plans, launch preparation, forecasting and managing the products throughout their life cycle. This extends from increasing the profitability of existing products to developing new products for the company. New products will originate from documented and anticipated market needs, industry experience and direct contact with customers and users of competitive products (Voice of the Customer). Interface customers in existing and new markets to understand their problems and needs and to find innovative solutions to address their wants.
Work with engineering to define product release requirements and partner with marketing communications to define the go-to-market strategy, helping to convey the product positioning, key benefits and target customers. Serve as the internal and external champion for your product offering, working with the global sales channel and key customers
Provide product support for customers, sales, marketing, engineering and manufacturing to meet business objectives. Take a leadership role in developing specifications for new and sustaining products and actively participate in the development process to meet schedule and performance objectives. Ensure that business initiatives align with corporate objectives throughout all stages of the product lifecycle from concept, product definition, development, release, deployment, and post-release activities, managing it throughout its life cycle.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Provide leadership and manage the development process for the Company’s products and report progress to schedule and to ensure that product conforms to the specifications required for success in the market. Manage the product portfolio for specific gas exchange products and create business strategies that directly align with corporate strategic initiatives.
- Provide direction for concept throughout development with continuous refinements of business strategies to reach the highest possible market penetration. Working with members of finance, responsible for defining profit and loss targets for product and services sold.
- Shape future development of software applications and capabilities by coordinating market wants, customer requirements and business strategy throughout all stages of a product’s life cycle including concept, product definition, development, release deployment, and post-release activities and ultimately decommissioning.
- Assesses market competition by comparing the company’s products to competitor’s products and drive changes to our products and processes to create improvements.
- Determines product pricing by utilizing market research data; reviewing production and sales costs; and anticipating volume.
- Works to increase product market share by working with the President of MGC Diagnostics and the Sales Manager to develop product sales strategies.
- Provide applications background and training on products for sales, distribution partners both domestic and international, technical support, field specialists and other departments. This includes assistance in solving product performance issues. Vetting product performance plans and testing new concepts. Developing and/or reviewing product user instruction and documentation (i.e. operator manuals) and the development of approved specialized applications or reports to meet the Company’s business objectives. Assist in the development of product training and continuing education to maximize product sales and utilization. Provide initial and on-going product training to field sales representatives.
- Provide coordination with marketing for the branding “go-to-market” strategy and planning, plan execution tracking, and after sales support. Prepare periodic written and verbal reports to management as required on the progress and issues on assigned projects.
- Act as an information resource for customer service and sales coordination functions in all areas such as installations and upgrades, training, technical services, and marketing communications.
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
- Participate in and support trade and marketing events, as required.
- Accept other responsibilities as assigned.
- Complete training as identified by standard operating procedures and procedural work instructions.
- Regular attendance is an essential job function.
- Follow all Company policies and procedures relating to confidential propriety information (CPI) including but not limited to what is outlined in the Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Agreement.
Job Requirements
- BS in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Engineering or equivalent degree. Masters degree preferred.
- 6-8 years of industry marketing/product experience.
- Ability to effectively communicate in English. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Effective presentation and negotiating skills.
- Technical experience such as implementing software or managing specific product lines.
- High level problem solving, project management and organizational skills, along with day-to-day product management experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge and success in market segmentation, opportunity analysis, business modeling and product strategy.
- Ability to work well with customers, industry analysts, the competition, and other communication channels for awareness of both current customer’s needs and future market opportunities.
- On-site work location preferred (St. Paul, MN).
Working Conditions or Physical Requirements
- Will be required to sit for extended periods of time; use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, talk, hear and see. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or reach with hands and arms. Ability to load and unload demo equipment from vehicle. The environment is fast-paced; time pressured and requires accuracy. Will be required to regularly multi-task between projects, move throughout the office building and effectively communicate. The normal environment is quiet and typical of an open office setting with some areas that may be louder at times; along with time spent on the production floor, where environment can be louder due to equipment running.
- Must be able to ride bike, walk and run on treadmill.
If this sounds like a good fit, please consider submitting your resume and cover letter in the form below.