Director, Commercial Marketing and Strategy (Pleasanton)

WORKING AT ABBOTT:

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of
• Free medical coverage for employees* via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO
• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists

THE OPPORTUNITY:

In Abbott’s Heart Failure (HF) business, we’re developing solutions to diagnose, monitor, and manage heart failure, allowing people to restore their health and get on with their lives.

The Director of Commercial Marketing and Strategy reports directly to the Divisional Vice President of Commercial Heart Failure Americas and is part of the Heart Failure Americas Commercial Leadership team.

The leader is responsible for setting the Division strategic direction and tactical implementation of activities, including development of marketing plans and activities that drive the flow of products to our customers in a manner that highlights differentiation and value. It will be a focal point for the Heart Failure Division regarding product and market knowledge, planning/execution, and achievement of business objectives. The individual is responsible for the product from identification of customer and market needs/wants, to concept and product development, product launch with a key emphasis on Market Development and driving access to therapy.

The leader will also be responsible for the strategic direction of the field implementation services and integration of Abbott CardioMEMS (CMEMS), MCS, Chronic, and LVAD products into the clinical setting.

Reporting to this role will be a team of Group Product Managers and the National Director, Field Implementation Services, with groups of Advanced Clinical Expert (ACE) team members.

What You’ll Work On

Marketing

• The Director is responsible for creating global demand for his/her product in a customer-centric manner (exemplified by high satisfaction of needs, and therefore appropriately differentiated and adding value) by developing and overseeing execution of the marketing plan.
• This includes definition of and segmentation of the market, targeting and positioning, and all aspects of the marketing mix (product, place/distribution, price, and integrated marketing/promotion).
• Anticipates new market demands and creation of new markets, provides leadership for product/concept justification during funding cycle, and provides similar leadership to the product development team. Identifies new business opportunities through expansion of existing products into new markets or enhancements of existing products to maximize existing markets. Supports the commercial organizations in achieving Plan objectives, provides direction and input to all in-house groups that affect the successful achievement of business objectives.
• Business Expansion: Participate in strategic planning initiatives such as portfolio management process and the Long Range Plan (LRP) to ensure profitable growth opportunities are supported.
• Competition and Positioning: Thoroughly understand competitive offerings and provide commercial organizations with appropriate positioning and tools to differentiate product(s) versus the competition in a profitable manner that adds value to the customer.
• Internal Communication: Responsible for creating a clear line of communication between Marketing and all other functional areas that affect the product. Ability to develop strategic vision into a tactical plan, involving other departments like Professional Education, Sales Training, Commercial Excellence, etc. This includes providing direction to the Commercial Areas/countries and all in-house groups.
• External Communication: Interface with consultants, marketing research firms, ad agencies, other vendors, and customers to effectively manage and grow business profitably, while maintaining a customer focus woven throughout all activities. This also involves gaining positive media exposure in partnership with the Public Affairs department.
• Develop the Marketing Plan: Incorporate all aspects of the marketing mix. Build strategic vision or growth opportunities based on customer feedback, research, and data. Utilize market research, customer input, Area input, and other means to ensure profitable and differentiated products are delivered to market. Offer leadership to R&D and support organizations throughout the development cycle (e.g., trade-off analysis across customer, financial, and timeline impacts).
• Ensure Launch and Post-Launch Success: Offer leadership to international commercial organizations and on-market teams through successful launch. Drive metrics-oriented organization to ensure successful roll-out at all levels.
• Hires, develops, and retains a top-tier Product Management team that strives for excellence.
• Partners effectively with AVPs / Sales Leadership and drives strategic vision across Commercial Teams at all times.

Field Sales

• Create innovative approaches to business to increase sales versus the previous year, coordinating sales, marketing, and ACE services activities.
• Have a significant impact on all aspects of CMEMS business, from people, customers, processes, and products to sales growth, margin, and division performance.
• Adhere to standards, guidelines, regulations associated with Ethics and Compliance; set an example as a role model for the Field Support Services organization; ensure responsibility and accountability for actions.
• Prepare business plans and implementation forecasts for the executive team.
• Assist with projects such as commercial plans, strategic plans, new product launches, implementation training, and others as necessary.
• Execute regional and national plans; create, implement, and communicate plans and vision; set goals and monitor progress.
• Develop strategies to deliver superior front-line customer support to ensure positive impact on future sales and growth.
• Develop and direct practices, processes, projects, programs, and initiatives to maximize CMEMS sensor utilization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, life sciences, engineering, or related technical discipline
• Minimum 10 years of experience in strategic marketing, product management, field sales, and people management

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA

The base pay for this position is $159,100.00 – $293,900.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.