Strategic Product Manager I (34796)

About the Role

The Strategic Product Manager I, Upper Extremity, manages multiple product lines with a focus on portfolio strategy and product innovation in the upper extremity space. This role identifies, evaluates, and implements new product opportunities, driving innovation initiatives from conceptualization to market launch. It requires cross-departmental collaboration with research and development, regulatory affairs, sales, marketing, and executive management to shape the company’s product vision and increase revenue.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction of assigned product lines by maintaining expertise on the market, customer needs, KLS (and competitive) products, surgical techniques, emerging technologies, and internal development processes.
• Conduct market research into competitive products, emerging technologies, and market share to identify new product opportunities.
• Seek out, record, and organize new product concepts and opportunities from surgeons, sales teams, academia, external companies, and internal team members.
• Lead initial evaluations and feasibility projects (pre-development) to determine if an idea solves a problem, is commercially viable, and technically possible.
• Organize pre-development findings and build a business case to support go/no-go recommendations for moving product opportunities into official development.
• Support official development projects from kick-off to product launch by completing key milestone activities (e.g., strategic product planning, user requirements, usability files) and maintaining the voice of the customer (VOC).
• Maintain knowledge of the status of all initial evaluation, feasibility, and development projects.
• Organize and deliver presentations on strategic initiatives to cross-departmental teams, including the executive team.
• Support the regulatory affairs team in product submissions to key regulatory bodies such as the FDA.
• Plan and organize internal cross-department meetings to accomplish product line or project goals.
• Use professional verbal and written communication skills to explain technical product information to customers, salespeople, and other employees.
• Build and maintain relationships with key surgeon and industry opinion leaders (KOLs).
• Travel to attend trade shows, key surgeon meetings, sales meetings, workshops, cadaver labs, and surgeries to support product development initiatives.
• Assist the Operational Product Management team with key product launch activities.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of published clinical and internal testing evidence for all marketing claims in assigned product lines.
• Support sales activities by maintaining prompt and accurate communication with sales personnel, covering requested surgical cases, and providing product expertise during key surgeon meetings.
• Understand and comply with KLS Martin Non-Disclosure Agreements and intellectual property initiatives.
• Complete required company policy trainings and adhere to government regulations and company policies on expense activities.
• Submit expenses for reimbursement following the company travel policy.
• Complete hospital credentialing where necessary to perform essential duties.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with all levels within an organization.
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to understand complex concepts and communicate them to personnel of varying technical levels.
• Ability to mentor/guide product specialist team members and work in both team and independent environments.
• Ability to work toward high-level goals with minimal supervision and independently prioritize tasks.
• Ability to make informed decisions that comply with company policies and procedures.
• Basic understanding of FDA regulatory submission pathways, medical device design and development, medical device commercialization, and upper extremity anatomy and relevant surgical procedures.

Skills

• Typing and computer keyboard proficiency.
• Ability to utilize computer software, retrieve and compile information, and maintain records/logs.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills for information and tasks.
• Proficiency in advanced mathematical concepts (fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, graphs).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and group presentations.
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret information, and recommend actions.
• Leadership and supervisory skills, including managing people.
• Proficiency in basic and abstract mathematical concepts (e.g., interpolation, inference, frequency, reliability, formulas, equations, statistics).

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods and extended computer screen use.
• Walking, reading, speaking, and active listening.
• Regular, punctual attendance.
• Repetitive motions, pushing/pulling, bending/stooping, reaching/grasping, and writing.
• Exposure to a normal office environment.