Product Manager, Materials Science (Soft Materials)
Posted date [02-Aug-2010]
(ID: 4542)
Description:
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
Manage the assigned product lines within the Aldrich Materials Science initiative; Product lines would include Polymer Science, Organic & Printed Electronics, or Nanomaterials. They comprise a broad range of application-specific materials and tools for polymer & organic semiconductor synthesis as well as materials & device research. The successful candidate will plan and execute strategic marketing programs that will increase sales of the assigned product line through a combination of product innovation, customer awareness, and product stewardship campaigns. This is an exciting opportunity to affect rapid growth of key product lines within the Materials Science initiative designated as an area for strategic investment and growth within Sigma-Aldrich Corporation.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1) Lead Product innovation and refinement
Identify technical areas for focused product development projects that will enable materials science customers to do innovative research. Working with R&D, quality control, and other relevant functional areas, prepare product development plans and lead new product development projects. Track progress of development projects and make appropriate decisions regarding necessary changes to technical specifications and launch schedules. Attend scientific meetings to determine new technology trends and introduce/promote products. Contact or follow-up with materials researchers and technical thought leaders regarding product performance and initiate product improvement projects.
2) Plan and execute product line strategy, promotion, and awareness campaigns
Work with tactical marketing, marketing communications, and regional sales managers to develop and execute sales and marketing campaigns that will drive measurable increases in sales. Develop promotional plans that will drive customer awareness and maximize take away message about Aldrich Materials Science initiative and assigned Product Line/s. Lead concept and technical content development for marketing pieces, including active contributions to improve the Aldrich Materials Science web site and the Aldrich Material MattersTM journal. Analyze and track promotional effectiveness and ensure promotions are delivered on time, within budget, and maximize return on investment. Grow Materials Science customer community by generating qualified leads through direct scientist contact, engagement of technical thought leaders, and participation in Materials Science conferences and trade shows.
3) Product stewardship and process improvements
Provide technical feedback and help train Aldrich technical services, quality control, and other support personnel in the aspects of product performance and testing specific to the assigned product line. Assist in developing training materials for sales, technical service and other relevant internal groups. Identify opportunities for process improvements within marketing and adjacent departments, incorporating best practices into daily use and serving as a role model and technical leader within the assigned area of responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Ph.D in Materials Chemistry or Materials Science with concentration in polymers, organic/printed electronics, or nanomaterials; or B.S. in Chemistry with M.B.A. and 5 (five) years of product management and business development experience directly related to polymers, organic/printed electronics, or nanomaterials research products.
Experience:
Required: Minimum 1 (one) year post-graduate R&D or business experience in polymer, organic/printed electronics, or nanomaterials ' chemistry, processing, or high-tech applications. Knowledge of materials science market, with in-depth understanding of at least one area of innovative applications in high-technology or biomedical fields. Desired: Formal marketing training or research experience with track record of scientific publications in peer reviewed journals.
Essential and Critical Skills:
Solid understanding of state of the art in the assigned product line/s and applications. Understanding of general marketing principles. Understanding of general customer and competitor dynamics within the materials science market. Proficient in the use of EXCEL and WORD (required) and ACCESS (desired). Team player w/excellent interpersonal & computer skills, progressive learner, strong leadership and effective negotiation skills. Self driven, ability to work independently and in team settings, organized. Ability to solve complex business problems and develop creative solutions in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal skills required. Creative problem solving skills. Must be able to manage several large projects simultaneously. Strong service ethic and high deliverable standards.
Sigma-Aldrich is a leading Life Science and High Technology company. Its chemical and biochemical products and kits are used in scientific research, including genomic and proteomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and as key components in pharmaceutical, diagnostic and other high technology manufacturing. The Company has customers in life science companies, university and government institutions, hospitals, and in industry. Over one million scientists and technologists use its products. Sigma-Aldrich operates in 38 countries and has 7,900 employees providing excellent service worldwide. Sigma-Aldrich is committed to Accelerating Customer Success through Innovation and Leadership in Life Science, High Technology and Service. For more information about Sigma-Aldrich, please visit its award-winning Web site at http://www.sigma-aldrich.com.
Sigma-Aldrich offers a highly motivational and rewarding working environment with attractive salary, benefits, retirement, relocation and incentive packages including tuition reimbursement. Sigma-Aldrich fosters the growth of employees in a culture of respect and dignity with ample opportunity for career advancement.
Sigma-Aldrich is an Equal Opportunity Employer
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
Manage the assigned product lines within the Aldrich Materials Science initiative; Product lines would include Polymer Science, Organic & Printed Electronics, or Nanomaterials. They comprise a broad range of application-specific materials and tools for polymer & organic semiconductor synthesis as well as materials & device research. The successful candidate will plan and execute strategic marketing programs that will increase sales of the assigned product line through a combination of product innovation, customer awareness, and product stewardship campaigns. This is an exciting opportunity to affect rapid growth of key product lines within the Materials Science initiative designated as an area for strategic investment and growth within Sigma-Aldrich Corporation.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1) Lead Product innovation and refinement
Identify technical areas for focused product development projects that will enable materials science customers to do innovative research. Working with R&D, quality control, and other relevant functional areas, prepare product development plans and lead new product development projects. Track progress of development projects and make appropriate decisions regarding necessary changes to technical specifications and launch schedules. Attend scientific meetings to determine new technology trends and introduce/promote products. Contact or follow-up with materials researchers and technical thought leaders regarding product performance and initiate product improvement projects.
2) Plan and execute product line strategy, promotion, and awareness campaigns
Work with tactical marketing, marketing communications, and regional sales managers to develop and execute sales and marketing campaigns that will drive measurable increases in sales. Develop promotional plans that will drive customer awareness and maximize take away message about Aldrich Materials Science initiative and assigned Product Line/s. Lead concept and technical content development for marketing pieces, including active contributions to improve the Aldrich Materials Science web site and the Aldrich Material MattersTM journal. Analyze and track promotional effectiveness and ensure promotions are delivered on time, within budget, and maximize return on investment. Grow Materials Science customer community by generating qualified leads through direct scientist contact, engagement of technical thought leaders, and participation in Materials Science conferences and trade shows.
3) Product stewardship and process improvements
Provide technical feedback and help train Aldrich technical services, quality control, and other support personnel in the aspects of product performance and testing specific to the assigned product line. Assist in developing training materials for sales, technical service and other relevant internal groups. Identify opportunities for process improvements within marketing and adjacent departments, incorporating best practices into daily use and serving as a role model and technical leader within the assigned area of responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Ph.D in Materials Chemistry or Materials Science with concentration in polymers, organic/printed electronics, or nanomaterials; or B.S. in Chemistry with M.B.A. and 5 (five) years of product management and business development experience directly related to polymers, organic/printed electronics, or nanomaterials research products.
Experience:
Required: Minimum 1 (one) year post-graduate R&D or business experience in polymer, organic/printed electronics, or nanomaterials ' chemistry, processing, or high-tech applications. Knowledge of materials science market, with in-depth understanding of at least one area of innovative applications in high-technology or biomedical fields. Desired: Formal marketing training or research experience with track record of scientific publications in peer reviewed journals.
Essential and Critical Skills:
Solid understanding of state of the art in the assigned product line/s and applications. Understanding of general marketing principles. Understanding of general customer and competitor dynamics within the materials science market. Proficient in the use of EXCEL and WORD (required) and ACCESS (desired). Team player w/excellent interpersonal & computer skills, progressive learner, strong leadership and effective negotiation skills. Self driven, ability to work independently and in team settings, organized. Ability to solve complex business problems and develop creative solutions in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal skills required. Creative problem solving skills. Must be able to manage several large projects simultaneously. Strong service ethic and high deliverable standards.
Sigma-Aldrich is a leading Life Science and High Technology company. Its chemical and biochemical products and kits are used in scientific research, including genomic and proteomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and as key components in pharmaceutical, diagnostic and other high technology manufacturing. The Company has customers in life science companies, university and government institutions, hospitals, and in industry. Over one million scientists and technologists use its products. Sigma-Aldrich operates in 38 countries and has 7,900 employees providing excellent service worldwide. Sigma-Aldrich is committed to Accelerating Customer Success through Innovation and Leadership in Life Science, High Technology and Service. For more information about Sigma-Aldrich, please visit its award-winning Web site at http://www.sigma-aldrich.com.
Sigma-Aldrich offers a highly motivational and rewarding working environment with attractive salary, benefits, retirement, relocation and incentive packages including tuition reimbursement. Sigma-Aldrich fosters the growth of employees in a culture of respect and dignity with ample opportunity for career advancement.
Sigma-Aldrich is an Equal Opportunity Employer
