Director, Product and Market Strategy - Molecular & Cellular Biology Solutions

Takara Bio USA•San Jose, CA

29d•$220,000 - $230,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Product and Market Strategy – Molecular & Cellular Biology Solutions leads strategic initiatives and product management efforts to drive global growth and innovation of Takara Bio’s broad portfolio, including core molecular biology tools (PCR/qPCR, cloning, DNA purification), protein expression systems, and advanced therapy support products (viral delivery systems, cell & gene therapy). This role combines deep technical and domain expertise in molecular and cellular biology with cross-functional leadership to develop and execute market-driven product roadmaps aligned with corporate objectives and R&D capabilities. The Director oversees the full product lifecycle, including phase gate alignment, go-to-market planning, and tactical marketing execution, primarily for North America but with global impact. They also manage strategic partnerships, collaborations, and business ventures, negotiating contracts and tracking performance metrics to ensure sustained market growth and impact in both academic and industrial settings. By translating scientific and market insights into actionable strategies, the Director enables short- and long-term growth through targeted campaigns, development of sales enablement tools, and cross-functional initiatives that support commercialization and adoption of Takara Bio’s solutions. The Director, Product and Market Strategy is an onsite role located in San Jose, CA. Approximately 30% travel and some international travel may be required.

Requirements

Requires a BA or BS degree; MS and/or PhD considered favorably.
A minimum of 18 years of experience in product marketing for life science or related markets, with a minimum of 10 years of experience managing a team of marketing professionals.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated proficiency in presenting.
Detailed and broad knowledge of the molecular and cell biology disciplines, including techniques, applications, and competitors related to viral delivery, cell & gene therapy, cloning, PCR, protein expression, and DNA purification.
Highly effective analytical, problem-solving, and judgment skills, with demonstrated ability to manage the work of other senior-level team members.
Demonstrated success in developing product roadmaps and other business strategies to increase commercial growth/impact in both academic and industrial settings.
Demonstrated ability to manage external partnerships/collaborations.
Solid business acumen, understanding of product marketability, and how to design products that meet market requirements for both academic and industrial customers.
Must be detail-oriented and have strong organizational and time-management skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to think creatively.
Collaborative team player who can build credibility and relationships across all functions and levels of the organization.
Reputation as an emerging business leader with sustained performance and accomplishments.

Responsibilities

Leads and mentors a team across multiple product lines, overseeing product lifecycle, development timelines, and resource allocation for molecular and cell biology-related projects.
Collaborates with R&D Director(s) and cross-functional teams to prioritize and execute product roadmaps aligned with strategic goals.
Tracks product development projects and leads team through challenges in product development, including timelines, technical risks, vendors, shifting requirements, resource limitations, and cost.
Leverages the team's strengths to ensure that all aspects of product lifecycle management, including market research, NPVs, new product proposals, marketing requirements, go-to-market strategies, product launches, and sales enablement initiatives, are met according to stated deadlines.
Works cross-functionally with Takara Bio Product Management, R&D, Operations, and commercial and executive teams to bring product roadmaps to life and implement corporate strategies that capitalize on Takara Bio's capabilities and technical strengths.
Works with the team to conduct product line reviews and post-launch assessments to optimize performance.
Leads the commercial/business activities of one or more assigned market areas within the Marketing department through direct management of team members.
Serves as domain knowledge expert for one or more related market areas, including current and possible future market trends, applications, information affecting the business, industry trends, competition, competitive environment, and marketplace strategy and tactics.
Builds business cases and financial models for potential new growth opportunities (may include in-licensing, acquisitions, etc.) and presents to Senior Management to gain approval/Go-No-Go decision.
Provides the vision and rationale for new/novel business opportunities that significantly expand the market for current products or lead to new technologies/growth in new markets.
Leads the efforts to identify, evaluate, and develop sponsored research programs, partnerships, and/or acquisitions in the assigned market area; defines the requirements for collaborations and new ventures.
Aligns external opportunities with internal capabilities to support innovation and growth.
Partners with Sales leadership to set budgets and achieve sales targets.
Develops tactical marketing plans and campaigns to drive lead generation and revenue.
Collaborates with other marketing and sales team members to develop product messaging and high-impact sales tools that include, but are not limited to, cue cards, brochures, application notes, and web and social media content.
Delivers market-focused training for internal teams and distributors.
Analyzes campaign performance to improve ROI and explore new promotional channels.
Represents Takara Bio at industry events and technical meetings.
Ensures delivery of market-focused training for internal teams and distributors.