📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Communications Product Manager
🔹 Company: MSD
🔹 Location: IND - Telangana - Hyderabad (HITEC City), India
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Product Management
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-04
🔹 Experience Level: 11+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Defining the overall product vision and strategy with a focus on value, business outcomes, and user experience
- Driving continuous product discovery to understand user needs and translate that to solutions and product backlog
- Managing and optimizing product's total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement enhancement initiatives and advance outcomes for stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in a large, global corporation managing digital channels and strategic plans.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Defines the overall product vision and strategy with a keen focus on value, business outcomes, and user experience
✅ Develops product roadmap and creates, maintains, and continuously prioritizes the product backlog to maximize value delivery and long-term sustainability
✅ Drives release and support planning and execution
✅ Works closely with Product Line Leads and partners to implement enhancement initiatives to advance outcomes for stakeholders
✅ Engages with technical teams supporting resolution of IT solution issues and incidents
✅ Develops and regularly calibrates metrics for the product and leads adoption and retention efforts
✅ Clearly communicates product requirements to delivery squad(s) to maximize value for policy stakeholder
✅ Drives continuous product discovery to understand user needs and translate that to solutions and product backlog
✅ Creates, maintains, and continuously prioritizes the product backlog to maximize value delivery and long-term sustainability
✅ Drives release and support planning and execution (go to market)
✅ Connects delivery squad(s) with the customers as appropriate and facilitates direct communication
✅ Monitors and optimizes product's total cost of ownership (TCO)
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and cross-functional collaboration. Strong communication, stakeholder management, and analytical skills are essential for success in this position.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 11+ years of experience in IT and/or project/product management roles
Required Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to drive initiatives to meet business objectives
- Ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic and complex environment
- Demonstrated ability working with Microsoft Office product suite
- Proven track record of communicating effectively across stakeholder groups
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to support multiple projects and deadlines
- Must be a self-starter, quick learner and be able to deliver under deadlines
- Thorough understanding of existing and emerging communications’ channels to drive business outcomes through appropriate channel selection
- Experience in a large, global corporation managing digital channels and strategic plans
- Ability to manage agency resources
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with product management tools (e.g., JIRA, Asana, Trello)
- Familiarity with Agile methodologies
- Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry
ASSUMPTION: The required skills listed are essential for success in this role. While the preferred skills are not required, they would be beneficial for candidates looking to excel in this position.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: INR 25,00,000 - 35,00,000 per annum (Estimated, based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts and perks
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), Hybrid (2-3 days on-site, rest remote)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and internal equity.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. MSD is a global leader in healthcare, focused on improving patient outcomes through innovative medicines, vaccines, and animal health products.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, MSD offers extensive resources, diverse opportunities, and a robust infrastructure to support its employees.
Founded: 1891. MSD has a rich history and a strong commitment to scientific innovation, ethical integrity, and improving global health.
Company Description:
- MSD is dedicated to applying its scientific and operational expertise to help solve some of the world's most challenging health problems
- The company's global healthcare biopharmaceutical business has a portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines, and animal health products that spans more than 50 countries
- MSD's mission is to discover, develop, and deliver innovative products that save and improve lives around the world
Company Specialties:
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Research and development
- Global healthcare
- Animal health
Company Website: www.msd.com
ASSUMPTION: MSD's extensive experience and global presence provide a stable and supportive environment for employees, with ample opportunities for growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid to Senior level. This role offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to drive strategic initiatives that impact the business.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Director, Communications Product Manager will report directly to the Head of Product Management or a similar role.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid. This role requires a mix of on-site and remote work, with 2-3 days on-site per week.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career progression to a Director or Vice President role within Product Management
- Opportunities to expand into related fields, such as general management or strategic consulting
- Chance to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to senior leadership
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic and tactical responsibilities, providing an ideal platform for career growth and development within the product management function.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office. MSD's Hyderabad office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and productivity.
Office Location(s): IND - Telangana - Hyderabad (HITEC City), India
Geographic Context:
- Hyderabad is the capital city of Telangana, a state in southern India
- The city is known for its historical sites, cultural attractions, and thriving IT industry
- Hyderabad offers a mix of traditional Indian culture and modern urban living
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and the opportunity for remote work.
ASSUMPTION: Hyderabad provides a vibrant and dynamic work environment, with a mix of cultural experiences and modern amenities to support a healthy work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager or a member of the HR team
- On-site or virtual interview with key stakeholders, including the Head of Product Management and other team members
- Final round interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Technical knowledge of product management and related tools
- Cultural fit and alignment with MSD's values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of MSD's business and the pharmaceutical industry
- Prepare examples of your past accomplishments in product management, focusing on strategic impact and results
ATS Keywords: Product Management, Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Management, Communications, Pharmaceutical Industry, Digital Channels, Hybrid Work
ASSUMPTION: MSD's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experiences, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best match for the role and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Product management tools (e.g., JIRA, Asana, Trello)
- Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role, as they are used to manage projects, track progress, and communicate with stakeholders.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation: MSD fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Collaboration: MSD encourages cross-functional teamwork and open communication
- Integrity: MSD is committed to ethical behavior and high standards of conduct
Work Style:
- MSD values a balance between independent work and team collaboration
- The organization encourages initiative and empowers employees to drive results
- MSD fosters a flexible and adaptable work environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and are you comfortable managing multiple priorities?
- Are you an effective communicator, able to build relationships and influence stakeholders across different functions?
- Do you have a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives and delivering results?
ASSUMPTION: MSD's culture values innovation, collaboration, and integrity, with a focus on empowering employees to drive results and make a meaningful impact on global health.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and stakeholders in a dynamic environment
- Balancing strategic planning with tactical execution
- Working effectively in a hybrid work arrangement
- Adapting to a large, global organization with a diverse range of teams and cultures
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to building relationships and managing priorities.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other product management roles, this position offers a unique blend of strategic and tactical responsibilities, with a focus on driving business outcomes through effective communication and stakeholder management
- In the pharmaceutical industry, this role requires a strong understanding of digital channels and strategic planning, with a focus on improving patient outcomes through innovative products and services
- Career-wise, this role provides an excellent platform for growth and development within the product management function, with opportunities to expand into related fields or advance to senior leadership positions
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities and growth opportunities, making it an attractive choice for experienced product managers looking to advance their careers in the pharmaceutical industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive product roadmap for a new communications platform, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement and a 20% reduction in support tickets
- Leading a cross-functional team to implement a new customer feedback system, improving Net Promoter Score (NPS) by 15 points within the first six months
- Conducting a competitive analysis of digital communications channels and developing a strategic plan to enhance MSD's market position, leading to a 15% increase in market share within two years
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and tactical nature of the Associate Director, Communications Product Manager role, with a focus on driving business outcomes through effective product management and stakeholder engagement.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of the product portfolio and the strategic vision for its future?
- How does this role collaborate with other product management teams and cross-functional stakeholders?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does MSD support the professional development and growth of its product management team members?
- What is the work-life balance like for this role, and how does MSD support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the role's strategic focus, cross-functional collaboration, and growth opportunities, as well as MSD's commitment to employee development and work-life balance.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare examples of your past accomplishments in product management, focusing on strategic impact and results
- Research MSD's business and the pharmaceutical industry to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
