📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Upstream Marketing - Hips
🔹 Company: Stryker
🔹 Location: Mahwah, New Jersey
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Medical Equipment Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: June 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving future pipeline through innovative medical device creation and marketing
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and launch new products
- Conducting market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions
- Managing a team of marketing professionals and mentoring their growth
- Working in a hybrid environment, with a 30% travel requirement
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Experience in medical device marketing and sales is highly preferred.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead upstream marketing and product lifecycle management to bring new products and enhancements to market
✅ Conduct competitive insights, customer insights, and market research to inform strategic decisions
✅ Develop and execute strategic plans to identify and capitalize on new opportunities
✅ Collaborate with R&D, regulatory, and other stakeholders to bring products to market
✅ Mentor and develop a team of marketing professionals
✅ Forecast sales and manage the supply chain to minimize interruptions
✅ Lead pricing strategy and ensure alignment with organizational goals
✅ Manage multi-channel sales strategies and marketing campaigns
✅ Analyze business performance and drive continuous improvement
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and requires strong communication skills. The successful candidate will be able to influence others and drive results in a matrixed organization.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required
Experience: 10+ years of work experience required, with 7+ years in medical device marketing/sales and 4+ years in people management highly preferred
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in upstream marketing and product lifecycle management
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word & PowerPoint)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with competitive analysis tools and technologies
- Familiarity with sales forecasting methodologies
- Knowledge of supply chain management principles
- Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment
ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates with a proven track record in medical device marketing and sales are strongly preferred. Experience in people management is also highly valued.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $179,200 - $303,700 per year, plus bonus eligibility and generally eligible for short-term and long-term financial incentives
Benefits:
- Bonus Eligible
- Short-term Financial Incentives
- Long-term Financial Incentives
Working Hours: Full-time, with a 30% travel requirement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience. Actual compensation may vary based on location and other factors.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Medical Equipment Manufacturing
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1941, in Kalamazoo, MI
Company Description:
- Stryker is a global leader in medical technologies, driven to make healthcare better
- Offers innovative products and services in MedSurg, Neurotechnology, and Orthopaedics
- Impacts more than 150 million patients annually
Company Specialties:
- Medical Instruments & Supplies
- Medical Devices
- Medical Technology
- Surgical Instruments
Company Website: http://www.stryker.com
ASSUMPTION: Stryker's extensive experience and global presence provide a stable and supportive environment for employees. Its focus on innovation and continuous improvement offers opportunities for professional growth.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President of Upstream Marketing
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a 30% travel requirement
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Vice President or higher-level role within the organization
- Opportunities to lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives
- Ability to gain exposure to various aspects of the business and develop a well-rounded skill set
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to take on increased responsibilities and advance within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters
Office Location(s): Mahwah, New Jersey
Geographic Context:
- Mahwah is a suburb of New York City, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- Close proximity to major transportation hubs, including Newark Liberty International Airport
- Access to a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and dining options
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a 30% travel requirement
ASSUMPTION: The Mahwah office provides a convenient location for employees commuting from the New York City metropolitan area, with easy access to major highways and public transportation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application review
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring team
- Final interviews with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Experience in medical device marketing and sales
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Analytical and data-driven decision-making
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and leadership experience
- Research Stryker's mission, values, and culture to demonstrate your fit with the organization
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Upstream Marketing, Product Lifecycle Management, Medical Device, Marketing Strategy, Team Leadership, Competitive Analysis, Market Research, Sales Forecasting, Supply Chain Management, Pricing Strategy
ASSUMPTION: Stryker's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit. Demonstrating your understanding of the medical device industry and Stryker's mission will strengthen your application.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Salesforce or other CRM platforms
- Market research and competitive analysis tools
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant industry-specific tools is required for this role. Experience with project management software and data visualization tools is preferred.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Put Patients First
- Act with Integrity
- Grow Others
- Own the Result
- Create Value for All Stakeholders
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-focused and accountable
- Innovative and forward-thinking
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record in medical device marketing and sales?
- Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment with a 30% travel requirement?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, data-driven work culture?
- Are you able to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines?
- Do you possess strong leadership and team management skills?
ASSUMPTION: Stryker values employees who embody their core values and work style. Demonstrating a strong cultural fit will enhance your chances of success in the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team of marketing professionals with varying levels of experience and expertise
- Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day tactical execution
- Navigating a complex, matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders
- Keeping up with the fast-paced, ever-evolving medical device industry
- Adapting to changes in the competitive landscape and market dynamics
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require a strategic, adaptable, and results-driven approach. Successful candidates will be able to navigate these challenges and drive meaningful impact.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other marketing roles, this position focuses on upstream marketing and product lifecycle management, requiring a strong understanding of the product development process
- Stryker's global presence and extensive product portfolio offer unique opportunities for growth and exposure to diverse aspects of the business
- This role requires a higher level of strategic thinking and leadership experience than entry-level marketing positions
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to similar positions in the industry will help candidates tailor their application and prepare for the interview process.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a competitive analysis strategy to inform product development and marketing efforts
- Managing a cross-functional team to launch a new medical device, from concept to commercialization
- Conducting market research to identify unmet customer needs and inform product innovation
- Leading a strategic planning process to identify new opportunities and capitalize on existing strengths
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and results-driven nature of this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how it translates to these responsibilities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for the hips business unit?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does the marketing team collaborate with other departments, such as R&D and regulatory?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the organization?
- How does Stryker support work-life balance for employees in hybrid roles?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, well-researched questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company culture and expectations.
📌 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 experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and leadership experience
- Research Stryker's mission, values, and culture to demonstrate your fit with the organization
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your enthusiasm for the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
