📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Director of Upstream Marketing and Strategy - CDS
🔹 Company: Medtronic
🔹 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Medical Equipment Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: May 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing strategic business plans for the CDS business
- Leading the strategic planning process and driving decision-making
- Partnering with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders
- Focusing the organization on the CDS vision and inspiring strategic initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively across various teams and functions.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Design and create strategies and business plans to advance the CDS business
✅ Lead the strategic planning process, including cross-functional input and alignment to strategic priorities
✅ Lead external partnership opportunities to strategically advance the business
✅ Focus the direct team and broader organization on the CDS vision
✅ Partner with pan-CRM to ensure strategic goals and initiatives are communicated clearly and generate buy-in
✅ Partner with internal and external stakeholders to drive strategic planning, decision-making, and prioritization
✅ Design, manage, and drive accountability against key metrics and milestones to enable path to strategic decisions
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of strategic thinking, leadership, and collaboration with various teams and stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: 15+ years of combined marketing, strategy, sales, or business development experience, with 8+ years in a managerial role
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in the medical device industry
- Strong leadership and execution orientation
- Ability to anticipate future market trends
- Agile and dynamic mindset
Preferred Skills:
- MBA
- CDS or CRM experience
- Ability to work effectively cross-functionally
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Propensity to develop talent and build a winning culture
ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates should have a strong track record of leadership and execution in a relevant industry, with a focus on strategic planning and decision-making.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $219,200 - $328,800 per year
Benefits:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account and Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Life Insurance and Long-term Disability Leave
- Dependent Daycare Spending Account
- Tuition Assistance/Reimbursement
- Incentive Plans, 401(k) Plan Plus Employer Contribution and Match
- Short-term Disability, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Employee Assistance Program
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a senior director role in the medical device industry, with experience level and location considered.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Medical Equipment Manufacturing
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Enterprise)
Founded: 1949 (as a division of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company)
Company Description:
- Medtronic is a global leader in healthcare technology, committed to alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life
- The company specializes in developing and manufacturing medical devices and therapies for various medical conditions
- Medtronic operates in over 150 countries and has a strong focus on innovation and improving patient outcomes
Company Specialties:
- Cardiac and Vascular Devices
- Diabetes Management
- Minimally Invasive Therapies
- Restorative Therapies
Company Website: www.medtronic.com
ASSUMPTION: Medtronic is a well-established, large enterprise with a strong global presence and a focus on innovation in the medical device industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Director
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Vice President of Upstream Marketing and Strategy
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential progression to Vice President or higher-level strategic roles within the organization
- Broad exposure to various aspects of the business, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the company's operations
- Opportunities to lead and develop high-performing teams, enhancing leadership skills
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential within a large, established organization, with opportunities to develop leadership skills and gain exposure to various aspects of the business.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters
Office Location(s): Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Geographic Context:
- Minneapolis is located in the northern central United States, with a humid continental climate
- The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a strong job market and diverse cultural attractions
- Minneapolis is home to a significant medical device industry cluster, providing ample networking and collaboration opportunities
Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, with potential flexibility for remote work or hybrid arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The Minneapolis location offers a vibrant, diverse work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and networking within the medical device industry.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and potential team members
- Final round interview with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and planning skills
- Leadership and team-building abilities
- Cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
- Industry knowledge and understanding of the medical device landscape
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the medical device industry and Medtronic's business
- Prepare examples of your strategic planning and leadership experiences
- Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan
ATS Keywords: Marketing, Strategy, Sales, Business Development, Leadership, Medical Device Industry, CDS, CRM, Strategic Planning, Decision-Making, Cross-Functional Teams, Stakeholder Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on strategic thinking, leadership, and industry-specific knowledge.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, JIRA)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics)
ASSUMPTION: This role may require proficiency in various software tools and technologies, depending on the specific needs of the organization and the projects at hand.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Inclusion
- Excellence
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Strong focus on collaboration and teamwork
- Results-driven and goal-oriented culture
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Medtronic's core values?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork?
- How do you approach strategic planning and decision-making in a rapidly evolving industry?
ASSUMPTION: Medtronic's culture is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a strong focus on results, with opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic industry.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities in a large, matrixed organization
- Navigating a complex, global business with diverse product portfolios and geographic markets
- Adapting to a fast-paced, ever-changing industry with evolving customer needs and regulatory environments
- Balancing strategic planning and execution responsibilities in a demanding role
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges related to managing multiple stakeholders, navigating a complex business, and adapting to a dynamic industry, requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on upstream marketing and strategy, rather than downstream sales or operations
- Medtronic's size and global presence provide unique opportunities for exposure to diverse aspects of the business and international markets
- Career progression in this role may follow a different path than more linear, functional roles, offering unique growth and development opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to related positions, with a focus on upstream marketing and strategy and exposure to diverse aspects of a large, global organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive strategic plan for the CDS business, including market analysis, competitive landscape assessment, and strategic recommendations
- Leading a cross-functional team to execute a strategic initiative, driving measurable results and ensuring alignment with overall business goals
- Partnering with external stakeholders to explore and evaluate strategic partnership opportunities, assessing potential synergies and risks
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, cross-functional, and collaborative nature of the role, requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and project management skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader strategic vision for the CDS business and Medtronic as a whole?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I best support the team in achieving these objectives?
- How does Medtronic support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in senior leadership roles?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the CDS business, and how can this role contribute to addressing these issues?
- How does Medtronic foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, and what opportunities exist for me to contribute to these efforts?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions help applicants better understand the strategic context, priorities, and growth opportunities associated with this role, as well as the company's culture and commitment to employee development.
📌 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 for this role, with a focus on strategic planning, leadership, and industry-specific knowledge
- Prepare examples of your strategic planning and leadership experiences, demonstrating your ability to drive results and manage multiple stakeholders
- Research Medtronic's business and the medical device industry to showcase your understanding of the company's operations and market dynamics
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
