Product manager in the pharmaceutical business

A product manager is a position that is not so easy to occupy, because today it is key in the pharmaceutical business. The person who works as a product manager depends on how a certain product will look in the eyes of consumers (patients, doctors, pharmacists).

Among the main duties of the product manager is monitoring of the existing market, analysis of competitors, work on the assortment policy of a certain product, product pricing and its promotion. Such specialists conduct trainings, presentations, participate in conferences and seminars, provide training in product knowledge, develop advertising materials, budget marketing activities and conduct the latest marketing campaigns. In addition, the product manager is responsible for scheduling and controlling shipments, as well as the formation of procurement policies.

According to available data, the demand for such specialists is constantly growing, so people with the appropriate education and skills will not be able to get a job in their specialty.

It is interesting that today the greatest demand for specialists in product management takes place in small companies.

A potential product manager must meet a number of requirements. Here is their list:

1) Having a higher medical or pharmaceutical education and knowledge of the basics of marketing.

2) Work experience in a similar position. For example, work as a marketing manager or as a brand manager.

3) Knowledge of a foreign language is desirable. In most cases this language is English.

4) Experience in market analysis, development of a product promotion strategy and evaluation of the effectiveness of this development.

5) Experience in planning and implementing any marketing activities.

6) Experience in conducting business negotiations.

7) Experience with a personal computer and basic office programs.

In addition, the product manager must have presentation skills, be sociable and creative, have analytical skills.

To the above requirements for a candidate for the position of "product manager", some additional requirements are sometimes added, such as the availability of a driver's license, work experience and the opportunity to travel on business trips. As a rule, the work is formalized. Some companies are engaged in training. In most pharmaceutical companies, there are opportunities for career and professional growth. Possible obstacles on the way to the device for such work - the lack of your own car or laptop.

Summing up, one should once again list the main duties of the product manager.

Product Manager: Responsibilities

1) Carry out analysis of the market and competitors. Use the analysis result for further work.

2) Preparation of the marketing plan and its implementation.

3) Work on strategies for positioning and segmenting the product.

4) Creation and improvement of assortment policy.

5) Development and improvement of pricing policy.

6) Work on procurement policy, control and planning of product deliveries.

7) Development of a sales plan, forecasting of future sales, their constant analysis and control.

8) Development of strategies for promotion of goods to the pharmaceutical market.

9) Preparation of information and advertising materials.

10) Planning, preparation and conducting of trainings, presentations, seminars and other similar events.

11) Participation in conferences, exhibitions and tenders.

12) Budgeting and other responsibilities.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, work experience is required from two years, less often from one year. The companies that offer training can be contacted without any experience.