Posted:
5/18/2026, 7:46:43 AM
Location(s):
Portage, Michigan, United States ⋅ Michigan, United States
Experience Level(s):
Mid Level ⋅ Senior
Field(s):
Growth & Marketing
The Manager, Upstream Marketing is a critical role within the Stryker Orthopedics Instrument – Total Joint portfolio, working closely with Research & Development and Business Development. This role is responsible for leading across people, processes, and projects, as well as developing a high-performing team of upstream marketing specialists. The team will capture and translate market insights, Voice of Customer (VOC), and Voice of Sales into actionable strategies to determine commercial viability and ensure we are solving clinical problems for our customers.
This position is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. You will be required to travel up to 40% domestically and internationally.
What you will do
Advise on the organization’s major competitors
Anticipate and understand the types of competition that may arise in the future
Monitor market activity, penetration, and competitive wins or losses
Identify new customer groups and tailor marketing strategies to meet current and prospective needs
Build relationships with key opinion leaders and establish connections with emerging thought leaders
Analyze unmet needs to identify product and service opportunities; summarize qualitative and quantitative research and draw actionable conclusions
Translate customer input into unmet needs and evaluate key assumptions and variables in market research conclusions
Identify market trends and proactively adjust strategies based on the healthcare environment
Raise coworkers’ awareness of industry standards, practices, and guidelines
Manage and lead the new product development process (NPDP) from start to finish, engaging key internal stakeholders
Collaborate cross-functionally to support the NPDP process
Lead execution strategy for the defined portfolio
Communicate long-term portfolio strategy to key stakeholders to drive organizational alignment
Partner with R&D to anticipate future needs and required strategic assets
Partner with Clinical Affairs to generate clinical trials, research grants, and cost-benefit analyses to support clinical claims
Align customer acquisition and retention strategies with broader portfolio strategy
Align segment strategy with overall business strategy
Define category strategies based on the business lifecycle stage
Guide teams in targeting customers based on total market potential and opportunity
Continuously monitor and communicate market trends and recommend strategic actions
Establish benchmarks and document key assumptions when developing forecasts
Lead the development and integration of product lifecycle management (PLCM) plans
Manage pricing strategies and ensure alignment with business unit goals
Monitor effectiveness of marketing channels and campaigns
Define key criteria for evaluating business performance
Contribute to establishing company and industry best practices for performance analysis
What you need
Required
Bachelor’s degree
8+ years of work experience
4+ years of experience in the medical device industry (sales, marketing, business development, or R&D preferred)
Preferred
MBA preferred
Clinical experience in an operating room environment
Experience with Big Picture Framework is a plus
Experience with pre-commercialization planning
2+ years of people management experience
Excellent presentation and interpersonal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting established timelines
Ability to influence without formal authority
Ability to work within complex interdivisional procedures and policies
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
United States of America Pay Ranges:
View the U.S. work location and transparency guide to find the pay range for your location.
Travel Percentage: 40%Stryker Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Stryker is an EO employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability.Stryker Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Website: https://www.stryker.com/
Headquarter Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States
Employee Count: 10001+
Year Founded: 1941
IPO Status: Public
Industries: Biotechnology ⋅ Health Care ⋅ Life Science ⋅ Medical ⋅ Medical Device