VP, Product Innovation Management

At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate diagnostic testing. Our mission drives us, every moment of every day, as we develop scalable, groundbreaking solutions to solve the world’s most complex health challenges. Our associates are involved in every stage of molecular diagnostics, from ideation to development and delivery of testing advancements that improve patient outcomes across a range of settings. As a member of our team, you can make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development.

Cepheid is proud to work alongside a community of six fellow Danaher Diagnostics companies. Together, we’re working at the pace of change on diagnostic tools that address the world’s biggest health challenges, driven by knowing that behind every test there is a patient waiting.

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Summary

We are seeking a visionary and passionate Vice President of Product Innovation Management to join our team in Sunnyvale, CA. In this critical leadership role, you will be responsible for defining and prioritizing Cepheid’s innovation and R&D pipeline for future diagnostic solutions. You will play a pivotal role in identifying unmet clinical needs, translating those needs into groundbreaking products, and bringing them to market. You will also be a critical champion for our future products and our culture of innovation both internally and externally.

This position is part of Global Product Management and will be located in Sunnyvale, CA. At Cepheid, our vision is to be the leading provider of seamlessly connected diagnostic solutions.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive product innovation strategy, aligned with the company's overall vision and market opportunities.

• Own and prioritize Cepheid’s full product innovation roadmap and deliver a roadmap that meets Cepheid’s long-term growth goals from new product development, is feasible, and advances our disease leadership in infectious disease and beyond.

• In partnership with Product Portfolio Managers, lead thorough market research and assessments to understand unmet clinical needs and technological trends and identify actionable new product ideas. With an “outside in” perspective, translate top new product ideas into detailed and clear product definitions that are both compelling & competitive in the market and feasible for our New Product Development (NPD) core teams to execute on.

• Partner with R&D and Clinical & Regulatory Affairs to drive innovation execution by fostering Product Innovation Manager leadership within our NPD core teams. Partner with Product Portfolio Managers to bring new products to market and drive excellent launches.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the organization, including R&D, Clinical & Regulatory Affairs, and Marketing.

• Lead a high-performing team of Product Innovation Managers, fostering a team culture of excellence and continuous improvement that prioritizes proactive & cross-functional business leadership, data-driven decision-making, and associate learning & development.

• Champion a culture of creativity and collaboration across all stages of the product development lifecycle, from ideation to commercialization.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• Proven track record of success in leading product innovation management within the Diagnostics industry or a related field (e.g., Medical Device, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Life Sciences). Specific experience in Molecular Diagnostics and Infectious Disease and/or Oncology nice-to-have.

• 15+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree or 12+ years with a Master’s degree in the fields of biological sciences, engineering, medicine, product management and/or product development, or related fields with a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle. Ph.D. and/or M.D. nice-to-have. 

• Knowledge of the healthcare industry, how new technologies get to market in healthcare, and what drives their success. Understanding of the regulatory landscape governing Medical Devices and Diagnostics.

• Analytical and strategic thinking skills, with a strong track record of translating market insights into actionable product roadmaps amidst uncertainty and balancing technology, customer need, and market value in product decision-making.  Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences and to champion innovation cross-functionally.

• Collaborative leadership style, with a track record of driving results with buy-in within matrixed organizations. Experience partnering with external organizations (e.g., industry partners, Academic Medical Centers, government) to deliver new product innovation a nice-to-have.

• Experience building & coaching excellent teams in product management, marketing, or other technical groups with effective change management experience. Need to have previous experience leading people directly and/or holding a role with significant cross-functional influence for at least 6+ years.

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:

• Requires frequent travel of up to 30% and may include some international travel.

• Must be able to sit for several hours during business travel.

• Work may involve repetitive arm/wrist motions.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Preferably, candidates will have 15+ years of experience in product management and/or product development, with a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle.

• Specific experience in Molecular Diagnostics and Infectious Disease and/or Oncology.

• Experience partnering with external organizations (e.g., industry partners, Academic Medical Centers, government) to deliver new product innovation.

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at danaherbenefitsinfo.com.

The salary range for this role is $213,400 - $334,200. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

At Danaher we bring together science, technology and operational capabilities to accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life. Our global teams are pioneering what’s next across Life Sciences, Diagnostics, Biotechnology and beyond. For more information, visit www.danaher.com.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. We value diversity and the existence of similarities and differences, both visible and not, found in our workforce, workplace and throughout the markets we serve. Our associates, customers and shareholders contribute unique and different perspectives as a result of these diverse attributes.

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We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [email protected] to request accommodation.