Director, Product and Market Strategy - NGS (San Jose)

Director, Product and Market Strategy - NGS

2560 Orchard Parkway
San Jose, CA 95131
United States

Salary: $220,000 - $230,000

Job Description

Job Title: Director, Product and Market Strategy NGS
Reports to: VP, Marketing
FLSA Class: Exempt

Takara Bio USA (TBUSA) empowers life science discovery. We bring innovation and inspiration to every scientist - promoting discoveries that improve health and the environment. We hold values that all employees and prospective candidates should demonstrate: Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect, Growth, Diversity and Quality. We value helping employees develop their skills and you will be part of this journey!

At Takara Bio, we know that every experimental decision has an impact. Choices matter, from design to data analysis. We create best‑in‑class products that get the job done. In your hands, what do those research reagents and kits create? Something powerful: knowledge, understanding, and—often—hope! Together we can improve the human condition through biotechnology…and That's Good Science!

Role Overview: The Director, Product and Market Strategy NGS leads strategic initiatives and product management efforts to drive global growth and innovation of Takara Bio’s Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) solutions. The role combines deep technical and domain expertise in NGS with cross‑functional leadership to develop and execute market‑driven product roadmaps aligned with corporate objectives and R&D capabilities. The Director manages the full product lifecycle, including phase‑gate alignment, go‑to‑market planning, and tactical marketing execution, mainly for North America. He/she also manages strategic partnerships, collaborations, and business ventures, negotiating contracts and tracking performance metrics to ensure sustained market growth and impact. By translating scientific and market insights into actionable strategies, the Director enables short‑ and long‑term growth through targeted campaigns, development of sales enablement tools, and cross‑functional initiatives that support commercialization and adoption of NGS technologies.

Location: Onsite in San Jose, CA. Approximately 30% travel and some international travel may be required.

Impact

Lead a high‑performing team of product managers to deliver customer‑centric solutions for Takara’s RNA‑based NGS portfolio. Guide the development and launch of impactful products, optimize portfolio performance, and create targeted messaging and promotional activities that resonate with key market segments. Align scientific innovation with strategic business execution to accelerate growth and contribute to long‑term success in the genomics market.

Key Responsibilities

Product Management & Commercialization

• Lead and mentor a team across multiple product lines, overseeing product lifecycle, development timelines, and resource allocation for NGS‑related projects.
• Collaborate with R&D Director(s) and cross‑functional teams to prioritize and execute product roadmaps aligned with strategic goals.
• Track NGS product development projects and drive the team through challenges in product development, including timelines, technical risks, vendors, shifting requirements, resource limitations, and cost.
• Ensure all aspects of product lifecycle management—market research, NPV analysis, new product proposals, marketing requirements, go‑to‑market strategies, product launches, and sales enablement initiatives—meet deadlines.
• Work cross‑functionally with Product Management, R&D, Operations, and commercial and executive teams to bring product roadmaps to life and implement corporate strategies that capitalize on Takara Bio’s capabilities and technical strengths.
• Conduct product line reviews and post‑launch assessments to optimize performance.

Market Strategy & Business Growth

• Lead the commercial/business activities for one or more assigned market areas within the Marketing department through direct management of team members.
• Serve as domain knowledge expert for assigned market areas, including current and potential future market trends, applications, competition, and marketplace strategy and tactics.
• Build business cases and financial models for potential new growth opportunities (e.g., in‑licensing, acquisitions) and present to senior management for approval.

Strategic Partnerships & Ventures

• Provide vision and rationale for novel business opportunities that expand the market for current NGS products or lead to new technologies/growth in new markets.
• Lead efforts to identify, evaluate, and develop sponsored research programs, partnerships, and/or acquisitions; define requirements for collaborations and new ventures.
• Align external opportunities with internal capabilities to support innovation and growth.

Marketing & Sales Enablement

• Partner with Sales leadership to set budgets and achieve sales targets.
• Develop tactical marketing plans and campaigns to drive lead generation and revenue.
• Collaborate with other marketing and sales team members to develop product messaging and high‑impact sales tools (cue cards, brochures, application notes, web and social media content).
• Deliver market‑focused training for internal teams and distributors.
• Analyze campaign performance to improve ROI and explore new promotional channels.
• Represent Takara Bio at industry events and technical meetings.

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree required; MS and/or PhD considered favorably.
• Minimum 18 years of experience in product marketing for life sciences or related markets; at least 10 years managing a team of marketing professionals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong presentation ability.
• Detailed and broad knowledge of the NGS scientific discipline, including techniques, applications, and competitors.
• Highly effective analytical, problem‑solving, and judgment skills; ability to manage senior‑level team members.
• Demonstrated success in developing product roadmaps and business strategies to increase commercial growth and impact.
• Proven ability to manage external partnerships/collaborations.
• Solid business acumen, understanding of product marketability, and experience designing products that meet market requirements.
• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and creative thinking.
• Collaborative team player who builds credibility and relationships across all functions and levels.
• Emerging business leader with sustained performance and accomplishments.

AAP/EEO Statement: Takara Bio USA, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factors.

Additional Information about the role: The salary range is $220,000 - $230,000 USD. This range may be modified at any time. The base salary does not include additional bonus compensation and benefits. Learn more about benefits at . Individual compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, including job‑related skills, training, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions.