Play a significant role in shaping and executing the franchise “Build” strategy
Lead the development of the long-range innovation roadmap
Partner with Upstream leadership to align opportunity areas with franchise strategic and financial goals
Drive structured innovation processes with cross-functional early innovation working teams
Synthesize insights from customers, markets, and technologies into opportunity maps and need statements
Partner with R&D, Medical Affairs, and Finance to assess early technical, clinical, and financial feasibility and innovation readiness
Define and manage the FEI process, ensuring clarity of roles, decision gates, and progression criteria for early opportunities
Present opportunity maps and early innovation concepts to leadership to inform resource allocation and Build strategic direction
Establish and maintain a balanced portfolio of early-stage initiatives, from horizon scanning to concept incubation

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Marketing, Business Management, or a related field
12 years of progressive experience in front-end innovation, upstream marketing, and/or innovation strategy roles
Advanced marketing and/or clinical degree (e.g., MBA, RN, MD, or related field)
Experience in healthcare, medical devices, or other regulated industries
Knowledge of the advanced wound care market, including negative pressure wound therapies
Ability to thrive in an action-oriented and high accountability environment
Proven ability to translate ambiguous opportunity spaces into clear, prioritized innovation strategies
Deep expertise in structured innovation processes (e.g., design thinking, ethnography, etc.)
Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical ability, and financial acumen
Strong collaboration and influencing skills, particularly in cross-functional, matrixed organizations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, executive presence, and storytelling ability; with experience presenting to C-level executives.

Upstream Marketing Director

Key skills