Market Development Specialist II

Location/Region: Toronto

What's the role?

The Market Development Specialist II is responsible for leading the strategic planning, commercialization, and market development activities for ZEISS Medical Technology product portfolios across Canada. Reporting directly to the Head of Marketing, this role serves as a key marketing leader and subject matter expert, translating global strategies into locally relevant initiatives that drive market growth, customer engagement, product adoption, and revenue performance. The incumbent acts as a strategic partner to Sales Leadership, Global Marketing, Product Management, Clinical Affairs, Finance, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to execute market development strategies and deliver business objectives. The role requires strong commercial acumen, deep market insight, and the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization. The Market Development Specialist II is responsible for identifying market opportunities, analyzing competitive dynamics, developing go-to-market strategies, managing product launches, supporting key customer and KOL relationships, and ensuring alignment between customer needs and ZEISS business objectives. This role will also provide leadership in market intelligence, product lifecycle management, marketing program effectiveness, and strategic planning initiatives while serving as a trusted advisor to the Head of Marketing.

Sound Interesting?

Here's what you'll do:

Strategic Marketing & Market Development

• Develop and execute annual market development plans aligned with business objectives and growth targets.
• Partner with the Head of Marketing to define strategic priorities and growth initiatives for assigned product portfolios.
• Assess market opportunities, trends, customer needs, and competitive activity to identify opportunities for expansion and revenue growth.
• Translate global marketing strategies into effective local commercialization plans.
• Develop business cases and strategic recommendations to support product investments and market expansion initiatives.
• Lead market development strategy for assigned product portfolios.
• Serve as the primary marketing lead for major launches and commercialization initiatives.
• Provide strategic recommendations to the Head of Marketing regarding market opportunities, customer trends, and competitive activity.
• Partner with Sales Leadership to identify opportunities to increase product adoption and market share.

Product Commercialization & Lifecycle Management

• Lead the planning and execution of product launches, upgrades, and product enhancement initiatives.
• Develop comprehensive go-to-market strategies and launch plans that optimize product adoption and revenue generation.
• Manage the full product lifecycle, including positioning, pricing recommendations, customer adoption, and portfolio optimization.
• Monitor product performance and recommend tactical and strategic actions to address market challenges or capitalize on opportunities.

Market Intelligence & Analytics

• Conduct ongoing market analysis, customer segmentation, and competitive intelligence assessments.
• Monitor market trends, customer feedback, reimbursement developments, and emerging technologies.
• Analyze sales performance, market share, customer utilization, and marketing effectiveness to support strategic decision making.
• Present actionable insights and recommendations to senior leadership.

Key Opinion Leader & Customer Engagement

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key opinion leaders, clinical experts, and industry stakeholders.
• Identify and nurture physician champions and customer advocates to support market adoption.
• Manage KOL engagements, speaker programs, consulting agreements, and educational initiatives in accordance with compliance requirements.
• Gather customer insights to inform marketing strategies, product positioning, and commercial programs.
• Lead national KOL engagement strategies and customer education programs.
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced marketing professionals and cross-functional project teams.

Sales Enablement & Commercial Support

• Partner closely with Sales Leadership to develop strategies that drive customer acquisition and retention.
• Create and deliver product training, competitive positioning, and value proposition messaging for field teams.
• Support sales planning, forecasting, customer presentations, and business reviews.
• Serve as the primary marketing resource for complex sales opportunities and customer inquiries.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead cross-functional teams in support of commercialization initiatives and strategic projects.
• Collaborate with Global Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Operations, Customer Service, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical teams.
• Ensure alignment of marketing activities with organizational objectives and customer requirements.
• Develop business cases and recommendations supporting growth initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional marketing projects and strategic initiatives.
• Influence stakeholders and build alignment across functions to achieve business outcomes.

Budget & Financial Management

• Develop and manage assigned marketing budgets.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and return on investment of marketing programs and events.
• Monitor spending and ensure resources are allocated to maximize business impact.

Do you qualify?

Experience and Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Life Sciences, Engineering, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in marketing, product management, market development, or commercial roles.
• Minimum 3 years of experience within the medical device, healthcare technology, life sciences, or related healthcare industry.
• Demonstrated success leading product launches and commercialization initiatives.
• Experience developing and executing strategic marketing plans.
• Experience working with physician stakeholders and key opinion leaders is strongly preferred.
• Experience influencing cross-functional teams and leading initiatives without direct authority.
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong understanding of healthcare markets and commercial dynamics.
• Exceptional presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership and drive organizational alignment.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• High proficiency in CRM platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and marketing analytics tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to translate data into actionable business insights.
• Ability to work effectively in a global, matrixed organization.
• Experience in the medical device industry.
• Experience bringing new products to market is highly preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in the product development process preferred.

Working Conditions and Special Demands:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week Monday - Friday.
• In some cases, especially with the advancement of technology, remote work or flexible work arrangement may be possible. This depends on company's policies and the nature of the work.
• Willing to travel over weekends and holidays, including domestic and international travel (up to 25%).
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural business environment, foreign language skills are desirable.

The annual pay range for this position is $85,000 - $106,000

The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.

This position is also eligible for a performance bonus or sales commissions. ZEISS also offers robust benefits, including medical plans, retirement savings plan and paid time off.

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS!

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• RRP
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off including vacation, personal, and sick days
• The list goes on!

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of requirements, duties, or responsibilities. The Company reserves the right to interpret, amend, or otherwise modify, in whole or in part, any job description at any time, at its sole discretion.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Lindsay Walker Goodman

As part of our recruitment process, we currently do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assess applications or make hiring decisions. This job posting is for an existing vacancy.