In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry in general, marketing departments are divided according to the medical speciality to which their product, drug or related product is directed. Within each of these specialisations, we find pharmaceutical product managers.

These professionals are part of the marketing department of a pharmaceutical company and are the head of a product or range of products (brand manager). Their involvement begins with the conception of the product and continues with its management throughout its entire commercial cycle. Define at all times the commercial and marketing strategies to follow. Also, they ensure the maximisation of the benefits produced by this product through its relaunch in phases of decline or the implementation of new strategies aimed at prolonging its existence.

Likewise, these professionals' mission is to manage the life cycle of one or more products, from the definition stage and launch until the moment they disappear, always with the main objective of achieving maximum profits through sales. Their role begins with the search of business opportunities, continues with the coordination of the marketing plan for the chosen product, which should feature the classic variables of the marketing mix (product, price, distribution and communication), the realisation of sales forecasts and, finally, the organisation of logistics and the positioning of the product in the market. Advertising, promotions, sponsorship, market research, merchandising and pricing are some of the tools they use in order to achieve their targets.

• Create, define and implement the marketing plan for the company's product portfolio, based on the analysis of market research of new products or existing products of the company.
• Perform market research in order to observe the evolution of products and competition, thereby aiding the decision-making process. Interpret, conduct and analyse market studies to understand the product, customers and competition (products, prices, offers, etc.).
• Devise product penetration, image and promotion studies. Perform research and commercial prospecting of existing or new products and study their market prospects.
• Adapt and update the product catalogue of their division, discarding obsolete products and including new references.
• Control the budget assigned to their product category.
• Train the sales team in the products and promotions provided in the marketing plan and in the strategies to be used with customers. Produce monthly reports for the Marketing Department.
• Prepare and/or adapt the promotional materials related to this product to legal requirements.
• Identify and propose new business opportunities through opinion leaders.
• The company's customers consider this professional the person who knows the most about the product.
• Know the characteristics and technical solutions of complementary products to those marketed in the division.
• Manage databases and market supplier panels. Measure and analyse the profitability of the marketing actions carried out.
• Participate in sector fairs and organise symposia.
• Coordinate their tasks with other departments in the company.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Biologia
• Grau: Bioquímica
• Grau: Farmàcia
• Grau: Bioquímica i biologia molecular
• Grau: Estudis internacionals d'economia i empresa/International Business Economics
• Grau: Negocis i màrqueting internacionals
• Grau: Negocis internacionals
• Grau: Administració d'empreses i gestió de la innovació
• Grau: Màrqueting i direcció comercial
• Grau: Màrqueting i investigació de mercats
• Grau: Enginyeria química
• Grau: Ciències biomèdiques
• Grau: Medicina
• Grau: Veterinària
• Grau: Biotecnologia
• Grau: Química
• Grau: Administració i direcció d'empreses

Complementary training

Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Marketing.
Master's degree in Scientific Communication.
Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA).

Other specific skills

High level of English. Knowledge of other languages is valued.
Availability to travel.

It is necessary to have previous experience in the pharmaceutical industry. It is common to start as an assistant within the Marketing Department and be promoted as experience is gained: first, to specialist (minimum three years of experience) and later to product manager.
Having worked for more than a year as a medical visitor is valued, something that involves knowing in depth the dynamics of sales within the sector.

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Strategic orientation: Level 3

Analytical thought: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 3

Team work and cooperation: Level 2

Communication

Those who show a preference for the field of communication are interested in the generation and dissemination of information. This information, however, can have various purposes: provide information on events and occurrences, generate public opinion on a certain topic or promote and publicise a service or product. Carrying out these activities requires knowledge of various techniques aimed at communication, persuasion and marketing.

Management

The organisation, administration and control of a company or entity are the main interests of people related to the management field. Activities included in this field of interest vary from effective resource management, feasibility analyses and solving business problems to the development of skills and fostering of motivation in relation to human resources. Knowledge regarding specific techniques of strategic administration and business management are required to carry out these activities.

Study manager

Biotechnological marketing manager

Pharmacoeconomics Manager

Industrial property manager, specialised in biotechnology

Pharmaceutical regulation technician

• Work hours

  The working day can be part-time or full-time, in intensive or split hours. The established schedule is usually flexible, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., despite the fact that it can be intensive in the morning or in the afternoon depending on the location of the company.

• Salary

  The salary ranges between 36,638 and 55,475 euros gross per year, depending on the experience of each person. The average salary is around 45,083 euros gross per year.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.
  

• Professional category

  Middle management