Product Manager

Product Manager Germany - Generic Pharmaceuticals

Job Purpose

The Product Manager will be responsible for developing and executing the commercial strategy for a portfolio of generic pharmaceutical products in the German market. The role requires a combination of pharmaceutical industry expertise, strong analytical capabilities, market access knowledge, pricing competence, and cross-functional leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Strategy & Management

• Develop and implement product strategies for assigned generic products and therapeutic areas.
• Analyze market developments, competitive dynamics, pricing trends, and reimbursement changes.
• Identify opportunities for new product launches, line extensions, and portfolio optimization.
• Monitor market share, sales performance, profitability, and customer uptake.
• Prepare business cases and revenue forecasts for new product opportunities.

Product Launch Management

• Lead end-to-end launch planning for generic products in Germany.
• Coordinate launch readiness across all relevant functions.
• Develop launch forecasts and volume assumptions.
• Define launch pricing and positioning strategies.
• Monitor launch performance and implement corrective actions where required.

Pricing & Market Access

• Develop pricing strategies in accordance with:
• German reimbursement framework
• Festbetragsgruppen (reference pricing system)
• Aut-idem regulations
• Co-payment exemption requirements
• Competitive market dynamics
• Assess the impact of regulatory changes on portfolio performance.
• Support negotiations related to tenders and rebate contracts.

Tender & Contracting Support

• Evaluate pharmaceutical tenders and rebate contract opportunities.
• Support commercial decision-making through profitability analyses.
• Model expected sales volumes, market shares, and financial outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with Tender Management and Business Development teams.

Market Intelligence

• Continuously monitor: Generic competitors, Originator strategies, Patent expiries, Market entries,Tender awards
• Changes in reimbursement regulations
• Generate actionable market insights for senior management.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop value propositions for: Pharmacy groups, Pharmacy cooperations, Wholesalers, Health insurance funds, Buying groups
• Support commercial initiatives and customer-facing activities.
• Participate in industry meetings, conferences, and customer engagements.

Forecasting & Business Analysis

• Prepare demand forecasts and sales projections.
• Conduct profitability analyses for launches and commercial opportunities.
• Monitor KPIs including: Market share, Sales value and volume, Gross profit, Tender performance, Customer penetration

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate effectively with:
• Sales, Market Access, Finance, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Quality, Global Portfolio Teams
• Ensure alignment of commercial objectives across departments.

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Required Knowledge & Expertise

German Pharmaceutical Market

Extensive understanding of:

• German healthcare system, Statutory health insurance (GKV), Private insurance segment (PKV), Pharmaceutical distribution channels, Pharmacy market structure, Wholesaler landscape, Pharmacy cooperations and chains.

Generic Pharmaceutical Industry

Strong knowledge of:

• Generic market economics, Patent expiry dynamics, Generic launch strategies, Competitive pricing mechanisms, Portfolio lifecycle management, Product substitution mechanisms, Parallel import environment

Reimbursement & Market Access

Deep understanding of:

• Festbeträge (reference pricing), Rabattverträge (rebate contracts), Open-house agreements, Aut-idem regulations, Co-payment exemption processes, AMNOG framework and its implications, Healthcare payer landscape

Commercial & Financial Skills

• Experience with: Business case development, Pricing models, Forecasting methodologies, Financial analysis, Profitability calculations, Volume planning, Contract evaluation, Revenue management

Required Skills

• Technical Skills

Advanced Excel skills, Financial modelling, Market analysis, Data analytics, Forecasting and scenario planning, PowerPoint presentation development, CRM and pharmaceutical market databases (IQVIA, Insight Health, etc.)

• Communication Skills
• Project Management

Experience Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• At least 3 years of experience in Product Management, Marketing, Commercial Excellence, Portfolio Management, or a related commercial role.
• Experience in the German generic pharmaceutical market.
• Proven experience supporting product launches or portfolio management activities.

Educational Background

Required

• Bachelor's degree in: Pharmacy/Life Sciences/Business Administration/Economics/Healthcare Management/Related discipline

Preferred

• Master's degree (MBA, Economics, Pharmacy, Life Sciences or similar)