At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and lifecycle management for innovative sequencing systems.
- Company: Join Oxford Nanopore Technologies, a leader in cutting-edge genomic technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the life sciences and genomics field.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in product management for complex technical products.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Oxford Nanopore Technologies is seeking a Senior Director of Product Management to lead the strategy, lifecycle management, and commercial success of our sequencing systems portfolio. This role is accountable for both on-market sequencing platforms and new product introductions, ensuring products deliver clear customer value, align with company strategy, and are successfully developed, launched, and sustained at scale. The role sits at the intersection of technology, science, and commercial execution, working closely with R&D, Product Development, Commercial, Marketing, Operations, and Regulatory teams. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and deep experience managing complex, hardware-enabled product portfolios in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Product Strategy & Portfolio Leadership: Define and own the product strategy and roadmap for sequencing systems across their full lifecycle, from concept through launch, growth, and end-of-life. Balance investment across on-market products and future platforms, ensuring alignment with Oxford Nanopore’s scientific, commercial, and strategic objectives. Lead portfolio prioritisation and trade-off decisions, informed by customer insight, market opportunity, technical feasibility, and operational readiness.
- On-Market Product Leadership: Lead a team and provide senior product leadership for existing sequencing systems, ensuring continued customer value, competitiveness, and commercial performance. Drive lifecycle management activities including roadmap evolution, upgrades, cost optimisation, performance improvements, and end-of-life planning. Partner with Commercial, Customer Support, and Marketing teams to address market feedback, adoption barriers, and competitive dynamics.
- New Product Introductions: Lead a product management team for new sequencing system development, from early concept and requirements definition through development, launch, and scale-up. Translate customer and market needs into clear product requirements, value propositions, and success criteria. Ensure strong cross-functional alignment throughout the product development and commercialisation process.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as a senior leader and connector across R&D, Engineering, Product Development, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, and Commercial teams. Provide clear product direction and decision-making in complex, technically ambiguous environments. Represent the voice of the customer and the market at senior governance forums.
- Team Leadership & Capability Building: Build, lead, and develop a high-performing product management team, setting clear expectations and fostering strong product leadership capability. Establish best practices for product management, including customer insight, roadmap governance, and lifecycle management. Mentor and develop senior product leaders and successors within the organisation.
Required Experience & Skills
- Significant senior leadership experience in product management for complex technical products, ideally combining hardware, software, and consumables.
- Strong understanding of end-to-end product development and commercialisation processes.
- Strong understanding of the sequencing market and competitor products.
- Experience working closely with R&D and engineering teams on technical platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and lead at executive level, with strong stakeholder management and decision‑making skills.
- Commercially astute, with experience shaping value propositions, pricing strategies, and go‑to‑market plans.
- Comfortable operating in fast‑paced, evolving organisations with scientific and technical complexity.
- Background in life sciences, genomics, sequencing, diagnostics, or adjacent technology sectors.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working in platform or systems‑based product portfolios.
- Exposure to global markets and diverse customer segments, including research, clinical, and applied markets.
Senior Director, Product Management - Sequencing Systems in Oxford employer: Oxford Nanopore
Oxford Nanopore Technologies is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration at the forefront of genomic technology. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and leadership within a supportive culture that values diverse perspectives. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys not only competitive benefits but also the chance to make a meaningful impact in the life sciences sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Product Management - Sequencing Systems in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Oxford Nanopore or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s products and market position. Understand their sequencing systems inside out, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Oxford Nanopore team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Product Management - Sequencing Systems in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Director role. Highlight your leadership in product management, especially in complex technical products, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about sequencing systems and how your strategic thinking can drive our product portfolio. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a successful product launch? Share the results! We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Oxford Nanopore Technologies!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Nanopore
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Oxford Nanopore's sequencing systems. Understand their current products, market position, and recent innovations. This knowledge will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their product strategy and lifecycle management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in product management. Discuss how you've successfully led teams through complex product lifecycles and how you’ve influenced cross-functional collaboration. This is crucial for a role that requires strong team leadership and capability building.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to defining product strategy and making portfolio prioritisation decisions. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you balance customer insights, market opportunities, and technical feasibility in your decision-making process.
✨Engage with Market Insights
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and competitive dynamics in the sequencing market. Be prepared to discuss how you would address market feedback and adoption barriers for existing products, as well as how you would translate customer needs into successful new product introductions.