Directeur, stratégie produit – Bases d’API et d’excipients | Director of Product Strategy - API & Excipient Bases

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Directeur, stratégie produit – Bases d’API et d’excipients | Director of Product Strategy - API & Excipient Bases

Company: Medisca

Location: Montréal, QC, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Strategy & Commercial Leadership (Revenue Operations/GTM Alignment)

Date Posted: 2026-06-05

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and commercialization of a specialized portfolio of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Peptides, and base excipients crucial for pharmaceutical compounding.

• Drive cross-functional alignment and execution across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales to ensure market relevance, operational efficiency, and sustainable revenue growth.

• Develop and implement robust product lifecycle management frameworks and commercial strategies, optimizing processes for speed, accountability, and market competitiveness.

• Leverage deep market analysis, technical expertise, and industry insights to identify innovative product opportunities and maintain a competitive market position within the pharmaceutical compounding sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Director of Product Strategy," has significant implications for Revenue Operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. The emphasis on commercialization, market positioning, cross-functional alignment, and revenue targets indicates a strong need for operational excellence and strategic execution that directly impacts sales performance and market share. The candidate will be responsible for translating product vision into actionable commercial plans, requiring a deep understanding of sales processes, market dynamics, and operational constraints.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Commercial Leadership: Develop and execute comprehensive commercial strategies for the API, excipient, and base portfolio in compounding, ensuring alignment with business objectives, market needs, and revenue targets.

• Portfolio Management & Vision: Define and manage the product portfolio for APIs and excipient bases in the compounding segment, including lifecycle management from concept to launch, optimization, and maintenance, identifying opportunities for expansion or rationalization.

• Process Framework Establishment: Design, implement, and continuously improve scalable product lifecycle and commercialization frameworks to enhance speed, accountability, and cross-functional coordination from ideation to ongoing management.

• Cross-functional Alignment & Execution: Drive collaboration with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales to optimize the portfolio, ensure market relevance, quality, and compliance, and resolve operational bottlenecks impacting product delivery.

• Market Analysis & Insights: Conduct in-depth market analyses, gather competitive intelligence, and leverage market trends to drive product innovation, refine market positioning, and inform strategic decisions.

• Performance Optimization: Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for commercial initiatives, product performance, and pricing strategies to drive revenue growth, market share expansion, and continuous improvement.

• Forecasting & Demand Planning: Develop and implement forecasting models to predict market demand and sales trends, collaborating with supply chain and production to optimize inventory levels and meet customer needs.

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing product strategy team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical need for strategic planning, operational execution, and cross-functional leadership. This role bridges product development with commercial reality, requiring strong analytical skills for market assessment, process optimization capabilities for lifecycle management, and collaborative leadership to ensure seamless execution across various departments that directly influence revenue generation and market penetration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field.

• Master’s degree is preferred. Experience:

• Ten (10) years of proven leadership experience in product management, portfolio strategy, or commercial leadership, with a strong preference for experience within pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, finished dosage forms, or compounding-related categories.

• Demonstrated track record of establishing and optimizing processes for enhanced efficiency in product lifecycle management.

• Hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including exposure to finished dosage products, product launches, lifecycle management, and cross-functional coordination. Required Skills:

• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills.

• Proven success in product launches and commercial strategy execution.

• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building capabilities.

• Deep understanding of the API, excipient, and compounding market, including customer needs and competitive landscape.

• Knowledge of applicable quality and regulatory considerations within the pharmaceutical industry.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Teams, and Excel). Preferred Skills:

• Experience in defining and managing product portfolios, including expansion, rationalization, and innovation.

• Expertise in developing and implementing forecasting models for market demand and sales trends.

• Familiarity with GTM strategy development and execution.

• Experience in KPI governance and performance optimization for commercial initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of leadership experience, coupled with a deep understanding of product lifecycle management and commercial strategy execution, positions this as a senior strategic role. The emphasis on process optimization and cross-functional alignment is crucial for candidates aiming to demonstrate their ability to drive operational efficiency and revenue growth within a complex regulatory environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of how to define and manage a specialized product portfolio (APIs, excipients, bases) within the pharmaceutical compounding sector.

• Provide examples of how you have identified opportunities for portfolio expansion, rationalization, or innovation, supported by market analysis and business case development.

• Showcase experience in developing and executing product lifecycle management strategies, from concept and evaluation through launch, optimization, and maintenance.

• Be prepared to articulate how you translate portfolio strategy into executable commercial plans that consider regulatory requirements, supply readiness, and operational constraints. Process Documentation:

• Exhibit a track record of establishing and continuously improving scalable product lifecycle and commercialization frameworks.

• Provide examples of how you have enhanced speed, accountability, and cross-functional coordination in product development and commercialization processes.

• Detail experience in developing and implementing forecasting models and collaborating with supply chain/production teams to optimize inventory and meet demand.

• Showcase experience in defining and monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate commercial initiative effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to present concrete examples of their process-oriented thinking and portfolio management capabilities. This includes demonstrating the ability to build scalable frameworks, optimize cross-functional workflows for product launches and lifecycle management, and leverage data for forecasting and performance tracking, all critical for operational success in a GTM context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Director-level Product Strategy roles in Montreal, QC, with 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector, the estimated salary range is CAD $140,000 - $190,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized nature of the role, leadership responsibilities, and the cost of living in Montreal. Benefits:

• Work/Life Balance: 37.50-hour workweek with early Fridays year-round, comprehensive Paid Time Off (PTO) and vacation policy.

• Health & Wellness: Choice of modular health plans, a Health Spending Account (HSA), and free Telemedicine services.

• Well-being: Access to a dedicated Wellness Program.

• Flexible Work Environment: Hybrid work schedule with a Home Office Reimbursement Program.

• Career Development: Opportunities for learning and professional growth within Medisca.

• Retirement Savings: Medisca contributes to a Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP) when employees invest in RRSPs.

• Employee Referral Program: Incentives for referring successful candidates.

• Convenient Location: Free parking, accessible by public transportation, with a nearby commercial center for amenities.

• Company Culture: Regular company events throughout the year fostering team engagement.

Working Hours:

• Standard 37.50 hours per week, with a focus on work-life balance and early finishes on Fridays. The hybrid model offers flexibility in managing work hours within operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for comparable roles in Montreal, Canada. It considers the seniority, specific industry (pharmaceuticals), and specialized product focus. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing work-life balance, health, and long-term financial well-being, which are attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Services, Compounding, Analytical Testing, Education. Medisca operates within a highly regulated and quality-driven sector, requiring precision, adherence to standards, and a commitment to patient safety and healthcare professional support.

Company Size: Medisca is a global company. While the exact number of employees isn't specified, its global presence suggests a mid-to-large-sized organization with established operational structures and diverse teams.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but Medisca is positioned as a company with a significant history and established expertise in its field, leveraging strong partnerships.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a Product Management or Commercial Strategy department, reporting to a VP or similar senior executive.

• The team structure involves close collaboration with heads of R&D, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales, indicating a matrixed reporting or strong stakeholder management dynamic.

• The Director will lead a dedicated team focused on the API and Excipient Bases portfolio, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Methodology:

• Medisca emphasizes a data-driven approach, utilizing market analysis and KPIs to inform strategy and drive continuous improvement.

• The company focuses on building strong partnerships and bridging gaps in healthcare through precision and innovation.

• Operational efficiency and cross-functional coordination are key to their methodology, ensuring timely delivery and market relevance.

Company Website: https://www.medisca.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Medisca's positioning as a global, partnership-driven entity in the pharmaceutical sector implies a culture that values expertise, quality, and collaboration. The hybrid work environment and focus on employee well-being suggest a modern organizational approach. The Director's role will require navigating a complex stakeholder landscape within a regulated industry, demanding strong operational discipline.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Director-level position, signifying senior leadership with significant strategic responsibility and decision-making authority. The role is pivotal in shaping the commercial success of a critical product portfolio.

Reporting Structure: The Director will likely report to a Vice President of Product Management, Commercial Strategy, or a similar senior executive, with direct management of a team of product managers or specialists. They will also interface heavily with other department heads and functional leaders.

Operations Impact: The role's primary impact is on revenue generation and market share for the API and Excipient Bases portfolio. Strategic product decisions, effective commercialization, and operational efficiency directly influence the company's financial performance and competitive standing in the pharmaceutical compounding market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into VP-level roles overseeing broader product categories or commercial functions within Medisca or other pharmaceutical organizations.

• Strategic Specialization: Deepen expertise in pharmaceutical APIs, excipients, and compounding, becoming a recognized thought leader in this niche.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Opportunity to gain broader exposure to global operations, regulatory affairs, and market access, enhancing overall business acumen.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Develop leadership skills by mentoring and growing a team, contributing to Medisca's talent pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Director role offers a significant opportunity for career progression within the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for those looking to bridge product strategy with commercial execution and operational efficiency. The focus on a specialized portfolio allows for deep expertise development, while the cross-functional nature of the role prepares individuals for broader leadership challenges.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job posting specifies a "Hybrid work schedule with home office reimbursement program," indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. The office environment is designed to foster collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Montréal, QC, Canada (postal code H4R). The location is described as central, with free parking, public transport accessibility, and nearby amenities like a shopping center.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for flexibility, enabling operations professionals to balance focused work at home with collaborative sessions in the office.

• The office environment likely provides the necessary tools and technology for product strategy development, market analysis, and cross-functional team meetings.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with sales, marketing, R&D, and supply chain teams are abundant, facilitating strong working relationships and operational alignment.

Work Schedule: A standard 37.5-hour workweek is standard, with an emphasis on work-life balance and early finishes on Fridays. This structured yet flexible schedule is conducive to detailed analytical work and strategic planning, common in operations roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement is a key feature, appealing to operations professionals who value flexibility while still needing in-person collaboration for strategic initiatives. The Montreal office's accessibility and amenities add to the overall attractiveness of the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications, focusing on leadership experience, product strategy background, and pharmaceutical industry relevance.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive into your experience with portfolio management, commercial strategy, cross-functional leadership, and specific achievements in product launches and lifecycle management. Be prepared to discuss how you've driven operational efficiency.

• Cross-functional Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to assess collaboration style, problem-solving capabilities, and strategic alignment. Expect questions on how you've navigated operational challenges.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a strategic plan for a hypothetical product or portfolio, demonstrating market analysis, commercial strategy, and operational considerations. This is a prime opportunity to showcase your portfolio.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership (e.g., VP) to assess cultural fit, strategic vision, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Case Studies: Focus on 2-3 significant projects that demonstrate your impact on product strategy, commercialization, and operational efficiency. Include examples of API/excipient portfolio management if possible.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your strategic approach, the operational processes you optimized or implemented, the actions you took, and the measurable results (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, cost reduction, efficiency gains).

• Highlight Cross-functional Collaboration: Show how you successfully partnered with diverse teams (R&D, Sales, Supply Chain, etc.) to achieve objectives.

• Quantify Achievements: Use specific data and KPIs to demonstrate the business impact of your work. For example, "Increased market share by X%," "Reduced time-to-market by Y weeks," or "Improved forecast accuracy by Z%."

• Showcase Process Improvement: Detail any frameworks, processes, or methodologies you developed or optimized to enhance efficiency and accountability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis: Be ready to discuss current trends in pharmaceutical APIs, excipients, and compounding.

• Strategic Planning: Prepare to outline a strategy for launching a new product or revitalizing an existing one, considering market entry, competitive positioning, and operational execution.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would resolve cross-functional conflicts, manage supply chain disruptions, or address regulatory hurdles. Focus on your process-driven approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of skills and cross-functional collaboration. A strong portfolio that showcases strategic thinking, operational process improvement, and quantifiable results in product strategy and commercialization will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel (for data analysis, forecasting, KPI tracking), PowerPoint (for strategic presentations, market analysis), Word (for documentation), and Teams (for cross-functional collaboration and communication) is explicitly required.

• CRM Systems: While not explicitly listed, experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) is highly beneficial for understanding sales pipelines, customer engagement, and market feedback.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Jira, or Monday.com can be advantageous for managing complex initiatives and cross-functional projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for market analysis, performance tracking, and KPI reporting is highly desirable.

• Forecasting Tools: Proficiency in statistical modeling or dedicated forecasting software for demand planning.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems: Understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) is valuable for comprehending supply chain, inventory, and production processes.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Familiarity with PLM systems can aid in managing product development, documentation, and regulatory compliance workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Microsoft Office Suite is a baseline requirement. Candidates should highlight any experience with data analysis, forecasting, CRM, and project management tools, as these are integral to effective product strategy and commercial operations, enabling data-driven decision-making and efficient workflow management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Quality: Given the pharmaceutical industry context, a commitment to accuracy, quality standards, and regulatory compliance is paramount in all operations and strategic decisions.

• Innovation: A drive to generate new ideas, develop proprietary products, and adapt to market changes through continuous improvement.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively across diverse functional teams (R&D, Quality, Sales, Supply Chain) to achieve common goals.

• Impact & Growth: A focus on driving tangible business results, including revenue growth, market share expansion, and sustainable development.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of product lifecycle decisions and commercialization execution, ensuring timely delivery and performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with various departments, acting as a central point of alignment for product strategy and commercial execution.

• Process Review Culture: An openness to continuously evaluate and improve existing processes for product lifecycle management and commercialization.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of market insights, technical expertise, and best practices across teams to foster collective growth and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Medisca's culture appears to value a blend of scientific rigor and commercial acumen. Professionals in operations roles here should expect an environment that demands attention to detail, adherence to strict quality standards, and a proactive, collaborative approach to achieving strategic business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated; staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving quality and regulatory standards for APIs and excipients will be a continuous challenge.

• Cross-functional Alignment in a Hybrid Environment: Ensuring consistent communication, clear decision-making, and unified execution across diverse teams operating in a hybrid work model can be complex.

• Market Volatility & Competitive Pressure: Responding effectively to changing market trends, competitor actions, and global supply chain dynamics requires agility and robust strategic planning.

• Balancing Innovation with Operational Constraints: Driving product innovation while managing supply readiness, production capacity, and regulatory requirements demands careful prioritization and execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Product Expertise: Deepen knowledge in APIs, peptides, and excipients, becoming a subject matter expert in pharmaceutical compounding ingredients.

• Strategic Leadership Skills: Enhance capabilities in portfolio strategy, commercial execution, and cross-functional team leadership.

• Industry Trends & Compliance: Stay current with advancements in pharmaceutical science, manufacturing, and global regulatory affairs through continuous learning and potential certifications.

• Mentorship and Team Building: Develop leadership skills by guiding and mentoring a product strategy team, contributing to Medisca's talent development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional development within a specialized and critical sector of the pharmaceutical industry. Overcoming challenges will require a strategic mindset, strong operational discipline, and excellent collaboration skills, all of which contribute to substantial career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed and launched a new product in a regulated industry. What was your strategy, how did you ensure cross-functional alignment, and what were the key operational challenges you overcame?" (Focus on process optimization and GTM execution.)

• "How would you approach defining the product strategy for a new API or excipient, considering market analysis, competitive landscape, and regulatory requirements? Walk us through your process." (Highlight market intelligence and strategic planning.)

• "How do you measure the success of a product strategy and commercialization plan? What KPIs would you track for our API and excipient portfolio, and how would you use this data to drive improvements?" (Emphasize data-driven decision-making and KPI governance.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Medisca and the pharmaceutical compounding market, what do you see as our biggest opportunity and challenge in the next 3-5 years?" (Demonstrate research and strategic foresight.)

• "How would you foster collaboration and ensure accountability across R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales in a hybrid work environment?" (Showcase leadership and team-building skills.)

• "Describe your experience leading and mentoring a team. What is your leadership philosophy, and how do you drive a culture of innovation and excellence?" (Assess leadership style and team development capabilities.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio around key achievements, focusing on strategic impact, operational processes implemented or optimized, and quantifiable results. Use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format for case studies.

• Quantify Impact: Always back up your achievements with data. For example, "Increased market share by 15% within 18 months," or "Streamlined the product launch process, reducing time-to-market by 20%."

• Showcase Process Ownership: Detail your role in defining, implementing, or improving operational processes related to product lifecycle management, commercialization, or forecasting.

• Tailor to Medisca: Connect your past successes to Medisca's specific needs and the challenges outlined in the job description, demonstrating how your skills align with their goals.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, decision-making rationale, and how you managed trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, robust operational process knowledge, strong cross-functional leadership, and a quantifiable track record of success in product strategy and commercial execution, especially within regulated industries.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned product strategy position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Medisca recruiting portal.

• Curate Your Operations-Focused Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights leadership experience in product management, commercial strategy, portfolio management, and cross-functional execution within the pharmaceutical or related industries. Quantify achievements with specific metrics related to revenue growth, market share, operational efficiency, and process improvements.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Showcase: Select 2-3 impactful case studies that demonstrate your strategic thinking, process optimization skills, and ability to drive commercial success. Be ready to articulate the operational challenges you addressed and the measurable results you achieved.

• Research Medisca's Market Position: Understand their product offerings, target markets (especially compounding), and competitive landscape. Be prepared to discuss how your strategic vision aligns with their company mission and growth objectives.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common strategic, leadership, and behavioral questions, focusing on how your experience directly translates to success in this Director role, particularly in driving operational excellence and revenue growth.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.