Upstream Product Manager
Racine, WI
Full Time
Manager/Supervisor
Job Title: Upstream Product Manager
Company: VistaApex Solutions
Location: Onsite/Hybrid, Racine, Wisconsin (Corporate Headquarters)
Reports to: Vice-President, Research & Development, Regulatory & Quality
Other key dotted lines: Marketing, KOL and Clinical Team, Operations
About VistaApex Solutions
VistaApex Solutions is a purpose-driven, clinician-focused healthcare platform bringing together leading dental brands, including Vista Apex, PerioProtect, and PerioSciences. Our mission is to develop meaningful products that enhance clinicians’ treatment options and improve patient outcomes. With a value-added approach across R&D, operations, and customer experience. We empower clinicians to deliver confident, consistent, and elevated care.
At our core, we operate through five foundational pillars— Product Development + Clinician Involvement, Treatment Refinement + Simplified Workflow, Expanding Innovations + Trusted Partnerships, Inspired Foresight and Quality Assured + Personal Connections —guiding our approach to innovation, collaboration, and long-term partnership.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Upstream Product Manager to join our oral healthcare product development team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for bringing the voice of the customer to our product development efforts, so that we can create and launch products on the market that meet unmet customer needs, satisfy our short-term and long-term strategic initiatives, and improve the oral healthcare of patients around the world.
This role leads product development market research, identifies customer needs, and monitors industry-related activities to develop differentiated product and service development solutions for dentists, the rest of the clinical team, practice owners, and patients. The upstream product manager will work closely and collaboratively with the R&D, clinical, and KOL teams to prioritize, drive and execute market and product opportunities that align with the company’s vision and business strategies. This person has experience in managing several simultaneous technical projects and timelines as well as defining user experience requirements.
Key Functions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We believe in supporting our employees both inside and outside of work. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:
Company: VistaApex Solutions
Location: Onsite/Hybrid, Racine, Wisconsin (Corporate Headquarters)
Reports to: Vice-President, Research & Development, Regulatory & Quality
Other key dotted lines: Marketing, KOL and Clinical Team, Operations
About VistaApex Solutions
VistaApex Solutions is a purpose-driven, clinician-focused healthcare platform bringing together leading dental brands, including Vista Apex, PerioProtect, and PerioSciences. Our mission is to develop meaningful products that enhance clinicians’ treatment options and improve patient outcomes. With a value-added approach across R&D, operations, and customer experience. We empower clinicians to deliver confident, consistent, and elevated care.
At our core, we operate through five foundational pillars— Product Development + Clinician Involvement, Treatment Refinement + Simplified Workflow, Expanding Innovations + Trusted Partnerships, Inspired Foresight and Quality Assured + Personal Connections —guiding our approach to innovation, collaboration, and long-term partnership.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Upstream Product Manager to join our oral healthcare product development team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for bringing the voice of the customer to our product development efforts, so that we can create and launch products on the market that meet unmet customer needs, satisfy our short-term and long-term strategic initiatives, and improve the oral healthcare of patients around the world.
This role leads product development market research, identifies customer needs, and monitors industry-related activities to develop differentiated product and service development solutions for dentists, the rest of the clinical team, practice owners, and patients. The upstream product manager will work closely and collaboratively with the R&D, clinical, and KOL teams to prioritize, drive and execute market and product opportunities that align with the company’s vision and business strategies. This person has experience in managing several simultaneous technical projects and timelines as well as defining user experience requirements.
Key Functions
- Spend time in the clinical and practice space with the oral healthcare team to define unmet customer needs, understand market trends, and the competitive landscape.
- Bring the voice-of-the-customer (VOC) back to VistaApex teammates so that products can be developed and improved in ways that meaningfully and impactfully deliver solutions that meet our strategic objectives.
- Complete essential technical and regulatory documentation as required.
- Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer interviews to identify market opportunities, understand customer pain points, and gather insights that inform product roadmap and marketing strategies.
- Ensure successful transition of product development projects into operational readiness, collaborating with our operations, supply chain, quality and regulatory teammates.
- Work with independent testing agencies, dental schools, and KOL’s to obtain product data that can further refine product enhancements and customer-facing messaging.
- Collaborate with our commercial teammates to ensure product messaging, key features and benefits, proof sources, and customer insights are all developed and delivered consistently and impactfully.
- Serve as a product expert for the sales team, providing guidance and support as required.
- Monitor industry to understand technological innovations and changes, relevant research, new product introductions, and other relevant market and customer trends.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
- Proven track record of successfully developing, launching and growing products.
- Strong understanding of the product lifecycle and go-to-market strategies.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and concisely.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
- Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Self-starter with a proactive and results-oriented approach.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during clinical observations, meetings, or desk work.
- Occasional lifting, carrying, or handling of dental products, samples, or demonstration equipment (typically under 25 lbs).
- Frequent use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and video conferencing tools.
- Clear verbal and written communication required for customer interactions, presentations, and documentation.
- May involve walking or moving around clinical environments and trade show floors.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Frequent presence in clinical and dental practice settings to observe procedures and engage with oral healthcare professionals.
- Regular interaction with cross-functional teams including product development, marketing, regulatory, and commercial departments.
- Office-based work for administrative tasks, documentation, and meetings.
- Occasional travel to dental schools, key opinion leaders (KOLs), independent testing agencies, customer sites, trade shows, and industry events.
- Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders in both virtual and in-person settings.
- Fast-paced, dynamic environment requiring adaptability and proactive communication.
We believe in supporting our employees both inside and outside of work. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- Time Off: Generous PTO policy and paid holidays
- Retirement Plans: 401(k) with company matching to help you plan for the future.
- Wellness Support: Mental health resources and wellness programs.
- Team Connection: Regular team events, retreats, and gatherings to build community.
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