Job Description
Reports to: CEO | Location: Beijing/Shanghai (on-site)
Shape Promega's 10-20 year future in China's life sciences market
See patterns and opportunities before they're obvious, build strategic relationships that endure decades, and steward a high-performing team through transformation
This is about envisioning what Promega China can become—not executing a predetermined plan.
• Strategy & Growth: Anticipate market evolution in life sciences/diagnostics; position Promega ahead of shifts
Drive growth through direct sales, marketing efforts, distributors, and collaborations
Use new tools and technologies, including artificial intelligence for pipeline/competitive analysis; apply human judgment to KOL relationships and strategic deals.
• Regulatory Mastery: Navigate NMPA, customs, and government relationships
Make judgment calls when no playbook exists
Ensure compliance while advising corporate on China regulatory strategy
Localization of manufacturing & supply chain resilience and assess feasibility of local fill-finish, kit assembly, or co-manufacturing partnerships when necessary.
• Operational Leadership: Assess local manufacturing/co-manufacturing feasibility
Manage P&L with sound financial discipline
Use AI for analysis; apply judgment to strategic investments
Drive cross-functional alignment to enable a scalable “China-ready” supply chain for priority product lines.
• Stewardship: Develop people (AI handles coordination)
Sense struggles before raised, hold team steady through uncertainty, build confidence before proof, create psychological safety
Model AI proficiency; develop team across 4 Cs (Curiosity, Creativity, Communication, Critical Thinking).
• Ecosystem Building: Cultivate lasting relationships with KOLs, customers, partners, government—the kind of guanxi that opens doors for decades.
• Education & Technical: Bachelor's in Life Sciences required (MS/PhD/MBA preferred)
Deep understanding of life science reagents/diagnostics from R&D through commercialization
Hands-on product development experience strongly preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years business management; 5+ years full P&L responsibility
Prior GM/Country Manager role preferred
Deep China life sciences market knowledge (NMPA, competitive landscape, distribution channels)
Proven track record, 10 years or more, marketing, emerging tech, and mature products in China.
• Leadership: Create psychologically safe environments
Adapt across cultures
Build high-performing teams through coaching and recognition
U.S. multinational or cross-border/APAC experience valued.
• AI Enablement (required): Daily AI use for market intelligence, financial analysis, strategic planning
Model proficiency and develop team competence
Understand AI handles coordination/institutional memory—freeing humans for strategic vision, relationships, regulatory navigation.
• Risk & Compliance: Expert in NMPA, customs, PIPL, FCPA/China Criminal Law, IPR protection
Identify and mitigate risks without stifling innovation
Make ethical calls under pressure.
• Financial Acumen: Monthly P&L review, variance investigation, ROI-based prioritization
Design antifragile operations through scenario planning.
• Language: Native/near-native Mandarin; strong English (written/verbal)
Exceptional communication across audiences; deliver difficult messages with empathy.
On-site presence at China branch (majority of time)
Travel domestically and internationally (including Madison, WI) as required.
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Advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D., or MBA) preferred.
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Prior experience as a General Manager or Country Manager.
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Experience working within a U.S.-based multinational company.
Established relationships with key opinion leaders and research institutions in China.
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Experience managing cross-border operations or regional APAC
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Has hands-on experience in R&D, product development, or technical operations within the life science tools, IVD, or biotech industry.