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Upstream Product Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Product Management

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

As a Global Upstream Product Manager, you have many ideas grounded in research, knowledge of the market and customer workflows. Your skills in generating, planning and implementing these ideas are ...

Global Product Manager

Shoreview, MN ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Global Product Manager at DICKEY-john The Upstream Global Product Manager leads new product development (NPD) efforts for the DICKEY-john business within TSI. This role is responsible for identifying ...

Global Product Manager at DICKEY-john The Upstream Global Product Manager leads new product development (NPD) efforts for the DICKEY-john business within TSI. This role is responsible for identifying ...

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Showing results 1-20

Upstream Product Manager information

See Minnesota salary details

$50.4K

$156.1K

$192.9K

How much do upstream product manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for upstream product manager in Minnesota is $156,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,100.00 and $192,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an upstream product manager?

An upstream product manager focuses on the early stages of product development, including market research, ideation, and setting the product vision and strategy. Their main responsibilities involve understanding customer needs, analyzing market trends, and defining product requirements before development begins. Unlike downstream product managers, who oversee product launch and go-to-market strategies, upstream product managers work closely with stakeholders to ensure the product concept aligns with business goals. This role is crucial for ensuring that the right products are built to meet market demands.

How does an upstream product manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

Upstream Product Managers work closely with teams across engineering, design, marketing, and sales to define and validate new product concepts. They are responsible for gathering market insights, building business cases, and prioritizing features before development begins. Effective collaboration involves frequent communication, alignment meetings, and ensuring that all stakeholders understand the product vision and objectives. This collaborative approach helps streamline the transition from idea to development, reduces misalignment, and supports successful product launches.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an upstream product manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Upstream Product Manager, you need a solid background in market research, product strategy, and business analysis, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Jira, Aha!, and roadmapping software, as well as experience with Agile methodologies, is highly valuable. Strong communication, stakeholder management, and analytical thinking set exceptional candidates apart. These skills are vital for identifying market opportunities, defining product vision, and ensuring alignment between business goals and product development.

What is the difference between Upstream Product Manager vs Product Owner?

AspectUpstream Product ManagerProduct Owner
FocusMarket research, strategy, and defining product visionBacklog management, feature prioritization, and sprint planning
ResponsibilitiesIdentifying customer needs, setting product roadmap, coordinating with cross-functional teamsTranslating product vision into user stories, managing the product backlog
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-departmental, often involved in market analysisAgile teams, close collaboration with development teams
Required SkillsMarket analysis, strategic thinking, communicationAgile methodologies, communication, detailed product knowledge

While both roles focus on product development, the Upstream Product Manager concentrates on market strategy and product vision, whereas the Product Owner handles day-to-day backlog management and sprint execution within Agile teams.

Are upstream product managers still in demand?

Upstream product managers are still in demand as companies focus on developing new products and innovations, especially in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. They require strong skills in market research, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic planning, with experience in tools like Agile and product lifecycle management. The role remains vital for driving product development from concept to launch.

What are common upstream product manager jobs?

Common upstream product manager jobs involve overseeing the development and strategy of new products or features early in the product lifecycle, often working closely with engineering, research, and design teams. They focus on market analysis, defining product requirements, and prioritizing features, utilizing tools like roadmaps and product backlogs. These roles typically require strong communication skills, technical understanding, and experience with product management methodologies.

What are popular job titles related to Upstream Product Manager jobs in Minnesota?

For Upstream Product Manager jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Upstream Product Manager jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Upstream Product Manager jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Upstream Product Manager jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Upstream Product Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Upstream Product Manager job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,123 per year, or $75.1 per hour.

Group Manager, Global Upstream Marketing

Coloplast

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

This role is responsible for leading the global upstream marketing team tasked with bringing new products into the Product Development Process. This position works closely with cross-functional partners based in Minneapolis, France, Denmark, and other locations worldwide. This role is global in scope and is responsible for developing and executing long-term product and portfolio strategies for the Interventional Urology (IU) business. This individual will lead a team of Global Upstream Product Managers and serve as a key product management interface with customers, key opinion leaders, internal stakeholders, and external partners. The role will also be a key partner to the Business Development group in evaluating M&A, equity investment, licensing, and distribution partnership opportunities.
Major Areas of AccountabilityGlobal Portfolio Strategy & Roadmap Leadership
  • Develop and maintain global product portfolio strategies and roadmaps for the Interventional Urology business.
  • Partner with the Sr. Director, Business Development and Portfolio Strategy to support the development and execution of the long-range portfolio strategy.
  • Define and update global product roadmaps, target physician segments, patient populations, and care settings.
  • Support long-range planning, annual operating planning, and strategic portfolio reviews.
  • Leadership of portfolio review discussions and product prioritization forums.

Customer Insights, Market Intelligence & Opportunity Identification
  • Identify unmet customer needs and translate insights into actionable product concepts, business cases, and development opportunities.
  • Acquire and analyze feedback from key opinion leaders, current and potential customers, third-party market research, and internal stakeholders to inform product strategy and portfolio decisions.
  • Make data-driven recommendations through analysis of market dynamics, customer insights, reimbursement trends, competitive intelligence, and business performance metrics.
  • Lead Voice of Customer activities and partner with internal teams or external vendors to execute primary and secondary market research initiatives.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of the global market by monitoring competitive products, emerging technologies, market trends, reimbursement developments, and changes in clinical practice.
  • Support interactions with physicians, healthcare systems, key opinion leaders, and potential partner companies while building and maintaining strong professional relationships.

Product Development & Cross-Functional Innovation Leadership
  • Collaborate with a global, cross-functional team to deliver innovative product concepts and product enhancements that address customer and business needs.
  • Work closely with R&D, Clinical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, Medical Affairs, Operations, and other functional groups to ensure products are aligned with customer needs and business objectives.
  • Lead the marketing function within the Product Development Process by defining customer requirements, commercial requirements, and business justification for development programs.
  • Support product development trade-off decisions to optimize customer value, technical feasibility, risk, cost, and time-to-market considerations.
  • Develop compelling value propositions and strategic product positioning for future product offerings.

Commercialization, Lifecycle Management & Business Development Support
  • Partner closely with Downstream Marketing teams to support commercialization planning, launch readiness activities, and lifecycle management initiatives.
  • Collaborate with global and regional commercial leaders to understand market needs and improve adoption of new product innovations.
  • Partner with the Business Development team to evaluate acquisition, licensing, distribution, and investment opportunities by conducting market assessments, customer diligence, and strategic fit analyses.
  • Support integration planning and portfolio strategy development for acquired products and technologies when applicable.

Team Leadership, Functional Excellence & Compliance
  • Ownership of the global upstream marketing process and talent development.
  • Responsibility for ensuring consistent application of VOC, market assessment, and product strategy methodologies.
  • Lead, coach, develop, and manage a team of Global Upstream Product Managers to achieve departmental and organizational objectives.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer-centric decision-making.
  • Responsible for ensuring that the department understands and complies with quality standards and requirements as documented.
  • Coloplast employees are required to conduct business to the highest ethical and professional standards; comply with applicable laws and regulations, the Advamed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals, and company policies.
  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
  • + 7 years of experience in upstream marketing, product management, marketing strategy, or related commercial roles within medical devices or healthcare.
  • Experience supporting products throughout the product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct Voice of Customer activities and translate insights into product requirements and business opportunities.
  • Ability to learn and become a subject matter expert across multiple therapy areas while effectively communicating market trends and strategic rationale.
  • Ability to develop relationships with key opinion leaders and adapt strategies and tactics based on customer insights, market dynamics, and emerging trends.
  • Strong cross-functional leadership and collaboration skills within a global organization.
  • Ability to travel up to 20%
    At Coloplast, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the contributions of our employees. Our total rewards package is designed to support your well-being, foster your professional growth, and ensure a healthy work-life balance. Here is some of what you can expect:
    • Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to keep you and your family healthy. Plus, access to company sponsored wellness programs and mental health resources, paid leave of absence for qualifying events and generous paid parental leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents.
    • Financial Security: A competitive 401(k) plan with company match that vest immediately, financial planning services to help you secure your future, and corporate discount programs for goods and services.
    • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, flexible work hours, and flexible work arrangement options to help you balance your personal and professional life may be available.
    • Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement through training programs, mentorship, and tuition reimbursement.
    • Recognition and Rewards: Recognition programs to celebrate achievements and contributions, including peer recognition, bonuses, awards, and special events.
    • Community and Culture: A supportive work environment where everyone feels valued, and has a sense of belonging. Participate in team-building activities, volunteer opportunities, and company-sponsored events. Sustainability strategy that outlines our ambitions for how to run our company in a more sustainable way
    • Competitive Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $142,213 - $213,319. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location. Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses and/or incentives.

Pursuing an ambitious growth agenda, Coloplast develops and markets products and services that make life easier for people with intimate healthcare needs. Employing about 16,000 people and with products available in more than 143 countries, we are one of the world's leading medical device companies. We are constantly growing our business and always looking for new ways to move forward - we explore, learn and look for new ways of doing things.
Visit us on Coloplast.com.
Watch the film. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Coloplast employees are required to conduct business to the highest ethical and professional standards; comply with applicable laws and regulations, the Advamed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals, and company policies.
Coloplast is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) which means we employ and promote individuals based on their merits, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, status with regards to public assistance or any other protected classification.
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