The Opportunity

The AVP, Sales supports the Heart Failure Division of Abbott. In Abbott’s Heart Failure (HF) business, we’re developing solutions to diagnose, monitor and manage heart failure, allowing people to restore their health and get on with their lives. The AVP has primary management responsibility directly through lower management levels and through a matrix structure for established sales plans.  This leadership role manages the sale of Abbott products and/or services in a specific geographic area., is accountable for the performance of subordinates, the work output of matrix-managed independent representatives, and the conduct of sales initiatives within an assigned area.  He/She will be responsible for setting goals, ensuring that those goals are met, and overseeing the continuous process improvement.  This role should exercise judgment in planning and organizing work and will monitor performance and reports status.  The successful AVP will use best business practices to ensure success and cost-effectiveness in areas of responsibility, while ensuring employee compliance with ABT policies and practices.

What You'll Work On

• Directs and supervises subordinate managers/staff in fulfilling their administrative and professional selling responsibilities.  Responsible for recruiting, selecting, hiring and retaining a diverse, highly qualified staff and for providing career coaching, growth and personal development.  Responsible for the development of staff: critiques, instructs, mentors, evaluates and coaches.  Accountable for the performance of subordinates or the work output of managed subcontractors.  Maintains a safe working environment and a strong customer focus.
• Plans and manages the sales effort within assigned area(s).
• Analyzes sales records and trends in relation to objectives and competitive activities in assigned area(s), determines market potential, and prepares annual area sales forecasts and sales expense estimates.
• Develops and implements market penetration strategies and plans in coordination with the Divisional Vice President, Commercial Americas, Heart Failure.
• Develops and recommends sales policies for assigned area(s).  Recommends product and product line revisions as well as pricing changes.
• Maintains contact with major accounts within assigned area(s).

Other Duties:

• Remains current on developments in field(s) of expertise, as well as industry trends.
•  Resolves and/or facilitates resolution of problems including identifying causes to prevent re-occurrence.
• Acts independently within job scope and parameters as defined by the Divisional Vice President, Commercial and established Company policy to project and meet deadlines, to manage several projects simultaneously, to accomplish projects within budgetary guidelines, to alter priorities as necessary, and to work in collaborative relationships. 
• Contributes to Division and Corporate policy development. 
• Directs, manages and supervises assigned Regional Sales Directors, Regional Sales Managers, Sales Representatives, and other Sales personnel, including directly and non-directly reporting employees, and such other organizational units and employees as may be assigned. 
• Responsible for long-term and organizational planning. 
• Fully accountable to Corporate and other Company officers for all commitments and performance on assigned efforts. 
• Anticipates and resolves the highest level of problems/issues that could impact the operational success of assigned responsibilities. 
• Defines/negotiates scope and responsibility for the assigned Sales Area.

Required and Preferred Qualifications 

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field or equivalent or equivalent plus typically sixteen years of progressively more responsible medical device or related sales experience. 
• A minimum of six years of demonstrated experience at a supervisory/managerial level is typical; an advanced credential, such as an MBA in a relevant discipline/concentration is also typical. 
• Seasoned judgment acquired through organizational experience and achievements in the medical sales profession.
• A comprehensive ability to analyze and evaluate technologically complex devices; ability to work with and direct others effectively; ability to prepare and present effectively written and verbal communications; and a thorough familiarity with medical device industry policies, operations and procedures. 
• Comprehensive ability to effectively prioritize development projects using customer input. 
• Documented record of delivering strategic marketing information which adds value to management's decision-making process. 
• Expert verbal and written communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.  Demonstrated working knowledge of frequently used personal computer programs and applications, such as, Microsoft Office. 
• This position requires a considerable amount of business travel, up to 50%.  Professional training/education certification or designation, and an advanced and comprehensive understating of Heart Failure Technology is desired. 

* Participants who complete a short wellness assessment qualify for FREE coverage in our HIP PPO medical plan. Free coverage applies in the next calendar year.

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:  www.abbottbenefits.com

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

The base pay for this position is $168,800.00 – $311,800.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.