Anicura Group Seeks Senior Proposition Development Manager

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for developing innovative solutions and driving business growth? The Anicura Group, a leading veterinary care provider, is on the lookout for a highly skilled and experienced Proposition Development Senior Manager to join our dynamic team. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on our future success and shape the way we deliver exceptional veterinary services.

The Role of a Proposition Development Senior Manager

As a Proposition Development Senior Manager, you will be at the forefront of identifying new opportunities and creating compelling value propositions that resonate with our customers and differentiate us in the market. You will lead the entire lifecycle of proposition development, from initial ideation and market research to business case creation, validation, and successful launch. This involves collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, operations, and clinical experts, to ensure our propositions are not only innovative but also commercially viable and aligned with Anicura's strategic objectives. Your role will be pivotal in understanding market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes to inform our product and service development strategies. You'll be expected to challenge the status quo, foster a culture of innovation, and translate complex ideas into actionable plans. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in product or service development. This position requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer segmentation, and the ability to build robust business cases that secure buy-in from stakeholders at all levels. Furthermore, you will be responsible for mentoring and developing a team of proposition specialists, fostering their growth and ensuring the delivery of high-quality outcomes. Your leadership will be crucial in driving initiatives that enhance our service offerings, expand our market reach, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of pets.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations

Your primary responsibility as a Proposition Development Senior Manager will be to lead the development and implementation of new strategic propositions across the Anicura Group. This includes conducting in-depth market analysis to identify unmet needs and emerging trends within the veterinary sector and beyond. You will be instrumental in translating these insights into concrete product and service concepts, defining their unique selling propositions, and building comprehensive business cases that outline potential ROI, risks, and resource requirements. A significant part of your role will involve collaborating with diverse teams, from marketing and sales to operations and clinical staff, ensuring that all propositions are aligned with Anicura's overarching vision and mission. You will manage the entire development pipeline, from the initial brainstorming and concept validation phases through to pilot testing and full-scale market launch. This requires strong project management skills and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures. Furthermore, you will be responsible for monitoring the performance of launched propositions, gathering feedback, and iterating on them to ensure continued relevance and success in the marketplace. This iterative approach is crucial for staying ahead of the competition and meeting the evolving needs of pet owners and referring veterinarians. You will also play a key role in fostering an innovation culture within the organization, encouraging creative thinking and the exploration of new ideas. This might involve facilitating workshops, championing new initiatives, and staying abreast of technological advancements and best practices in proposition development. The Senior Manager will also be expected to build and maintain strong relationships with external partners and stakeholders, including technology providers, research institutions, and industry experts, to leverage external insights and opportunities. Your leadership will extend to mentoring and guiding a team of proposition specialists, empowering them to contribute effectively and develop their own expertise in this critical area. This is a highly visible role with significant potential for impact, requiring a blend of strategic vision, commercial acumen, and excellent interpersonal skills to drive successful outcomes for Anicura.

Strategic Vision and Market Insight

The Proposition Development Senior Manager role is fundamentally about looking ahead and anticipating the future needs of the veterinary market. This requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, including emerging trends in pet healthcare, technological advancements, and evolving customer expectations. You will be tasked with conducting rigorous market research, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather insights into customer behaviors, pain points, and preferences. This might involve analyzing competitor strategies, identifying gaps in current offerings, and exploring opportunities in adjacent markets. Your ability to translate these insights into actionable strategies is paramount. It’s not enough to simply identify a trend; you must be able to conceptualize how Anicura can leverage that trend to create a valuable and differentiated proposition. This could range from developing new diagnostic services, innovative treatment protocols, or enhanced digital platforms for pet owners and referring veterinarians. Strategic thinking is at the core of this role, meaning you’ll be responsible for shaping the future direction of Anicura’s service offerings. You’ll need to think critically about where the market is heading and how Anicura can position itself as a leader. This involves developing a clear roadmap for proposition development, prioritizing initiatives based on their strategic fit and potential impact. Furthermore, staying ahead of the curve is essential. This means continuously monitoring the competitive landscape, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of our rivals, and identifying opportunities to outperform them. It also involves staying informed about regulatory changes, economic factors, and societal shifts that could influence the veterinary industry. Your insights will guide the executive team in making informed decisions about resource allocation and strategic investments. The ability to articulate these complex market insights and strategic recommendations clearly and persuasively to senior leadership is a critical component of success in this role. You will be the voice of the future, advocating for initiatives that will ensure Anicura’s continued growth and relevance in an ever-changing landscape.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Leadership

A critical aspect of the Proposition Development Senior Manager position at Anicura Group is effective cross-functional collaboration. You will not be working in isolation; instead, you will be the linchpin connecting various departments to bring new propositions to life. This means fostering strong working relationships with marketing teams to ensure our propositions are effectively communicated and positioned in the market. You’ll partner with sales teams to understand their needs, gather customer feedback, and ensure they are equipped to sell new offerings. Collaboration with operations is essential to ensure new propositions can be delivered efficiently and effectively, meeting Anicura’s high standards of care. Furthermore, working closely with clinical experts and veterinarians is paramount. Their deep understanding of animal health and patient needs will be invaluable in shaping propositions that are clinically sound and beneficial for pets. You will also need to engage with finance to develop robust business cases and secure necessary funding, and with IT/digital teams to leverage technology and data in developing innovative solutions. Your leadership style will be key to driving this collaboration. You’ll need to be a skilled communicator, able to articulate a clear vision and inspire teams to work towards common goals. This involves facilitating productive discussions, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that all stakeholders feel heard and valued. Building consensus and aligning diverse perspectives will be a daily requirement. As a Senior Manager, you will also be responsible for mentoring and developing a team of proposition specialists. This involves providing guidance, feedback, and opportunities for professional growth, ensuring they have the skills and motivation to contribute to the success of proposition development initiatives. Your leadership will set the tone for how propositions are developed and implemented within the organization, ensuring a cohesive and strategic approach. The ability to influence without direct authority will often be necessary, as you navigate different departmental priorities and secure buy-in for your initiatives. Ultimately, your success will be measured not just by the propositions you develop, but by your ability to bring people together and drive collective action towards achieving Anicura’s strategic objectives.

What We’re Looking For in a Candidate

Anicura Group is seeking a candidate with a proven track record in proposition development, product management, or a related strategic role, preferably within the healthcare or service industry. You should possess a strong understanding of market research methodologies and the ability to translate complex data into compelling business insights. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are a must, enabling you to build robust business cases and navigate challenges effectively. Exceptional communication and presentation skills are essential, as you will be interacting with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, as well as external partners. A strategic mindset with the ability to identify market opportunities and develop innovative solutions is critical. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Experience in leading and mentoring teams is highly desirable, as you will be guiding a team of proposition specialists. A passion for animal health and welfare is a significant plus, aligning with Anicura’s core values. A relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field is typically expected, though equivalent professional experience will also be considered. You must be a proactive self-starter, capable of driving initiatives forward with minimal supervision, while also being a highly collaborative team player. Your ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, and champion new ideas will be highly valued. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate strong commercial acumen and a deep understanding of the factors that drive business success in a service-oriented organization. Experience with agile methodologies or other product development frameworks would be beneficial. Ultimately, we are looking for someone who is passionate about creating value and making a tangible difference in the lives of pets and their owners through innovative service offerings.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel as a Proposition Development Senior Manager at Anicura Group, you should possess a solid educational background, typically a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Strategy, or a related field. However, we recognize that extensive practical experience can be equally valuable, so candidates with a proven history of success in lieu of formal degrees will certainly be considered. The cornerstone of your application should be your demonstrated experience in developing and launching successful products or services. This experience should span the entire lifecycle, from initial concept generation and market validation to go-to-market strategy and post-launch analysis. A significant portion of your background should include market research and analysis, where you’ve utilized various methodologies to uncover customer needs, competitive dynamics, and market trends. You should be adept at building comprehensive business cases, including financial projections, risk assessments, and strategic justifications, and be skilled at presenting these to senior management for approval. Project management expertise is crucial, as you will be orchestrating complex initiatives with multiple workstreams and stakeholders. Experience in leading and influencing cross-functional teams is non-negotiable; you must be able to foster collaboration and drive consensus among diverse groups. Furthermore, leadership experience, including mentoring and developing junior team members, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the healthcare sector, particularly veterinary medicine, is a strong advantage, as it will provide immediate context for the challenges and opportunities within Anicura. Proficiency in standard business software and project management tools is expected. The ability to think strategically, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, will be key to navigating the complexities of this role. We are looking for individuals who are results-oriented, proactive, and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. A genuine interest in animal welfare and a commitment to Anicura's values will further enhance your candidacy.

Why Join Anicura Group?

Anicura Group offers a rewarding career opportunity within a rapidly growing and innovative organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals. As a Proposition Development Senior Manager, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions are valued and recognized. We are committed to professional development, providing opportunities for learning, growth, and career advancement. You will have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that have a real impact on the veterinary industry and pet healthcare. Our culture is built on a foundation of expertise, care, and innovation, and we believe in empowering our employees to reach their full potential. Joining Anicura means becoming part of a passionate community of professionals who share a common goal: to provide the best possible care for pets. We offer competitive remuneration packages and comprehensive benefits, reflecting our commitment to our employees' well-being. This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of veterinary care and make a lasting difference. We encourage a healthy work-life balance and foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and celebrated. If you are looking for a challenging and fulfilling role where you can leverage your strategic thinking and leadership skills, Anicura Group is the place for you.

For more information on veterinary careers and the advancements in animal health, we encourage you to explore resources from organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the British Veterinary Association (BVA).