Customer Education & KOL Manager Biomaterials

Description

Location: GC America, Inc. Headquarter, Alsip, IL (Chicago area)

Travel: Up to 60% US + International

As the Customer Education & KOL Manager for Cytrans at GCA, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing customer education and Key Opinion Leader (KOL) strategies to support the growth of the GC Biomaterials business. This role requires a strategic mindset, strong collaboration skills, and a passion for advancing dental education, particularly in the implant and bone graft space.

You will be responsible for developing and implementing education strategies, designing curriculum, and fostering relationships with key influencers to lead product adoption and enhance brand credibility. Success in this role requires leadership in a global matrixed environment, a deep understanding of dental education methodologies, and the ability to build cross-functional collaboration.

Requirements

KOL Development & Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with current and emerging KOLs, ensuring alignment with GCA’s strategic priorities.
• Identify potential KOLs based on clinical expertise, publication history, and influence within the dental community.
• Create personalized engagement plans for each KOL, ensuring meaningful collaboration and advocacy.
• Establish a structured onboarding process for new KOLs, providing them with the necessary resources to effectively represent GCA.

Leadership

• Navigate and operate effectively within a matrixed organizational structure to align stakeholders and drive key business initiatives.
• Foster collaboration across teams, including product management, regulatory affairs, and marketing, to execute education initiatives successfully.
• Lead the Clinical Education and Implementation team with a clear strategic vision, ensuring alignment with Cytrans' business goals.
• Inspire and mentor team members, driving a cohesive and results-driven approach to education and KOL engagement.

Education Strategy Development

• Develop and lead the Cytrans education strategy based on market trends, customer needs, and business objectives.
• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of current educational practices to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
• Align education initiatives with broader organizational goals through cross-functional collaboration with Product Management, Regulatory, and GCIAG teams.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure education effectiveness and continuously refine strategies.

Education Initiative Execution

• Design and execute targeted educational programs, including hands-on workshops, webinars, and on-demand courses, to drive product adoption.
• Identify and partner with study clubs and education groups focused on implant procedures to integrate GC’s innovative brand Cytrans and biomaterials into their curriculum.
• Collaborate with local KOLs and online education platforms to host lectures and webinars that generate product awareness and clinical adoption.
• Lead the Clinical Education & Implementation team to follow up on education-generated leads and accelerate trial and utilization of GC Cytrans and other biomaterials products.
• Evaluate and optimize GCA’s participation in industry conferences and events to enhance brand presence and thought leadership.

Education Curriculum Development

• Work closely with Product Managers (Core & Innovation) and GCIAG to develop high-quality education content that supports new product launches and updates.
• Develop a structured curriculum process, incorporating insights from subject matter experts, instructional designers, and KOLs.
• Integrate interactive and multimedia elements to enhance engagement and knowledge retention.
• Implement a feedback loop to continuously improve education quality based on learner and instructor insights.

University Engagement

• Collaborate with the Scientific & Academic Affairs Director and National Account Manager – Government & Schools to execute key university initiatives, such as:
• University Contests
• School Lunch & Learns
• Student Fellowship & Ambassador Programs
• Strengthen GCA’s presence in academia by leveraging university partnerships to drive research, case studies, and clinical validation of Cytrans.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Advanced degree in Dentistry, Education, Business, or a related field. Experienced dental practitioner preferred.
• Additional certifications in dental education, instructional design, or clinical research are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in the dental industry preferred, with a focus on education strategy development and KOL engagement.

Matrix & Team Leadership

• Proven ability to operate effectively in a matrixed organization and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong experience in leading teams, aligning stakeholders, and driving execution of educational strategies.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication skills to effectively connect with KOLs, customers, and internal key stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and influencing them to drive growth.
• Strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to align education programs with business growth objectives.
• Strong ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with KOLs, academic institutions, and key industry partners.
• In-depth understanding of dental education methodologies, adult learning principles, and digital learning technologies.
• Experience in developing educational curricula and interactive learning experiences.
• Ability to analyze data and identify emerging KOLs and strategic opportunities.
• Experience in university engagement strategies, including grant applications, fellowship programs, and student outreach.
• Familiarity with clinical and case study development to enhance product credibility in evidence-based dentistry.

Additional Information

• This position is based in Chicago area with significant presence in GC America Headquarters.
• Up to 60% travel required US + international for events, KOL engagement, and educational initiatives.

BENEFITS:

• Hybrid work schedule
• 401(k) through Fidelity and company matching 10%
• Dental insurance with Delta Dental PPO
• Health insurance BCBS Illinois PPO
• Health Savings Account
• Vision Insurance EyeMed
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Paid Vacation & Sick Days
• Holiday Pay (including an extra paid week off between Christmas & New Years)
• Annual Associate Holiday Party
• Annual Associate Golf Outing
• Holiday Bonus
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Free lunch