CPO Manager

Overview: We are recruiting a dynamic and results-oriented CPO Project Manager to define and execute the growth strategy for our certified pre-owned analytical instruments business. This role will own the P&L of the China CPO business, driving profitability, market penetration, and brand integrity by delivering high-quality refurbished analytical equipment to customers. This role will report to the Commercial VP Greater China.

1. Strategic Growth & P&L Leadership​

• Develop and implement a CPO strategy to achieve revenue, margin, and market share targets, identifying high-potential segments (e.g., academic research, pharmaceutical QA/QC, environmental testing) and growth opportunities.​

• Own end-to-end P&L management, optimizing pricing models, cost structures (refurbishment, supply chain, logistics), and resource allocation to maximize profitability while maintaining competitive pricing.​

• Analyze market trends, competitor activities and customer pain points to expand the CPO portfolio and enhance value propositions.​

2. Operational Excellence & Quality Assurance​

• Establish and enforce quality control protocols, and certification processes to ensure refurbished instruments meet or exceed OEM performance specifications and regulatory requirements.​

• Oversee the entire CPO lifecycle: equipment sourcing/acquisition (trade-ins, fleet retirements, third-party partnerships), technical refurbishment, calibration, testing, and documentation.​

• Optimize supply chain and logistics for CPO equipment, including parts procurement, inventory management, and timely delivery to customers across regions.​

3. Cross-Functional Alignment & Team Leadership​

• Lead the team to drive collaboration and deliver consistent business outcomes.​

• Partner with others to align CPO offerings with product retirement plans, avoid channel conflict, and leverage synergies in marketing, sales, and technical support.​

• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, and Marketing teams to ensure adherence to regulations, develop customer-centric CPO branding, and execute go-to-market campaigns.​

4. Customer Experience & Relationship Management​

• Champion a customer-first approach, designing post-sales support programs (warranties, maintenance, technical training) to enhance satisfaction, retention, and repeat business.​

• Address complex customer inquiries and resolve escalated issues related to CPO equipment performance, certification, or compliance.​

• Gather customer feedback to drive continuous improvement in refurbishment quality, service offerings, and buying processes.

1. Education & Professional Background​

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.​

• Minimum 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in the analytical instruments or laboratory equipment industry.​

• Proven track record of scaling projects, driving revenue growth, and managing P&L in a matrixed organization.​

2. Technical & Industry Expertise​

• Deep technical knowledge of analytical instrument technologies and refurbishment/calibration processes.​

• Strong understanding of global regulatory requirements for lab equipment (FDA, CE, ISO) and certification standards for pre-owned analytical instruments.​

• Familiarity with CPO business models, including trade-in programs, fleet management, and third-party equipment sourcing.​

3. Core Competencies​

• Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to balance short-term results and long-term sustainability.​

• Strong leadership skills to inspire, develop, and manage global cross-functional teams in a remote/hybrid work environment.​

• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills​

• Data-driven decision-making with proficiency in analyzing market data, financial metrics, and operational KPIs.

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide. 

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.