Product Specialist

Job Level Summary

Entry level professional working under general direction receiving guidance or direction from others. Responsible for own work results that have impact on larger organization goals. Uses guidelines and/or procedures to determine course of action with ability to vary from established procedures. Selects the best solution based on interpretation of guidelines and/or procedures. Encounters fairly similar problems or issues. Requires knowledge of and exposure to fundamental theories, principles and concepts through education (or past work experience). Typically, 0-3 years of similar experience is required. No formal management or leadership required.

Job Summary

Under direct supervision, works with cross-functional teams to compile and evaluate research on future product requirements and identify enhancements to current products. Helps product development team test strategies including pricing, product design, marketing, advertising, and packaging.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists with managing less important assigned product line(s), including preparing and coordinating product introductions and updates. Develops knowledge of the organization’s products, services, and customers by working closely with more experienced product specialists and product managers.
• Compiles and evaluates research on the market’s product requirements and identifies enhancements to current features and functionality. Meets regularly with customers to support sales efforts and gain market intelligence. Maintains database(s) of product and market information.
• Collaborates with the entire product development team to test strategies including pricing, product design, marketing, advertising, catalog development and packaging.
• Participates in trade shows to expand product knowledge, meet with current and potential customers and to answer questions related to assigned product(s).
• Participates in the development of short and long terms sales objectives for assigned product(s). Monitors pricing, margins, FOB and profitability.
• Along with product managers, develops annual written sales plans for assigned product(s). Contributes to the negotiation of the terms and conditions of supply agreements.
• Assists on special projects as directed by department management.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Level of Knowledge and Skills Required

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field and 0-3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and excellent presentation skills
• Excellent customer service skills with an ability to approach every business relationship as a partnership
• Excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to address customer issues and partner on resolutions
• Good analytical skills
• Excellent negotiation skills and an ability to resolve situations while making a point firmly and seeking a positive outcome for both sides
• In-depth understanding and demonstrated competency in working with computer software and mainframe applications to manipulate, analyze and reconcile data

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Reasonable Accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with ADA supported disabilities

Typically, the position exerts up to 10 pounds of force and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move an inanimate object. Visual requirements include color, depth perception and field of vision. Physical requirements include standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Position work environment is typically indoors in pleasant, well-lighted area with comfortable temperatures and in a controlled environment where no significant amounts of dust, fumes or odors. Unavoidable accidents and health hazards are unlikely.

ISO/TS Requirements

• Ensures compliance with general organization wide and department specific ISO/TS 16949 requirements.
• Participates in and supports environmental ISO 14001 and safety activities by developing supporting goals and objectives, attending required training, complying with established procedures and initiating and implementing corrective actions, as needed.