Under the general guidance of the Marketing Manager, the Product Specialist manages the lifecycle for products in assigned categories through associated vendor partnerships and implementation of merchandising and marketing techniques under the direction of Marketing Management. The Product Specialist will work towards company determined initiatives for market penetration through extensive data analysis and market research. Product lines managed require multiple high levels of detail orientation and organization. This position will determine the most effective merchandising technique for the category and coordinate the collection of necessary selling information to internal and external users. The Product Specialist will coordinate a wide variety and volume of projects at one time with varying levels of complexity and difficulty.
- Carry through company initiatives for the growth in each product category.
- Recommend promotional strategies to support assigned product categories.
- Estimates projected profit and margin.
- Substantiation for addition of catalog product.
- Keep abreast of competitive landscape and market trends.
- Implementation of promotional and pricing strategies.
- Research and serve as expert on assigned market segments and product areas.
- Monitor and maintain supporting product data and selling assets.
- Work with vendors to establish new relationships.
- Interface with Sales, and Operations to clearly understand and successfully support objectives/goals.
- Foster productive vendor relationships to find the best products for the catalog.
- Set pricing based on competition review.
- Responsible for Catalog production and coordination of related marketing materials and merchandising strategies, working collaboratively with other members of the marketing team.
- Associates degree in Business/Accounting with 1 year related experience in marketing development and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to analyze historic product line performance and forecast future growth.
- Ability to maintain a clear, deep understanding of the products and product lines managed.
- Operate within policy guidelines using independent judgement in achieving assigned objective.
- Ability to work independent of others.
- Team-oriented with ability to work in an integrated organization.
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
- Ability to interact with people internally and externally at all levels.
- Team-oriented with ability to work in an integrated organization.
- Demonstrated time and project management skills.
- Proficient in Excel.
- Normal office environment, close and distant vision, using hands and fingers to handle and feel, talk and hear, sitting, standing, walking, lifting up to 5-60 lbs. frequently and up to 70 lbs. occasionally.
- Occasional travel as required to customers and company conventions that could include weekends.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Brodart Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Skills Required
- Associate degree in Business or Accounting, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- One year of related marketing development experience or equivalent experience
- Ability to analyze historical product line performance and forecast future growth
- Strong understanding of assigned products and product lines
- Independent judgment and ability to work independently
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, integrated organization
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment
- Strong internal and external communication skills
- Demonstrated time and project management skills
- Proficiency in Excel
- Ability to lift up to 60 pounds frequently and 70 pounds occasionally
- Occasional travel to customers and company conventions
What We Do
Brodart Co. is a full-service provider of products and services for libraries, schools, businesses, and other institutions. Its offerings include shelf-ready books, book distribution, library supplies, furniture, book-care products, ordering systems, bibliographic support, collection-development tools, and consulting. Founded around its 1939 library book-jacket-cover innovation, the company serves customers across North America and the Pacific Rim through an international operation worldwide.
