Product Specialist II

The GI Product Specialist reports directly to the Director Global Product Management (Powder) and has overall responsibility for supporting and assisting the Product Management functions in Powder, Liquid and E-Coat. The GI Product Specialist will assist the Product Managers in optimizing the GI NAFTA product portfolio in terms of content and profitability. The incumbent will assist in the evaluation, planning and optimization of all GI Industrial Market portfolios including new product development, finished goods SKU optimization, raw material count optimization, and product driven cost savings initiatives.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

Manage the delivery of accurate product information

• Develop Reports, update and maintain accuracy of new product sales tracking.

• Support sales tracking of existing product lines.

New product Development Assistance

• Implementation/Assistance of new Product Introductions to ensure timely and accurate product launches.
• Assistance in assignment of Rex Numbers and Rex blend prefixes
• Management of Color Database requests and progress.
• Help coordinate efforts of key departments to ensure products are delivered on time
• Assist in coordinating field trials.
• Support the Product Managers with SKU rationalization and platform analysis

Manage and/or assist in accurate labelling information

• Support Industry Directors with product information and labelling.
• Manage translation needs of all product documents and labels.
• Manage labeling for liquid and powder products.
• Conform to all Global Harmonized Label Processes.

Manage PIMS Process for Liquid and Powder

• Create all necessary liquid new product SKU's in PIM and follow through until completion.
• Review/approve all SKU's created by regional labs for accuracy.

Support marketing team with product communications

• Develop and update bulletins, product charts and comparisons
• Develop and maintain national product list
• Manage customer satisfaction customer selection process

Develop and update product data sheets

• Assist in preparation of data pages for new products.
• Update current date pages to current specifications and/or changes.
• Monitor supporting documents regularly to verify all document specifications match
• Work with Marketing Specialist and Regulatory Services to update new and existing data pages to HEARS

Manage Specialty Inventory for Product Finishes Division industry segments

• Manage J-29 inventory at optimal levels to support customers
• Assist with forecasting / stocking of key critical products
• Assist with coordination of new product testing and maintenance of information
• Work with Director, Product Manager and Product Planning to ensure adequate stock levels of key products

Minimum Requirements:

• Must have a High School or GED equivalent
• Must have strong computer skills
• Must have critical thinking for complex business challenges, with an ability to create sustainable processes
• Must have strong communication skills to articulate issues, recommendations, and requirements to other functional partners
• Must have demonstrated use of data, analysis, and market knowledge in previous positions. Ability to translate data into meaning / actionable insights
• Must have demonstrated thoroughness and follow-through in previous positions
• Must have persuasive champion for owned solutions and projects capable of generating energy and excitement in coworkers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have an Associate or Bachelor Business Degree
• Have two (2) years of experience in marketing, sales, business support, or R&D in applicable market