Lead Product Specialist

Lead Product Specialist

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead project management efforts for new product development, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, customer demands and timely execution.
• Lead cross-channel communication and meetings with external vendors and internal teams, ensuring all stakeholders are informed of project status, timelines, and deliverables.
• Oversee and manage project management software to track progress, milestones, and deadlines, ensuring the most up-to-date information is clearly communicated to internal stakeholders.
• Lead regular project meetings and facilitate clear communication between departments.
• Review and update project calendars to ensure accurate tracking of tasks and ensure deadlines are being met.
• Review information accuracy and completeness of internal documents to ensure proper documentation and organization of key compliance and marketing claims.
• Provide leadership in managing team assignments and workloads, ensuring efficient use of resources and effective prioritization.
• Work with sales to complete new product setups in customer-specific portals with attention to information accuracy and completeness.
• Present timing and cost sensitive project updates to Sr. Director of Product Development and other leadership roles as needed. 
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Development:

• Oversee the quoting and cost assessment process for new products, working closely with purchasing and vendors to document and evaluate costs for raw materials and finished goods.
• Lead the creation, organization, and accuracy of costing sheets based on material and manufacturing costs to inform pricing strategies for new products.
• Support purchasing and planning in negotiating with vendors on defective costing, quality, or timing challenges to find urgent solutions.

• Work closely with research & development and product design teams to develop new product strategies, leveraging market research and sales analysis through use of both internal and external resources.
• Work closely with quality, research & development, creative services, and legal to develop products and packaging that meet the brand’s objectives and compliance standards.
• Work with Purchasing Manager to evaluate vendor performance. 
• Work with purchasing to develop strategic (high-spend / high-dependency) vendor relationships and identify exit or transition strategies for supplier contingency plans. 
• Manage Senior Product Specialists and Product Specialists, ensuring that all team members have clear objectives, timelines, and support to succeed in their roles.
• Communicate project scope and prioritization among team members while pushing forward high value project needs among internal departments and vendors.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Management:

• Provide mentorship and development to product specialists, supporting their growth within the company and ensuring they are trained in best practices for product development and project management.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the team, identifying opportunities for process optimization, and encouraging team members to offer solutions.

Key Skills:

• Leadership & Team Management
• Product Development & Project Management
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Vendor & Supplier Relations
• Costing & Budget Management
• Organizational & Time Management
• Communication & Reporting

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in Business, Product Development, Marketing, or related field)
• Experience: 4-6 years of experience in product development or a related field, with at least 2 years of management experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft Office
• Proficiency in using project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana, Monday.com) Project management certification a plus.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially in cross-cultural environments with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying English proficiency levels. Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Strong research skills, including internet research and phone-based outreach.
• Basic olfactory evaluation skills and the ability to assess and evaluate sensory product attributes.
• Experience and understanding of materials (glass, ceramic, wood, metals, paper, etc.) and their production processes. 
• Highly detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly and efficiently to changing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Ability to manage, mentor, and guide a team while fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Professional, career-oriented, and self-motivated; willing to take the initiative and push for excellence.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, under tight deadlines, and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel as needed for meetings, supplier visits, and industry events, representing the company with professionalism and enthusiasm.
• Must have a reliable mode of transportation.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs when necessary.

***This position is a Hybrid, office hourly (LG 8 $22.03 - $25.33 per hour) reporting to Tori Bowers***

Salary : $22 - $25