Product Specialist -CIA

Description

The Product Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting the Product Manager in managing the life cycle of products. This position focuses on executing and streamlining key product management processes, including roadmaps, prioritization, release planning, and stakeholder communication. The Product Specialist works closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring products meet market demands while maintaining quality and alignment with organizational goals.

This role is ideal for someone with strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills who is eager to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Essential Job Functions

Product Management Support

• Assist the Product Manager in developing and maintaining product roadmaps, prioritizing features, and planning releases.
• Collaborate on product strategy, aligning priorities with organizational goals and market demands.
• Maintain and update competitive differentiator documentation (e.g., CIA Competitive Products).
• Support in creating and managing PRDs (Product Requirement Documents) and PEMS (Product Evaluation Metrics).

Product Analysis & Issue Resolution

• Respond to internal feature/bug requests, following up with business teams on status updates.
• Conduct regular upkeep of the product matrix and provide PMS vendor support.
• Analyze product performance, identify gaps, and propose actionable solutions for improvement.
• Assist in the preparation and reporting of key product metrics and insights.

Documentation & Training

• Develop and maintain internal product guides, checklists, and training materials.
• Conduct product training sessions for internal teams and vendors.
• Create release notes and ensure they are shared effectively via SharePoint and Teams.

Process Management & Agile Support

• Actively participate in Agile scrums, including standups, iteration planning, and retrospectives.
• Refine and maintain the product backlog in collaboration with the Product Manager.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, QA, and design, to ensure smooth product execution.

Vendor & Stakeholder Communication

• Act as a liaison between vendors and internal teams, facilitating clear and timely communication.
• Provide support in coordinating vendor-related tasks and deliverables.
• Ensure alignment of vendor deliverables with product goals and timelines.

Qualifications

Educational and Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Technology, or a related field preffered, or equivalent experience.
• 3 years of experience in product management, product support, or business analysis roles.
• Proficiency in Agile methodologies and tools such as JIRA, Confluence, or similar.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and present actionable insights.
• Knowledge of product lifecycle management and release planning.

Physical Requirements

• Regular use of a keyboard to interact with computer systems.
• Occasional travel may be required to meet with stakeholders or vendors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-volume digital platforms or web-based products.
• Exposure to Blue Eye, Engrain, or ISI systems.
• Familiarity with creating BRDs (Business Requirements Documents) and competitive analysis.
• Experience in conducting product training and developing internal support materials.

Key Competencies

• Collaboration: Ability to work seamlessly with cross-functional teams.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in maintaining product documentation and matrices.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical approach to resolving product-related issues.
• Adaptability: Comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.