Balfour & Co. is one of the world's largest Collegiate and High School commencement services companies, leading the industry in digital product innovation by helping students and their families celebrate the most meaningful moments in their lives. Operating under Balfour®, GradImages®, University Photo®, Gaspard®, ArtCarved®, KeepSake® and Taylor Publishing Company®, the Company provides personalized products such as class jewelry and apparel, yearbooks and commercial printing, graduation cap and gowns, announcement products and photography through digital marketing technology, personal in-school deliveries, and customized school assortments.

To learn more visit Balfour.com, the destination for Graduation products, and GradImages.com, the industry's largest commencement photography platform. The Company operates throughout North America with around 5,000 team members. From our start in 1913 to today, the Company has grown and evolved in many ways but the quality of our products and our commitment to our people have been at the highest standards throughout this long history.

Position Summary:

As a Product Specialist, you will play a crucial role in managing and coordinating the product categories within our organization. Your primary responsibility will be to oversee the development, procurement, and marketing of products within specific categories to ensure their success and profitability. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, purchasing specialists, marketing specialists, sales representatives, and suppliers, to drive growth and meet business objectives. The Product Specialist is responsible for market analysis, product assortment planning, inventory management, and ensuring the seamless execution of product launches and promotions.

Essential position Functions:

• Market Research and Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscape within assigned product categories.
• Product Assortment Planning: Collaborate with product managers to curate and optimize product assortments based on market trends, customer demands, and business goals.
• Vendor Management: Work with purchasing to establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, and manage product pricing, quality, and availability.
• Inventory Management: Work with purchasing to monitor inventory levels, ensure timely replenishment, and implement effective inventory management strategies to minimize stock-outs and excess inventory.
• Product Launches and Promotions: Coordinate and oversee the successful execution of product launches, promotions, and marketing campaigns, ensuring proper alignment with overall marketing strategies.
• Sales and Performance Analysis: Track and analyze product sales performance, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify areas for improvement or growth opportunities.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various internal teams, including marketing, sales, operations, and finance, to ensure effective communication and alignment of strategies and goals.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay updated with industry trends, new product innovations, and emerging technologies relevant to assigned product categories. Propose and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure all products within the assigned categories comply with legal and regulatory standards. Monitor product quality and work closely with suppliers to address any quality issues promptly.

Education/Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising, product development or a related field. Relevant certifications or additional training in product management or category management are a plus.
• Experience: Prior experience in product management, category management, or a related role within the retail or e-commerce industry is preferred.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple product categories, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in product assortment planning, vendor management, and promotional activities.
• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, fostering positive relationships and contributing to a cohesive work environment.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, market conditions, and business needs.
• Passion for Products: Enthusiasm and a genuine interest in consumer products, market trends, and customer needs within assigned product categories.