Product & Sourcing Specialist

Primary Function

As part of our Product & Sourcing team, this role will report to the Director of Product & Sourcing and work closely with Product Development, Sales & Marketing, and Operations to bring new products to life. The ideal candidate has 2+ years of experience working with international suppliers, negotiating pricing, developing, and importing consumer goods.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with creative teams to determine and refine product specifications. Ensure products meet clear market needs at appropriate and viable price points.
• Work with factories through all phases of new product development. Negotiate all costs with vendors to ensure Advantus is getting the best price possible at the lowest possible required purchase quantity.
• Perform cost analysis to determine the feasibility of new product concepts and pricing strategies.
• Apply SKU rationalization principles to aid in inventory management and overall program and product line success.
• Communicate progress to all cross-functional teams and quickly resolve issues throughout the development process. Maintain and manage product timelines to meet aggressive launch dates.
• Ensure vendors comply with Advantus and customer product compliance requirements, working with internal product compliance specialist to ensure paperwork, samples, and results are gathered in a timely manner
• Track product development progress in NetSuite, ensuring information is accurate and up to date.
• Manage the new item set-up process (both internally and at the customer level—by providing marketing/sales support the information needed to set up items in vendor portals) and ensure NetSuite information (dimensions, duty codes, etc.) is accurate.
• Coordinate and perform QC/QA activities to ensure products are of high quality and damage/returns are mitigated, both at the vendor site and at Advantus warehouse. Work with Advantus warehouse team as needed to coordinate QA inspections, measurements, and quarantine measures.
• Coordinate domestic and international production and shipping timing.
• Track, analyze, and communicate product performance. Recommend action plans to address variance in performance against plans.
• Perform market and competitive analysis and inform meetings/discussions accordingly, providing insight and direction in product development.
• Work with Sales, Marketing and Product & Sourcing resources as needed to adjust product lifecycle planning by analyzing inventory and profitability reports.

Skills & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• The ability to work with all levels of employees in a professional manner.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service practices.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong organization skills.
• Strong and consistent attention to detail.
• Work closely with outside parties (customers, vendors) and internal parties (finance, warehouse, purchasing) to profitably manage product lines—minimal inventory write-offs, high profitability, low working capital commitment, continued growth, high quality, high customer satisfaction.
• Utilize negotiating skills and costing experience to ensure quality/cost, and deliver maximum bottom-line impact.

Pay: $40,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 4% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Volunteer time off

Application Question(s):

• What is your target salary?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person