Product Specialist - Resin Formulated Systems & Gel Coat Location: Vadnais Heights, Minnesota - Onsite
What is IP Corporation? IP Corporation is a privately held, family-owned chemical manufacturing organization with more than 70 years of stability, innovation, and growth. Headquartered in Minnesota, IP Corporation supports a portfolio of operating companies that manufacture and distribute resins, gel coats, composite materials, and specialty polymer solutions used across a wide range of industrial applications. Our operating companies, Interplastic Corporation, North American Composites, HK Research, and Molding Products, work together to deliver technical expertise, high-quality products, and long-term partnerships to customers around the world. We are known for our customer-first mindset, strong technical capabilities, and collaborative culture built on trust and continuous improvement.
What is a Product Specialist? The Product Specialist is an individual contributor in the Sales department who supports IP Corporation's gel coat, formulated resin, and specialty polymer portfolio. Working under guidance alongside Sales, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Regulatory, this role helps coordinate product development and launches, customer evaluations, and portfolio improvements.
What You Can Expect to Do as a Product Specialist:
- Develop and build consensus for resin and gel coat product and promotional strategies that support penetration of target markets.
- Coordinate product development and launch tasks under guidance, tracking milestones and supporting cross-functional coordination.
- Maintain product specifications and technical documentation with subject matter experts, and prepare sales training and customer materials.
- Support customer evaluations and application trials with technical experts to help assess product performance and application needs.
- Gather customer, market, and competitor feedback to inform portfolio and product improvements.
- Analyze sales, pricing, and margin data and prepare forecast and sales and operations planning inputs to support team decisions.
- Coordinate product samples, testing, validation, and troubleshooting with cross-functional teams.
- Support reformulations, regulatory activities, and product stewardship with technical and regulatory experts.
What We Are Looking For in a Product Specialist:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Foundational knowledge of chemistry and thermoset materials.
- Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and collaboration skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Commitment to safe work practices and compliance with site safety and personal protective equipment requirements.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel domestically up to 25%.
- Relevant internship or co-op experience, or 1 to 3 years of experience in specialty chemicals, formulated products, or related technical or commercial work, preferred.
- Familiarity with gel coats, unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester, or epoxy, and exposure to CRM systems such as Salesforce or distribution, preferred.
Why Join IP Corporation?
- Be part of a stable, privately held organization with more than 70 years of success and industry leadership.
- Competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous PTO, and a 401(k) with company match.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative, values-driven organization where your contributions matter.
- Work alongside experienced professionals in an environment that encourages continuous learning, development, and career growth.
- Join a culture built on teamwork, integrity, innovation, and long-term customer partnerships.
- Contribute to products and solutions that support a wide range of industries across North America and beyond.
- Enjoy the benefits of a company that combines the stability of an established organization with the agility and entrepreneurial spirit to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- Work onsite in an office environment in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota.
- Make occasional visits to laboratory and manufacturing sites, following site safety rules and wearing required personal protective equipment.
- Travel domestically up to 25% to customer locations, company sites, and industry events.
IP Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws.