GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Associate Product Operations Specialist is responsible for supporting operational excellence within the Product Group (Product Management, Product Operations, & Technical Services). This role blends various supportive responsibilities that range from process ownership, operational support, and system administration to solution design, process optimization, and project management to support cross-functional teams in delivering high-impact product initiatives. The Specialist owns and supports programs, processes, and systems. The role works closely with Product Management, Technical Services, R&D, Marketing, Customer Service, and other business partners.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as the primary owner and administrator for assigned Product Group programs, processes, and tracking systems.
- Manage day-to-day operations for assigned programs, ensuring requests, approvals, documentation, and workflows are completed accurately and on time.
- Maintain and support operational processes such as but not limited to: Item Creation (PIFs), PIM (Product Information Management, Sample Program, Field Trials, Material Returns, Product Exits, UPCs, Policies & Procedures. [EV1][WR2][WR3]
- Monitor program performance, identify bottlenecks or issues, and recommend opportunities for improvement.
- Maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, forms, workflows, reports, dashboards, and knowledge repositories.
- Provide support to stakeholders by answering questions, resolving process-related issues, and ensuring adherence to established procedures.
- Coordinate activities between Product Management, Technical Services, R&D, Marketing, Customer Service, Manufacturing, and other business partners.
- Collect, validate, maintain, and report on program data to support decision-making and operational visibility.
- Support implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of business systems including Smartsheet, SharePoint, SAP, SafetyCulture, Scribe, and other approved technologies.
- Identify opportunities to automate, standardize, and streamline operational processes and workflows.
- Assist with implementation of new processes, tools, and operational initiatives.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure alignment and program success.
- Ensure compliance with established procedures, documentation standards, governance requirements, and risk management practices.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of best practices across the Product Group.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
None required. It would be advantageous to have any of the following:
- Intro to BPM (Business Process Management)QUALIFICATIONS
- Self-starter who can work independently, take direction when needed, anticipate work needs, organize workflow and follow through with minimal oversight in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Teams)
- Experience with or willingness to learn Smartsheet, SAP, and workflow design tools
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Experience or interest in process improvement, product operations, or project management.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proven ability to support projects and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Communication Skills: