Customer Operations Specialist

Job Summary Customer Operations Specialist, Minneapolis MN Customer Operations Specialist, a core role within the commercial organization, enabling disciplined execution, customer readiness, and data‑driven decision making. The role supports Sales by ensuring customer‑facing systems, data, and processes are accurate, timely, and aligned across cross‑functional teams. The position has evolved into a commercial enablement role with ownership of POS reporting, promotion analysis, competitive insights, and execution analytics. These insights help Sales proactively manage the business, identify risks, and unlock growth opportunities. The role is also critical to Direct Import execution, ensuring items are set up, compliant, tracked, and ready to flow without disruption. Additionally, it supports e‑commerce execution by maintaining accurate product content that drives discoverability and conversion. Success requires strong attention to detail, analytical rigor, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment while continuously improving processes and scalability. Principal Duties & Responsibilities Support sales programs, customer meetings, line reviews, planograms, and special initiatives. Manage customer‑facing item setup, cost validation, and product maintenance across domestic, Direct Import, and e‑commerce. Own weekly POS reporting, trend analysis, and insight distribution to Sales. Analyze promotional performance, lift, execution quality, and markdown exposure. Conduct competitive pricing, assortment reviews, and market checks. Prepare and distribute reporting on POS, revenue, trade, and customer metrics. Serve as liaison with brokers and Customer Care to resolve data, order, and execution issues. Support Direct Import operations including item setup, tracking, compliance, and shipment visibility. Maintain e‑commerce content accuracy, product data, and sample inventory. Lead execution readiness checks for new items, promotions, and seasonal programs. Prioritize cross‑functional requests to ensure customer commitments are met. Determine when issues can be resolved independently versus when escalation is required, particularly related to Direct Import, compliance, and customer deadlines. Make data‑informed decisions across POS reporting, promotions, and competitive insights. Ensure accuracy and integrity across item data, costing, e‑commerce content, and import documentation. Communicate clearly and decisively to drive alignment and timely action, identifying and implementing process improvements that increase efficiency and scalability. Job Specifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Analytics, Operations, or a related field (preferred). One to three years of experience in Customer Operations, Sales Operations, Supply Chain, e‑commerce Operations, or a related role within consumer goods or retail. Experience working with POS data, customer systems, item setup, or e‑commerce product content (preferred). Exposure to Direct Import operations, compliance processes, or global supply chain workflows is a plus. Proficiency in Excel and standard business tools required; experience with customer portals or reporting platforms preferred. Strong interest in building a career in Sales, Commercial Operations, or Customer Management within a consumer products organization. Demonstrates strong working knowledge of POS data, sales reporting, and customer performance metrics, with the ability to analyze promotions, pricing, and competitive dynamics to generate actionable insights. Experienced in customer portals, item setup systems, e‑commerce platforms, and related tools. Physical Conditions The role is primarily performed in a professional office or remote work environment. The position requires extended periods of sitting, regular use of a computer, and frequent verbal and written communication. The employee must be able to use standard office equipment, including a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and video conferencing tools. Occasional standing, walking, reaching, and use of hands and fingers to operate equipment are required. The role requires close vision and the ability to focus on detailed information for analysis and reporting. Limited travel (approximately 5%) may be required. Benefits Kid Inspired Culture Free Admission to Crayola Experience for Employees Community Volunteerism Opportunities Annual Bonus Potential for all Full-Time Employees Company Matched 401(k) & Employee Value Sharing Plan Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits for Eligible Employees Education Assistance Program Wellness Programs Employee Resource Groups Generous Product Discounts Onsite & Online Company Sponsored Employee Events Discounts on a wide variety of products and services – automotive, electronics, fitness, travel and entertainment Equal Opportunity Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr