Product Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Build your Career with an Industry Leader

Headquartered in Cincinnati, LSI is a growing public company traded on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange under the symbol LYTS. LSI manufactures advanced lighting, graphics, and display solutions across strategic vertical markets. Our American-made products, which include non-residential indoor and outdoor lighting, print graphics, digital graphics, refrigerated and custom displays, create value for customer brands and enhance the consumer experience. We have 3,000 employees at 23 manufacturing plants throughout the U.S. and Canada. Additional information about LSI is available at

We are looking for an on-site Product Specialist to support our team at our corporate location in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Summary:

The Product Specialist will be responsible for the product marketing function and will develop expertise in all operational and marketing aspects of the product. This role will also support activities such as sales, technical support, commercial support, forecasting, generating sales reports, and managing quoting processes.

STRATEGIC

New Product Development

• Support driving and actioning new product opportunities
• Support the management of product line portfolio roadmaps in conjunction with the manager
• Identification and evaluation of organic growth strategies
• Use of VOC (Voice of Customer) tools to understand customers’ technology needs, strategic direction, and how to tailor a solution to meet those needs

Portfolio Management

• Develop forward-looking product plans that enable profitable growth into the future.
• Knowledge and analysis of competitors and competitor products to support sales and product development
• Fact-based analysis of market trends, competitive data, technology advancements, customer needs assessment, and new product developments.

TACTICAL

Financial

• Work with Operations and Finance to ensure that the product lines meet revenue and profitability targets.

Product

• Commercializing new or existing products – create and implement marketing plans that drive growth.
• Understand applications of product technologies to address specific customer needs.
• Represent the Company at tradeshows and other events for business products
• Fully support the launch of products and product improvements
• Provide general and technical input to Commercial Marketing when required
• Provide leadership on product-related problems

Customer / Sales

• Ability to effectively interact with the sales organization to bolster knowledge of the product lines and strategies to increase revenues and high-value customer engagements
• Presentations on product lines to customers, including agents, distributors, contractors, architects, and designers.
• As required, provide technical and sales support, including training, to local sales representatives around the relevant markets and other product lines.
• Effectively communicate the value proposition of the Company’s products to the sales team and develop the sales tools that support the selling process for products and services, including side-by-side product specifications from competitive analysis and sales fighter guides.

Internal Business Requirements

• Prepare the product demand forecast based on the market forecast and meet market share objectives and support the S&OP process.
• Communicate with management and internal support staff and keep them informed of all market developments
• Support Operations with systemic product issues related to quality, supply, or design.
• Presentations to the internal groups, such as the executive team, customer service, and sales.

Skills & Experience

• 1-3 years of product marketing experience
• BS Degree Preferred (Marketing, Engineering or other Technical Degree)
• Commercialization of new or existing products is a plus
• Lighting industry experience or understanding is a plus
• Agent / Distribution / Contractor / Specifier experience or understanding is a plus
• Self-Starter with the ability to identify the need to change and make it happen
• Analytical mindset geared towards overcoming barriers and reaching future potential customers
• Ability to influence and communicate with external and internal groups
• Ability to act as a team leader
• Ability to laugh and enjoy a team environment

Competencies

• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Highly motivated with a hands-on attitude
• Customer Orientated
• Financial Aptitude
• Team Oriented
• Driven by results
• Domestic travel is required, targeted less than 25%

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off

EEOC

LSI is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. LSI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.