Product Data Management Specialist

ESI•Piscataway, NJ

About The Position

The Product Data Management Specialist ensures the accuracy, integrity, governance, and lifecycle management of product and material master data across global business systems. The role supports product data management objectives by maintaining high-quality product information standards that enable operational excellence, regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making. Working with Product Management, Research & Development, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Information Technology, the specialist supports data governance, monitors data quality, and contributes to standardized master data structures across global operations. Product information must remain consistent throughout its lifecycle and aligned with business, technical, and regulatory requirements. The role also provides subject matter expertise in chemical product data, including technical specifications, regulatory classifications, formulations, and material attributes. The specialist manages material master data and product attributes, supports governance and compliance, improves data processes, and maintains product data across ERP, PIM, PLM, and MDM systems. The position participates in data migration and system projects, testing, and validation. The role requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience, and at least three years of relevant product or master data management experience. The typical annual base salary range is $71,000 to $101,000.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience in a relevant discipline.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in Product Data Management, Master Data Management, or Material Master Data Management.
Experience in an industrial manufacturing environment; chemical, adhesives, coatings, plastics, or specialty materials industries are preferred.
Experience working in global organizations and international business environments.
Experience supporting ERP transformation projects.
Experience using ERP systems to maintain product and material master data.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data management tools.
Understanding of master data structures and product data concepts.
Familiarity with data migration and bulk data maintenance processes.
Basic understanding of chemical products, raw materials, and formulations.
Knowledge of chemical properties such as viscosity, density, solids content, flash point, and reactivity.
Understanding of formulations, bills of materials (BOMs), and product structures.
Experience working with Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
Strong collaboration skills and ability to work within cross-functional teams.
Ability to identify process improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.
Strong customer service mindset and commitment to supporting internal stakeholders.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with sensitive business information.
Ability to learn new systems, processes, and technologies.
Ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and SAP.
Must comply with company policies, procedures, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SAP S/4HANA is preferred.
Experience with Product Information Management (PIM) or related data management systems is an advantage.
Experience in the chemical, adhesives, coatings, plastics, or specialty materials industries.

Responsibilities

Create and maintain item master data in accordance with defined data standards, processes, and governance requirements.
Manage product attributes, classifications, and hierarchies; maintain technical specifications, product descriptions, and product characteristics.
Maintain raw material, semi-finished, and finished goods master data.
Ensure data quality through reviews, validations, and audits.
Support data migration, cleansing, harmonization, and standardization initiatives.
Support adherence to global master data standards, policies, and governance processes.
Monitor and improve data quality using established KPIs and reporting mechanisms; identify issues and support corrective actions.
Support internal and external audits related to product and master data, and ensure compliance with regulatory and legal requirements affecting product data.
Support compliance initiatives related to REACH, CLP, GHS, and other applicable regulations.
Analyze, standardize, and optimize product data management processes; contribute to global data standards and best practices.
Create and maintain work instructions, process documentation, and training materials.
Support change management for product and material master data.
Participate in new product introductions, product changes, and product discontinuation processes.
Maintain product data in ERP, PIM, PLM, and MDM systems.
Support data-related activities during ERP implementations, upgrades, migrations, and system enhancement projects.
Participate in system testing, user acceptance testing, and data validation activities.
Analyze and improve interfaces between business systems.
Prioritize and manage multiple assignments, collaborate across functions, identify process improvements, support internal stakeholders, protect confidential information, and comply with company policies, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.