Product Specialist - Sugar

Batory Foods•Rosemont, IL

About The Position

The Product Specialist plays a vital role in gaining in-depth knowledge of the products within the assigned sugar product line. This role supports the Product Manager(s) in the day-to-day oversight and administration of these lines, ensuring smooth operations and accurate information. The Product Specialist serves as a key resource for both the Sales and Customer Experience teams, providing expert guidance on product and vendor details. Additionally, the role may require developing a working knowledge of international import procedures, including customs clearance, tariff and duty assessments, and drayage logistics.

Requirements

Promotes trust in all actions with high integrity and honesty.
Supports an environment that encourages professionalism, teamwork and collaboration both internally and externally.
Is an energetic, self-starter able to work independently, when necessary, with minimal oversight.
Detail oriented with excellent project and time management skills. Must be able to prioritize and operate in a constantly changing environment.
Must be proficient with basic software applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) as well as business ERP and CRM systems.
Basic accounting knowledge is preferred.
A Bachelor’s degree with a focus in science, food science or business administration, or an equivalent combination of work experience and education.
Progressive work experience in a business environment in food ingredients, food manufacturing is preferred.
Demonstrated food industry knowledge with exposure to ingredient sourcing is a plus.
Exposure to product management or purchasing environment with exposure to market analysis, sales, vendors, logistics and customer service.

Responsibilities

Assist with the effective management of all lines assigned to the Group by working closely with Product Management, key vendors, and various internal colleagues
Learn general product characteristics, functionality and common applications of assigned products.
Monthly review of product line financials and corrective actions
Train with the assigned Product Manager(s) and Technical Business Development team, attend industry and vendor sponsored training, along with industry conferences approved by the Management Team.
Obtain an understanding of how markets conditions impact availability, pricing, and market position for responsible product lines. Become fluent in differing product line cost models and develop an understanding of product line margin structures with ability to quote the Sales Team as needed utilizing MMT (Margin Management Tool) or PM spot market guidance.
Assist PM with communicating timely market updates and alerts.
Assist PM in developing product line strategies and work directly with Sales to educate and support product line sales growth.
Develop a strong working knowledge of Batory’s Data Systems including ERP (D365), CRM (MS Dynamics & Power BI), Power Apps and other systems to include functions related mainly to Product Management but also knowledge of Procurement Coordinator’s responsibilities (Internal Support)
Responsible for setting up, updating, and reconciling vendor cost (VA & TA), trade agreements, new vendors and new items in D365 and Power Apps.
Joint responsibility with PM for input and feedback on CRM items for your product line(s) by developing and managing accurate sample and opportunity reports to provide visibility of actions to vendors on behalf of Batory. Follow up with Sales team to obtain feedback to provide details to assigned vendors.
Understand the Inventory Planning inputs into product forecasting monthly and responsible for reviewing stock modes quarterly.
Collaborate with Operations to identify improvements to transportation, warehousing, and packaging.
Review and manage Dormant/Expiring Report for continuous movement/ improvement.
Review and communicate customer contract balances.
Work with Product Managers to support vendor relationships. (External Support)
Liaison between Product Coordinators and Vendors to manage orders, one-offs, complaints, invoice discrepancies and other support.
Review and reconcile vendor contract balances.
Responsible for obtaining shelf-life extensions as needed.
Assist PM with quarterly review if requested.
Managing discrepancies/order issues between Vendor Team and Batory Product Coordinators.
Assist in setting up product returns through communication with the vendor and working with the Procurement Coordinators to ensure return is properly processed for credit.