Strategic Product Specialist

Strategic Product Specialist

The Strategic Product Specialist is responsible for supporting the successful development, launch, and integration of new products, programs, and business opportunities across VSP Technologies. This position serves as the operational bridge between Engineering, Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Quality, Manufacturing, and Inside Sales by developing scalable processes and establishing repeatable workflows that support long-term success.

Essential Functions

• Lead operational support for new product lines, customer programs, and strategic business initiatives.
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for new product inquiries until ownership is formally transitioned to Inside Sales.
• Analyze customer requirements and recommend appropriate product solutions.
• Work with Engineering to understand technical product requirements, specifications, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to establish approved vendors, sourcing strategies, lead times, minimum-order requirements, and inventory needs.
• Partner with Production, Quality, and Operations to ensure new products can be successfully manufactured, inspected, and fulfilled.
• Develop standardized processes, work instructions, and order-fulfillment procedures for new products and services.
• Develop quoting tools, costing templates, pricing documentation, product databases, and reference materials.
• Create and maintain part numbers, product descriptions, ERP master data, and other required system information.
• Manage complex customer quotations, particularly those involving engineered products, new applications, or new product introductions.
• Develop training materials, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and reference guides for the Inside Sales team.
• Train Account Specialists on product applications, quoting procedures, customer requirements, and order-processing expectations.
• Establish and maintain a formal transition-readiness process for transferring established products, programs, and business lines to Inside Sales.
• Confirm requirements have been completed before transitioning ownership to Inside Sales.
• Review open quotations, orders, customer concerns, and unresolved operational risks before completing a transition.
• Develop a formal transition plan identifying the receiving team, assigned ownership, open action items, responsible parties, and targeted completion dates.
• Coordinate the formal handoff with Inside Sales leadership and obtain approval from applicable operational leaders.
• Provide support during a defined transition period, including answering questions, reviewing initial quotations or orders, and resolving process gaps.
• Update procedures, training materials, and reference documentation based on feedback received during and after the transition.
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, and Customer Service to resolve issues affecting new products and customer programs.
• Compile and analyze data related to product launches, quoting activity, customer demand, profitability, and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through process standardization and automation.
• Assist in developing future strategic product and business growth initiatives.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of VSP products, manufacturing capabilities, ERP systems, and internal processes.
• Project a favorable image of the company to promote, foster, and enhance public recognition of VSP Technologies and our products and services.
• Adheres to all company Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and procedures as outlined in the VSP Health & Safety Manual. Actively contributes to maintaining a safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible workplace in alignment with VSP standards.

Experience / Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience relating to job duties
• Microsoft Office Suite
• 2-4 Year college degree preferred in business or related field (Preferred)
• Customer service experience in manufacturing and/or sales (Preferred)
• Microsoft Excel (Advanced Preferred)
• ERP Systems (MAS500/Sage Preferred)

VSP Technologies provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, political affiliation or veteran status. For applicants or employees who are disabled or require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process may request assistance by contacting Human Resources at 804-668-1026.

Job Type: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefits:

• 401(k) plus company match
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition reimbursement