Product Analyst (IPS)

June 1, 2010

POSITION SUMMARY

Under limited supervision, works as a member of Product Management and Development Team to ensure Inmar Promotion Services products are effectively supported and projects are completed accurately and on time.  Position requires that Associate be able to work independently and also as a member of a team.  Typical duties include maintaining effective verbal and written communication with external Clients, internal Associates and Team members; accepting responsibility for completion of assigned project tasks; assisting Product Manager (or designated manager) as directed; and presenting results to management.

Major Job Responsibilities

 May include one or more of the following, depending on assigned area:

Support product life cycle of assigned products and assist in product planning and portfolio management.

1. Acts as key person on project team.  Assists Product Manager (or designated manager) in the development, documentation, testing, marketing, and analysis of enhancements, line extensions, and new products.  Reviews processes and makes recommendations for improvement.
   • Identify, analyze, and translate business needs into product requirements and specifications. 
   • Coordinate efforts to research and write product scope document for projects.
   • Write business rules for products, projects, and enhancements as assigned.
   • Prioritize assignments to ensure project deadlines are met while supporting day-to-day production activities.
   • Track assignments, develops updates and communicates status to management.
   • Escalate issues.
   • Attend meetings regarding assignments.
   • Coordinate with IT regarding tasks and resource schedules.
   • Plan and execute User Acceptance Testing. 
   • Provide input, guidance, and support to IT, Client Services and Operations during testing and implementation.
   • Work with appropriate staff to resolve product issues.
   • Plan and execute project launch activities.
2. Act as product champion of assigned products:
   
   • SME (Subject Matter Expert) as assigned.
   • Prototyping and/or storyboarding enhancements/products as directed.
   • Conduct CFA, focus groups, and client interviews as directed to understand client needs.
   • Knowledgeable about competitive offerings.
   • Conduct industry, market, and competitive research as applicable.
   • Interface with various departments to analyze, develop, and maintain operating procedures and product documentation.
   • Support/lead product training.
   • Assists in developing training plans and schedules.
   • Develop content, materials, and conduct training classes for Clients and Associates.
   • Coordinates the retrieval of data for research analysis and preparation.  Makes presentations as appropriate.
   • Interfaces with other Promotion Services departments as appropriate to assist in developing marketing materials.
3. Leads technical Support initiatives by:
   
   • Serves as the liaison between the Promotion Services Operations and Client Services departments and the IT and Product Management departments. 
   • Services as a knowledgeable/primary resource on technical issues and provides a business perspective for Support staff.  
   • Establishes priorities for all Support items and communicates related timelines to business end users.
   • Develops functional, understandable technical documentation (e.g., user manuals, Internet requirements, and functional design specifications).
   • Develops process flow charts and develops report specifications for complicated issues.  
   • Designs and leads QA, UAT and usability testing as required by projects.
4. If applicable, manage 3rd party relationship in support of assigned products.
   
   • Conduct vendor research.
   • Support billing efforts.
   • Coordinate and manage information and data exchange.
   • Recaps and tracking as needed.
5. Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability To

• make persuasive presentation to Clients and management groups
• thoroughly explain Company products and services to Clients and Associates
• analyze coupon-related business operations, systems and procedures and make appropriate recommendations
• research, develop and recommend pricing (if applicable)
• meet program objectives and deadlines
• represent ideas clearly and concisely
• facilitate communications and problem solve
• deal effectively with individuals at all business levels and a variety of situations requiring tact, judgment, and composure
• project conservative, resource image to Clients and Associates
• coordinate the efforts of Company personnel
• establish and maintain good working relationship with other departmental personnel
• provide technical guidance and training to co-workers
• compose complex, professional business correspondence and reports
• plan own work after objective is set by supervisor
• prioritize and manage multiple tasks to ensure timely completion of all projects
• use good judgment in recognizing the scope of authority
• travel independently

Knowledge Of

• industry concepts and practices
• extensive knowledge in servicing business accounts
• marketing and promotional concepts and practice
• finance
• business management
• interpersonal communication technique
• internet search engines/research methodology
• systems functions and processes
• intermediate level proficiency utilizing MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• business English and composition (professional level)
• proper business protocol
• strong preference for candidate with demonstrated Inmar Promotion Services system experience (Alinea® and iSeries).

EDUCATION

• Three years of related work experience in one or more (preferably a combination) of the following fields: 
  o marketing research or promotions
  o product development and/or management
  o client services/operations
  o complex business account services
• AND a Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from 4-year college or university;
• OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.