Product Associate

About the Role

MSI is hiring a Product Associate to support product planning, supply chain management, and strategic product initiatives that drive business growth. In this role, the Product Associate collaborates with cross-functional teams across Product Management, National Marketing, Sales, and Global Sourcing to develop promotional tools, manage product lifecycles, optimize inventory, and identify new product opportunities. The Product Associate plays a key role in forecasting demand, supporting international sourcing initiatives, and ensuring product availability across MSI's nationwide distribution network.

Work Hours: Monday to Friday from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM, 2 Saturday(s) a month from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM

Seniority Level: Associate

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: This salaried, exempt position pays from 70400 to 75000 per year. The estimated annual pay for new hires generally ranges from $70,400 to $85,000 or more, depending on experience, education level and annual bonuses.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the supply chain for multiple product lines, ensuring inventory availability across all warehouse locations.
• Analyze and control inventory flow through demand planning, forecasting, reorder point management, purchase orders, pricing analysis, and receipt of goods.
• Oversee the complete product lifecycle, including new product introductions, promotions, SKU rationalization, product discontinuation, and close-out activities.
• Collaborate with National Marketing, Product Management, and Sales teams to develop promotional materials and marketing tools.
• Develop pricing strategies for new products and conduct ongoing pricing reviews.
• Create and source new products with international suppliers using sales data, customer feedback, market trends, and competitive research.
• Develop marketing strategies that support the sales organization and expand MSI's market share.
• Coordinate production plans with vendors to ensure timely product shipments.
• Conduct factory capacity analysis to evaluate the impact of new products on manufacturing operations.
• Partner with international suppliers on innovation initiatives, performance management, order placement, and inventory optimization.
• Identify and pursue international sourcing opportunities that align with category strategies and business objectives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities.
• Focus on innovation and continuous process improvement.

Experience Requirements

• One (1) or more years of experience in product management, supply chain, business strategy, finance, or another quantitative field required.
• Experience working with inventory planning, forecasting, sourcing, or product lifecycle management is preferred.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional business teams is highly desirable.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a reputable university required.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with product lifecycle management and inventory forecasting.
• Knowledge of supply chain operations and international sourcing.
• Pricing analysis and market research experience.
• Ability to interpret sales data and identify product opportunities.
• Experience working with global suppliers and production planning.
• Strong business acumen with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

This role has the following physical demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with their hands and arms; and communicate verbally. The employee frequently walks, stands and occasionally sits.
• The employee must occasionally lift, pull and move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Benefits: MSI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Referral, Holiday, and Annual Bonuses
• Annual pay increases
• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Short Term and Long Term disability
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans with company matching contributions
• Charitable donation matching programs
• Free, company-sponsored 1-on-1 tutoring for children/dependents of MSI employees in grades k-12, including free tutoring for SAT and ACT tests

About MSI: Founded in 1975, MSI is a leading supplier of flooring tile, countertops, wall and backsplash tile and hardscaping surfaces products in North America. Headquartered in Orange, California, MSI also maintains over 50 state-of-the-art showroom and distribution centers across the U.S. and Canada. MSI's product line includes an extensive offering of Granite, Quartz, Porcelain, Luxury Vinyl flooring, Slate, Marble, Travertine, Sandstone, Limestone, Quartzite, onyx, stacked stone and pavers imported from over 36 countries on six continents.

Over the years, MSI has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including:

• Top 5 fastest growing companies - OC Business Journal
• Supplier Diversity Award - Home Depot
• #1 Flooring Distributor multiple years in a row - Floor Covering Weekly
• Top Workplaces Award winner multiple times - Top Workplaces
• MSI Founder named the Entrepreneur of the Year - Ernst and Young

MSI is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion and belonging for all employees. We provide a work environment that allows all employees to do their best work, free from all forms of discrimination. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military status, religion, disability status, or any other legally protected group. MSI provides reasonable accommodations for all employees and applicants. If you believe you require an accommodation, please speak with your recruiter or a member of our HR team.

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