Description

Product specialists work in a wide variety of fields and their duties may vary widely depending on their industry and employer. However, they typically work to develop products for their respective organizations. They must perform research on customer needs and relevant industry developments, generate reports to present to involved departments, and participate in pre-production and idea development. Additionally, the product specialist must stay up to date during the production process to ensure that everything is running smoothly and help make any necessary improvements. Post-production efforts performed by the product specialist generally include collecting and analyzing data related to sales and customer satisfaction.Product specialists must stay up-to-date on trends related to customers' needs and desires, which may involve administering surveys, hosting focus groups, and/or performing other market research-related tasks. Although some travel may be necessary to perform these duties, product specialists often work primarily in an office setting during regular business hours; however, some companies may require additional and/or alternative hours.Generally, at least a bachelor's degree in a related field is required for this position. Relevant experience in the company's field is typically needed as well. Product specialists must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be able to multitask, and pay close attention to detail. Additionally, they must be able to effectively communicate product-related information to a variety of audiences through written reports and in-person presentations.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Product Specialist with 6-9 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, conduct market research, and develop product strategies. You work closely with various teams to understand and analyze requirements, conduct market research, and formulate effective product strategies.
  • Drive product development and innovation by translating customer needs into product features and enhancements. You play a crucial role in driving product development and innovation by translating customer feedback and requirements into actionable product features and enhancements.
  • Conduct competitor analysis, monitor market trends, and identify opportunities for product differentiation. You continuously monitor the market and competitors, analyze trends, and identify opportunities to differentiate the product from competitors.
  • Provide product expertise and support to sales and marketing teams, including product demonstrations and training.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Product Specialist, the following qualifications are required:

  • The candidate should possess comprehensive knowledge of the product they will be working with. This includes understanding its features, functionalities, and value proposition. Their expertise will enable them to effectively communicate with customers, address queries, and provide product recommendations or solutions.
  • It is essential for a Product Specialist to have excellent analytical skills. They should be able to gather and interpret data, identify customer trends and preferences, and provide insights to improve the product. Analytical thinking will help them assess market demands, track product performance, and make informed decisions to enhance customer satisfaction.
  • A Product Specialist must possess exceptional communication skills. They will need to interact with various stakeholders, including customers, internal teams, and management. Effective communication will aid in presenting product information, conducting product demonstrations, and delivering clear and concise explanations about product benefits, features, and usage.
  • A successful Product Specialist should have a customer-centric mindset.

Essential Skills For Product Specialist, (Unspecified Type)

1

Product Manufacturing

2

Product management tools

3

Project Management

4

Customer Service

Career Prospects

The role of a Product Specialist with 6-9 years of experience in Canada is crucial for effective product management. Professionals in this field have several alternative roles to consider. Here are four options to explore:

  • Product Manager: A role that involves end-to-end product ownership, including market research, defining product strategy, and overseeing the product lifecycle.
  • Sales Manager: A position focused on driving sales growth, managing a sales team, and developing strategies to meet revenue targets.
  • Business Development Manager: A role that involves identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, building partnerships, and expanding the company's customer base.
  • Product Marketing Manager: A position focused on developing and executing marketing strategies to promote and drive the adoption of products in the market.

How to Learn

The job role of Product Specialist in Canada is projected to experience steady growth in the market. Over a 10-year analysis, the role has shown a gradual increase in demand, indicating a positive outlook for employment opportunities. With advancements in technology and the constant need for product expertise, the demand for Product Specialists is expected to continue rising.