Product Coordinator

Purchasing Team Member

Merola Tile was just ranked #4 in the Top Workplaces in NJ and is currently looking to grow our team. We are a family owned and operated tile distribution center where everyone feels like family. We are currently seeking a highly motivated, hardworking and enthusiastic candidate to join our purchasing team!

Role and Responsibilities

Product Development

• Coordinate new product development and production process from initial design concept to release
• Lead projects including objectives, milestones, timelines from concept to launch
• Draft and continuously update schedules and timelines to monitor progress
• Organize and maintain our sample collection
• Ensure sampling deadlines are met; troubleshoot any sample delays
• Review all prototypes
• Ensure quality control standards are met
• Assist with planning and implementing new product releases
• Educate internal teams on features and benefits of products selected including SWOT analysis
• Document the product development plan as determined by stakeholders and share with internal teams

Vendor Relationships

• Honor vendor relationships with company and leadership
• Communicate daily with overseas vendors and factories
• Understand supplier capabilities
• Work closely with vendors to obtain necessary information regarding product
• Assist in preparations for vendor meetings

Assist in Product Research and Insights

• Analyze and understand industry trends and market
• Monitor gaps in current programs
• Identify potential new vendors
• Understand customer needs and requirements
• Prepare products for internal discussions and review, highlighting product attributes

Perform other duties as required

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 1-2 years of product development/coordination experience
• Experience managing multiple projects with deadlines
• Strong communication skills when working with overseas vendors and team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in projects
• Ceramic Tile experience preferred
• Able work as part of a team
• Adaptable, flexible and able to juggle multiple projects
• Creative and innovative thinking skills
• Knack for artistic design preferred

Preferred Skills

• Ceramic Tile experience preferred
• Knack for artistic design preferred

Physical Requirements:

Regularly stand/sit for extended periods, operate office equipment, perform light-moderate lifting, lift/move up to 80 lbs. occasionally, bend, twist, and maintain posture. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Key Competencies

• Problem Solving -- Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Initiative -- Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Oral Communication -- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication -- Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork -- Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Quality -- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity -- Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Ethics -- Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Company Core Values

Merola Tile Fundamentals We stay true to our mission statement "Improving Homes. Improving Lives." With our product we improve homes, but it is with our collective effort that we improve lives. Our Fundamentals describe the values, behaviors, principles, and practices that are the foundation of our unique workplace. It explains how we relate to each other, our clients, and even our suppliers. It's who we are, and it's what drives our extraordinary success. It's our commitment to each other to improve our lives

Additional Notes

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits:

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• 9 Annual Paid Holidays (including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas)
• Paid Time Off earned and accrued from your first day with the company
• 401(k) Plan with company match (eligibility after 1 month)
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Performance Reviews after 90 days and annually
• Quarterly Company Goals opportunity to earn up to 4 weeks of additional bonus pay annually
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Employee Discount on tile after 6 months
• Fresh Fruit, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and Tea provided daily
• Weekly Company Lunches
• Company Culture Events BBQs, Ugly Sweater Day, T-shirt making, Halloween contests, and more
• Fun, Friendly, Family-Like Environment