Technical Data and Product Specialist

Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc. is the original and leading franchise system of backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores with over 360 retail locations in North America. Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in expert advice and offers an exclusive line of quality products designed specifically for the hobby of backyard bird feeding. Our mission is to Bring People and Nature Together!

We have an immediate opening for a  Technical Data & Product Specialist  to join our team at the Franchise Support Center in Carmel, IN. This position is crucial for ensuring accurate and up to date product and supplier information is available to Store Owners and FSC Staff across various databases. The specialist acts as a central hub for product information, event coordination and administrative support, playing a key role in the efficiency and strategic initiatives of the product department.  The ideal candidate will have a love for birds and is a bird feeding enthusiast.

Essential Functions

1.   Database Management - Compile and maintain comprehensive and accurate product and supplier information across a variety of databases and resources, including our new cloud-based Point of Sale (POS) System, MyWBU Store Master Product Catalog (Online Store), Approved Supplier Database, and WBU Intranet webpages.

b.   Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all product and supplier updates, including MIC numbers, costs, suggested retail prices, product descriptions, supplier contact information, terms, policies, and special buying programs.

c.   Manage incoming support tickets from Store Owners, with assistance from product experts, related to product and supplier data.

2.   Product Development.

a.   Develop and maintain a robust Product Sample Management System, enabling tracking and inventory management throughout the product lifecycle.

b.   Analyze sales data and reports to identify trends and inform future product development opportunities.

c.   Manage the protocol and process for products on MyWBU, overseeing the entire product lifecycle from photoshoots and product description creation to working with Marketing for proofing.

d.   Serve as the Product Department Liaison for MyWBU, ensuring consistent and accurate product representation.

e.   Support the Product Development Process by working with key team members to understand the product cycle for bird food and hobby products, assisting in vendor / supplier selection, and collaborating on new product creation and design.

3.   Case Management

a.   Manage and resolve customer inquiries and questions received through various channels, including Power Reviews and social media platforms, to support the case management process.

4.   WBU Tradeshow Management

a.   Plan and manage all logistical aspects of the WBU Trade Show, including registration, convention center coordination, booth         requirements, and vendor relations.

b.   Collaborate with internal staff, event coordinators, and vendors to ensure a seamless and successful trade show experience.

c.   Develop resources for Store Owners to assist with their trade show planning.

5.   Administrative support

a.     Provide comprehensive administrative assistance to the product department as needed, ensuring efficient team operations.

b.    Assist as needed with license agreement process and bird food registration process.

We're looking for a candidate with a Bachelor's degree or 4-6 years of retail experience, customer service, or supplier relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 1-3 years advanced experience with organizing and maintaining information and data, working with spreadsheets, working in POS systems and coordinating and supporting projects. Prefer experience in Retail / Small Business and / or Franchising. You should be a team player with strong analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The ability to prioritize effectively and communicate clearly is essential. The right candidate will be customer-focused and have the ability to build strong collaborative relationships.

This is a full-time position, and the work days are Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Attendance and participation at our annual conference is required.

Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc. is an Employee Owned Company. We offer a competitive compensation package including salary, medical / dental / vision insurance, short-term disability insurance, life insurance, long term disability and 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Liberal vacation, personal, sick and holiday leave is included and a discount on store merchandise. Wild Birds Unlimited is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visit our website at