Product Development Specialist

Product Development Specialist

Since 1953, Ferguson has been a source of quality supplies for a variety of industries. Together We Build Better infrastructure, better homes and better businesses. We exist to make our customers' complex projects simple, successful, and sustainable. We proactively solve problems, adapt and grow to continuously serve our customers, communities and each other. Ferguson, a Fortune 500 company, is proud to provide best-in-class products, service and capabilities across the following industries : Commercial / Mechanical, Facilities Supply, Fire and Fabrication, HVAC, Industrial, Residential Trade, Residential Building and Remodel, Waterworks and Residential Digital Commerce. Ferguson has approximately 36,000 associates across 1,700 locations. Ferguson is a community of proud associates who operate with the shared purpose of building something meaningful. You will build a career that you are proud of, at a company you can believe in.

We are currently seeking to fill an immediate need for a Product Development Specialist to support the Signature Hardware Brand.

As part of the Product Development team, the Product Development Specialist role is critical in supporting Product Development activities contributing to the profitable growth and development for our Signature Hardware products. You will support department processes and serve as a Subject Matter Authority for their category, interact with internal departments and external suppliers, and help update and maintain product quality standards for finished plumbing programs. If you have prior product development, category management, or quality control experience, this is an excellent opportunity to grow with an industry-leading organization!

This is a Hybrid role based out of Erlanger, KY location, in accordance with the Ferguson Flex schedule; 3 days office / 2 days remote.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Research and analysis : Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and customer insights to identify new product opportunities and trends.

Idea generation : Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, designers, and marketing professionals, to brainstorm and generate innovative product ideas.

Product planning : Assist in creating product roadmaps, defining product specifications, and developing project timelines.

Prototype development : Work with engineering or design teams to create prototypes or proof-of-concept models for new products.

Testing and validation : Conduct product testing, collect user feedback, and iterate on product designs to ensure functionality, usability, and customer satisfaction.

Documentation : Create and maintain product documentation, including specifications, user guides, and technical documentation.

Collaboration : Coordinate and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, manufacturing, and supply chain, to ensure successful product launches.

Project management : Manage project schedules, budgets, and resources to meet product development objectives.

Quality assurance : Collaborate with quality assurance teams to ensure that products meet the required quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Continuous improvement : Monitor product performance, gather customer feedback, and identify product enhancements and update opportunities.

Collaborate with cross functional teams to support product life cycle processes.

Build and maintain productive relationships with domestic and international suppliers.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field and 2+ years of new product development, category management, or quality control experience or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, required

Experience with decorative plumbing and hardware products a plus

Proven data analytics skills including market analysis and pricing, highly preferred

Basic knowledge of finance and cost principles, required

Intermediate proficiency with Excel functions such as pivot tables and v-lookups, preferred

Prior experience with data management tools such as Power BI or Tableau, a plus

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to capture and convey information to a variety of audiences including international suppliers

Ability to work independently and within a team environment

Demonstrate attention to detail, initiative, and self-motivation, proactively problem-solve and see projects through completion both quickly and accurately

Familiarity with product development methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum, and understanding of the various stages involved in bringing a product from concept to market, highly preferred

Strong organizational and project management abilities to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines, required

At Ferguson, we care for each other. We value our well-being just as much as our hard work. We are committed to a holistic approach towards benefits plans and programs that support the mental, physical and financial well-being of our associates. Our competitive offering not only includes benefits like health, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance and a 401(k) with a company match, but our associates also enjoy additional meaningful and inclusive enhancements that are adaptable to their diverse situations and needs, including mental health coverage, gender affirming and family building benefits, paid parental leave, associate discounts, community involvement opportunities and more!

Pay Range : $4,124.70 - $6,783.70

Estimated Ranges displayed are Monthly for Salaried roles OR Hourly for all other roles.

This role is Bonus or Incentive Plan eligible.

Ferguson complies with all wage regulations. The starting wage may be higher in certain locations based on local or state wage requirements.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer as well as a government contractor that shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), which prohibits discrimination against qualified protected Veterans and the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(A), which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Ferguson Enterprises, LLC. is an equal employment employer F / M / Disability / Vet / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.