Analysis Skills, Business Growth, Business Intelligence, Category Management, Communication Skills, Cost Analysis, Customer Support/Service, Data Management, Data Quality, Detail Oriented, Distribution Services, Documentation, Finance, Grocery Stores, Inside Sales, Interpersonal Skills, Inventory Management, Leadership, Market Analysis, Marketing, Merchandising, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Pricing, Procurement Management, Product Lifecycle, Product Management, Product Reviews, Product Strategy, Product Support, Report Distribution, Reporting Dashboards, Resolve Customer Issues, Retail, Sales, Sales Management, Sales Presentation, Team Lead/Manager, Validation Testing, Vendor/Supplier Selection, Writing Skills
Summary
The Product Specialist supports the Category Management by maintaining accurate product information, analyzing market and category data, and assisting with product selection strategies. This role works closely with vendors, category managers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders to manage product data, support category reviews, maintain product content and images, and help drive business growth through data-driven insights. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office applications. This is an in-person position based in Worcester, MA.
About Imperial (IDI)
Imperial, founded in 1939 and headquartered in Worcester, MA, is a leading privately lead distributor of supermarket non-foods. We’ve helped our partners grow smarter and stronger—offering unmatched product selection, customized programs, and expert retail support across health and beauty care, seasonal items, general merchandise categories. With more than 700 associates and a state-of-the-art distribution center, Imperial serves chain and independent retailers across 22 states. Imperial is recognized throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic for excellence in distribution, merchandising, and category management.
What sets us apart? Our singular focus is on providing retailers with the value, innovation, and differentiation they need to thrive in today's dynamic marketplace.
Our Mission prioritizes people, embraces change, and fosters growth. And our Vision is to redefine partnership with a lasting impact on our customers, communities, and the industry. At the center of it all is our amazing team.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Data integrity by validating all information submitted by vendors against live samples and performing system clean-up as needed to ensure accuracy and consistency across like items
- Maintain item images across all shared environments and systems
- Work directly with vendors and internal teams including marketing, space management, sales, customer service, finance, procurement, and inventory control on all aspects of product life cycle
- Analyze market, category and item data through internal BI dashboards and market insights in preparation for business updates, leadership reviews, customer presentations and collaborate with Category Manager on assortment strategy.
- PowerPoint Presentation preparation for regular business and category reviews.
- Work with Space Management to organize samples and set Planograms.
- Manage stagnant inventory and discontinued items to resolution including working with vendors and communicating product transitions internally.
- Work closely with Category Managers within General Merchandise and Health, Beauty & Wellness to address Customer needs and support the management and growth of the business.
- Work with sales account managers in collaboration for assigned reviews, requests for images and samples, and any data needed to validate decision-making.
- Onboard new vendors and maintain existing vendor documents and contact info.
- Maintain automated report distribution list and assist vendors with on-demand data as needed.
- Resolve invoice discrepancies by completing necessary documentation and requesting cost change forms from vendors.
- Analyze pricing ladders for cost and MSRP.
- Create and manage pricing linkage groups for like items.
- Assist Seasonal team with show preparation including item setup, data validation, sample check-in, and merchandising the showroom.
- Other relevant duties and tasks as assigned.
This is an in-person role that requires regular attendance at our designated work location.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and build strong relationships with all stakeholders.
- Strong writing skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Pre-Employment Criminal Background Clearance and Drug Screening.
Why Join Us
- Growth Culture: Opportunities for professional advancement
- Employee Perks: Discounted product store, food events, and summer food trucks
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401(k), bonus, PTO and more
**A full comprehensive job description will be available during the interview process, this is a condensed job posting.