Reporting to: Product Manager – Finishing
JOB SUMMARY:
The Product Analyst – Finishing supports the Product Manager in managing and growing the finishing and coated abrasives product portfolio, including Walter, Walter Allsteel, and Hermes products. This role focuses on product performance analysis, product development, competitive benchmarking, and technical support to sales teams.
The Product Analyst contributes to increasing the profitability of existing products, developing new products, and introducing innovative, cost-effective solutions aligned with market requirements and the company’s growth strategy. The role is also instrumental in defining product requirements, executing structured testing protocols, generating performance data, and supporting sales teams through technical expertise and training initiatives across the Americas.
RESPONSABILITIES:
Products development:
Test \& validate results for assigned product development projects.
Improve existing products and contribute to new product developments based on market trends, customer needs, and sales force feedback.
Work closely with manufacturing partners to develop \& test innovative, high-performance, and cost-effective product solutions.
Testing protocoles \& Performance data:
Develop structured, repeatable testing protocols to build robust performance databases for Walter products and competitive offerings.
Conduct product testing in a methodical, rigorous, and consistent manner using state-of-the-art testing tools and equipment.
Evaluate and benchmark the performance of existing, new, and competitive products.
Prepare detailed, accurate, and standardized test reports and communicate results to key internal stakeholders.
Assist the Product Manager in experimental data validation, quality control, and performance analysis.
Provide accurate competitive analyses to support product positioning and overall product strategy.
Cost control:
Support the Product Manager in cost reduction initiatives, supplier diversification, and value optimization strategies.
Technical Support:
Act as a technical product specialist and resource for assigned product lines.
Provide technical support to sales teams across the Americas.
Assist in the creation and presentation of product trainings for internal teams, distributors, and customers.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Strong technical aptitude and interest in the industrial manufacturing environment.
Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Results-oriented mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Strong problem identification skills and creative problem resolution abilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to diverse audiences.
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Manual dexterity and comfort working in hands-on testing environments.
Motivated, versatile, and eager to learn.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
Good physical condition.
Valid driver’s license required.
Available for occasional national and international travel, including USA (approximately 10% of the time).
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
University degree in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering considered a strong asset) or equivalent experience.
Minimum of one (1) year of experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of abrasives, tools, power tools, and the metalworking industry is a strong asset.
Bilingual (English and French) spoken \& written due to interactions with international internal \& external customers.