Product Strategist

About the role

Empire and Co. is the largest commercial furniture dealer in the world, with 80 years of experience and more than 565 full-time employees nationwide. As the preeminent Steelcase dealer in the United States, we proudly support a portfolio of more than 500 manufacturers and collaborate with leading architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen, and makers. Through innovative and cost-effective solutions, we help clients solve business challenges, elevate workspace environments, and activate their brand identities.

Key Responsibilities

• Initiate and direct product strategy for competitive RFPs, client standards programs, and new opportunities
• Analyze proposed applications and recommend strategic product substitutions to improve pricing competitiveness and gross profit
• Support internal teams with competitive RFP pricing and pricing submittals
• Establish near-real cost estimates to enable accurate pricing comparisons and GP evaluation
• Perform internal vetting and comparisons by:
• FloorGroup (e.g., Workstations, Offices, Seating)
• Specific product parts or categories
• Create product strategies aligned with Empire and Co.’s pricing and profitability objectives
• Create clear visuals, application plans, and presentation materials to help articulate proposed solutions to internal and external audiences

Product and Specification Expertise

• Specify commercial workspace environments, including but not limited to:
• Workstations
• Private offices
• Seating
• Common areas
• Conference rooms
• Develop BOM-based specifications and visuals using industry-standard software
• Work within dealer ordering databases representing major manufacturers

Qualifications

• Experience working with CET or similar specification software
• Experience working within a dealer ordering database
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for pricing analysis and comparisons
• Experience using Microsoft PowerPoint to develop presentations
• Experience working with a major manufacturer and its product offerings
• Experience working with third-party ancillary and open line vendors
• Experience developing RFP responses, including pricing submittals

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong understanding of industry pricing structures, including:
• Net cost
• Discount structures
• List vs off-list pricing
• Strong understanding of Net Price establishment and definition
• Strong understanding of Gross Profit establishment and analysis
• Ability to analyze applications and recommend strategic product substitutions
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail
• Ability to translate pricing and product strategies into clear visuals and application plans
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Sales, Design, and Operations teams

Pay

Salary range: $95,000 to $115,000 based on experience and qualifications