The anticipated salary range for this positon is up to $180,000.00 plus annual incentive bonus of up to 20%. Actual compensation offered may vary based on job related factors such as experience, skills, education and location. For internal teammates, a compensation percentage increase will be reviewed and determined in partnership with HR, taking into consideration internal equity and relevant experience.
The Director of Product Operations is responsible for building and leading a high-performing Product Operations organization that serves as the operational backbone for the company's product portfolio. This leader will establish scalable processes, governance frameworks, and analytical capabilities that enable effective product management, category growth, commercial execution, and operational excellence.
The Director will oversee five critical functional areas:
Product OperationsCross Referencing Product Sampling Product Performance & Analytics Project Management - Strategic InitiativesThis role requires a highly analytical, process-oriented, and operationally focused leader who can build teams, improve data quality, create operational rigor, and provide actionable business insights. The Director will work extensively across Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, IT, Revenue Operations, and Commercial Leadership to ensure product information, product performance, and operational processes are accurate, scalable, and aligned with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities1. Product Operations LeadershipBuild and lead a Product Operations function responsible for ensuring product data integrity, lifecycle management, governance, and operational excellence across the product portfolio.
Product Operations ResponsibilitiesSKU Creation & Master Data Management (MDM)- Establish and manage processes for new SKU creation and maintenance.
- Ensure timely and accurate setup of product records across all business systems.
- Develop scalable master data management practices that support growth, automation, and data consistency.
- Partner with Product Management, Supply Chain, Operations, and IT to ensure data alignment across platforms.
SKU Lifecycle Management- Establish governance and processes for product introductions, modifications, rationalizations, and discontinuations.
- Manage lifecycle workflows ensuring smooth transitions and minimal business disruption.
- Improve speed-to-market for new product launches while maintaining operational controls.
Item Structuring & Taxonomy- Own product hierarchy, classification, and taxonomy standards.
- Develop scalable product structures that improve reporting, searchability, analytics, and customer experience.
- Drive standardization across categories, brands, and product families.
Data Governance & Quality Control- Develop product data governance policies, standards, and quality metrics.
- Establish data stewardship processes and accountability structures.
- Monitor and improve product data accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce errors and enhance data integrity.
Change Management & Coordination- Lead cross-functional coordination related to product changes, launches, and discontinuations.
- Create structured communication and execution processes to ensure organizational alignment.
- Act as a central coordination point between Product, Operations, Commercial, and Technology teams.
2. Cross Referencing LeadershipBuild and manage a robust cross-referencing capability that enhances product substitution, customer conversions, and commercial effectiveness.
Cross Referencing ResponsibilitiesCross-Reference Database Development- Develop and maintain comprehensive cross-reference tables across manufacturer, branded, private-label, and competitive products.
- Significantly expand the organization's library of validated cross-reference matches.
- Ensure cross-reference accuracy and ongoing maintenance.
Sales Conversion & Substitution Support- Support Sales and Product Management teams with conversion opportunities and substitution strategies.
- Develop tools, reporting, and resources that simplify customer conversion efforts.
- Identify opportunities to expand private-brand penetration through effective substitution recommendations.
Competitive Product Mapping- Maintain visibility into competitive product landscapes and alternative product relationships.
- Provide insights that support strategic sourcing and category growth initiatives.
3. Product Sampling LeadershipLead the strategy, governance, and execution of the company's product sampling programs to support new customer acquisition, product conversions, and category growth.
Product Sampling ResponsibilitiesSampling Strategy & Planning- Develop and execute sampling strategies aligned with commercial objectives.
- Partner with Product Management and Sales leadership to prioritize sampling investments.
- Establish criteria for sampling effectiveness and return on investment.
Logistics Coordination- Oversee sample inventory planning and fulfillment processes.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with Distribution Centers, Operations, Sales, and Suppliers.
- Ensure samples are delivered accurately and efficiently.
Sample Process Development- Design and implement standardized sampling workflows and approval processes.
- Establish governance models, service levels, and accountability structures.
- Improve speed, transparency, and effectiveness of sample deployment.
Sample Budget Management- Manage the company's product sampling budget.
- Monitor utilization, spending, and ROI.
- Provide recommendations on allocation and optimization of sampling investments.
4. Product Performance & Analytics LeadershipBuild a product performance management capability that delivers actionable insights, standardized reporting, and executive visibility into category and product performance.
Product Performance ResponsibilitiesDashboard Development & Maintenance- Develop and maintain dashboards supporting Product Management, Commercial Leadership, and Executive stakeholders.
- Create automated reporting solutions that enable real-time visibility into performance metrics.
- Improve accessibility and usability of product performance information.
Reporting Governance- Establish standardized KPI definitions, governance processes, and reporting methodologies.
- Create a "single source of truth" for product performance reporting.
- Ensure consistent measurement frameworks across products, categories, and business units.
- Lead Monthly Business Reviews (MBRs) and executive performance reporting processes.
Product Performance Analytics- Analyze product, category, and portfolio performance trends.
- Identify growth opportunities, profitability drivers, and areas requiring corrective action.
- Support strategic planning through data-driven insights and recommendations.
Business Insights- Deliver actionable insights to Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership teams.
- Translate complex data into clear business recommendations.
- Support decision-making through forecasting, trend analysis, and performance diagnostics.
5. Strategic Initiatives, Governance & Project ManagementLead governance and execution oversight for strategic Product, Category Management, and cross-functional initiatives, ensuring projects are prioritized, resourced, tracked, and delivered against agreed objectives.
Strategic Initiative Governance- Establish governance frameworks that provide visibility, accountability, and decision-making support for Product-related strategic initiatives.
- Develop and manage a centralized portfolio of Product, Category Management, Product Operations, and Commercial initiatives.
- Monitor initiative progress, risks, dependencies, milestones, and expected business outcomes.
- Ensure executive stakeholders have clear visibility into initiative health, timelines, and performance.
Project Management Office (PMO) Support- Serve as the Product organization's lead for project governance, execution tracking, and cross-functional coordination.
- Implement standardized project management methodologies, templates, and best practices that improve consistency and execution effectiveness.
- Facilitate project status reviews, stakeholder meetings, decision-making sessions, and executive updates.
Smartsheet Administration & Execution Management- Own and administer the Product organization's use of Smartsheet as the primary project tracking, portfolio management, and initiative governance platform.
- Develop and maintain project plans, dashboards, timelines, executive summaries, and status reporting within Smartsheet.
- Create standardized workflows, reporting templates, intake processes, and governance mechanisms that improve project visibility and team collaboration.
- Ensure project stakeholders consistently update milestone progress, risks, dependencies, and action items.
- Leverage Smartsheet reporting and automation capabilities to improve execution discipline and reduce manual reporting activities.
Executive Reporting & Portfolio Visibility- Develop portfolio dashboards and reporting frameworks that provide leadership with visibility into:
- Strategic initiative progress
- Resource allocation
- Project milestones
- Risks and blockers
- Expected business benefits
- Initiative ROI
- Facilitate Monthly Business Reviews (MBRs), project steering committees, and executive governance meetings.
- Ensure initiatives remain aligned with business priorities and strategic objectives.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development- Build, develop, and lead a high-performing Product Operations organization.
- Establish organizational structure, roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
- Recruit, coach, and develop team members to build scalable organizational capabilities.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and customer focus.
- Create professional development plans and succession pipelines for critical roles.
QualificationsRequired Experience- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Operations, Information Management, or related field.
- 8+ years of progressive experience in Product Operations, Product Management, Analytics, Commercial Operations, or related functions.
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional initiatives.
- Experience building operational processes, governance frameworks, and scalable business capabilities.
- Strong experience working with product data, reporting, analytics, and process improvement initiatives.
Preferred Experience- Medical distribution, healthcare, med-surg, PPE, pharmaceutical, or healthcare supply chain experience preferred.
- Experience implementing MDM, PIM, ERP, or product information management platforms.
- Knowledge of category management and commercial product organizations.
- Lean, Six Sigma, or process improvement training.
- Experience in utilizing enterprise project management solutions.
If you feel this opportunity could be the next step in your career, we encourage you to ap
