Orchestral Strings Product Specialist - D'Addario & Company

D’Addario & Company is the largest manufacturer and distributor of musical instrument accessories in the world. As a US based manufacturing company, we pride ourselves on high automation machinery and innovative technology, as well as our commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. Through our D'Addario Foundation we are committed to helping make music education possible and ensuring thousands of children can participate in instrument instruction programs in under-served communities. Most importantly, we pride ourselves on our diverse team of individuals who commit to the embodiment of our core values of curiosity, passion, candor, family and responsibility and translate them into action every day.

We are looking for an Orchestral Strings Product Specialist to join our team. This position has been created primarily to provide product-specific expertise and business support throughout the product life cycle for the Orchestral segment, part of the B&O division, (comprised of the Woodwinds and Orchestral Strings brands). It will report to the Orchestral Strings Product Manager and will work collaboratively with all members of the Band & Orchestra division. The position is generally involved in and periodically responsible for all cross-functional tasks associated with product management, including data analysis, market research, product development, product information management, consumer and trade marketing, sales training, artist relations, and sales support. This is a multi-disciplinary role with a high degree of interaction among product management, strategy, marketing, engineering, operations, and sales departments. 

This is a hybrid role. You'll be required to work on-site in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or more frequently if needed. Please note that while the primary office is located in Farmingdale, you may occasionally be asked to work in the Brooklyn office. Domestic and international travel 20-30%, including travel to regional offices as needed. International travel approximately 3-4 times per year according to specific business needs.   

Here at D’Addario, not only do we offer a competitive compensation package, but the opportunity to build a career with one of the most highly regarded organizations in the music industry. We are eager to connect with individuals with all types of diverse backgrounds, thinking and perspectives. If you are interested, please apply and tell us how you would add value to our team.

Just a few of the benefits and perks of working at D’Addario:
• Health, vision, and dental insurance

• Assisted Reproduction/Fertility benefits
• 401k retirement plan with a very generous employer contribution
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Flexible sick day policy
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Enhanced Short-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Discounts on D’Addario products and merchandise
• Company jam nights, holiday parties and special events
• An awesome team of colleagues who are passionate about what they do!!!

• Complete item setups, prepare digital content, assemble global launch materials, and ensure integrity of product data over the course of the product life cycle.  

• Collect and analyze data in support of strategic business planning and decision-making. Assist with budget preparation and monitoring, price, cost, and margin analysis, portfolio performance analysis, market size and market share tracking/reporting. 

• Support product development efforts, including qualitative and quantitative market research, competitive analysis, product concept generation, Alpha and Beta testing, and other forms of product validation. 

• Provide input to product positioning documents and project plans. 

• In partnership with the marketing communications team, assist with creation of essential product-launch-related marketing assets, including packaging, printed materials, video and other social media content, photography, advertisements, training presentations, product data sheets, and press releases. 

• Support various global marketing efforts as they relate to the business unit’s strategic areas of focus, including logistics, engagement planning and execution, support material development, communications, budgeting, and reporting. 

• Support business-to-business (B2B) initiatives including product training and global sales enablement, sales promotions, exclusive and seasonal product offers, joint marketing executions, eCommerce content creation, and POP design and implementation. Support key account activities as necessary. 

• Support business development functions as needed, including outreach, educator relations, social marketing, artist relations, customer loyalty and product recycling programs. 

• Where appropriate, strategize and coordinate B&O BU’s participation in trade, educator shows and other customer-facing events. Prepare materials, artwork/displays and messaging, coordinate retail partner involvement, interact with end users, support product sales, complete event reports, and ensure follow up on sales leads and other action items. 

• Facilitate the efficient flow of information and clear, inclusive communications between key departments (product management, engineering, operations, marketing, sales, finance, etc.) and affiliate offices. 

• Domestic and international travel 20-30%, including travel to regional offices as needed. International travel approximately 3-4 times per year according to specific business needs.   

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, music, music business, or music education 
• Competent Musician who plays an orchestral stringed instrument
• Able to communicate fluently with performers, educators, instrument builders, and other music industry professionals in orchestral strings settings
• 1+ years of product development, marketing, or general business experience 
• Music industry, music retail or music education experience a plus 
• Fluent in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Proficient in social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and social media aggregate tools like Hootsuite or other similar platforms). 
• Team player with ability to manage timelines with a sense of urgency and commitment to achieve business objectives
• formal Project Management skill set is a plus 
• Strong verbal and written Communication Skills, confident interpersonal skills