Product Strategy Analyst

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Analyst Company: Imerys Location: Roswell, Georgia, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Strategy & Operations Date Posted: August 6, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports the implementation of strategic product roadmaps and marketing initiatives, focusing on driving sales growth through data-driven insights.
• Drives process improvements within reporting and business analysis, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities.
• Collaborates closely with commercial, operations, and supply chain teams to align demand planning, manage product allocations, and optimize logistics.
• Conducts in-depth market trend analysis, competitive landscaping, and value chain assessments to identify growth opportunities and mitigate risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Strategy Analyst," the responsibilities heavily lean into operational execution, demand planning, and cross-functional collaboration, indicating a strong Revenue Operations or Sales Operations component within product management. The emphasis on supporting sales execution and managing customer forecasts suggests a need for analytical rigor and process orientation, typical of operations roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Monitor customer forecasts and orders, collaborating with Product Management, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure demand planning aligns with production capacity and meets customer needs.
• Assist the Product Manager with export and international sales activities, including coordinating with overseas commercial teams on product inquiries, pricing, demand planning, logistics, and market development efforts.
• Support and clearly communicate product allocation decisions and order priorities to relevant commercial and operations teams to ensure smooth execution.
• Manage administrative tasks related to pricing, credit/debit adjustments, and logistics cost management, ensuring accuracy and timely resolution.
• Drive continuous process improvements in reporting methodologies and business analysis techniques to enhance data accuracy and actionable insights.
• Compile and analyze data from diverse sources to provide detailed insights into market segments, plant supply capabilities, and product profitability, informing strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to gain a deep understanding of markets, customer needs, and competitive dynamics.
• Track key market trends, industry developments, competitive actions, value chain shifts, and emerging growth opportunities to inform product strategy.
• Define and refine product backlog by establishing goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and analytics to assess product value and market performance.
• Work closely with the marketing team to build and maintain robust supply/demand models, conducting in-depth analyses to understand underlying business drivers and forecast accuracy.
• Monitor research and competitive landscapes to recommend solutions that maintain and enhance product competitiveness and market positioning.
• Promote seamless collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, S&T (Science & Technology), Operations, and Supply Chain, to enhance value delivery and proactively resolve obstacles.
• Support the lead Product Manager with ad-hoc tasks and strategic projects as required, contributing to overall product management objectives.
• Lead meetings to gather critical information, present key findings, identify opportunities, and communicate strategies for enhancing business performance and product lifecycle management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic analysis and operational execution. The emphasis on demand planning, supply chain alignment, logistics coordination, and administrative support for pricing and credit adjustments indicates a strong need for candidates with a background in operations or a deep understanding of operational processes within a product context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Finance, or a closely related analytical field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in an analytical role, preferably within product management, sales operations, supply chain analysis, or market intelligence.

Required Skills:

• Advanced data interpretation and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex data sets into actionable business insights and strategic recommendations.
• Proficiency in developing and utilizing quantitative analysis, scenario planning, and fact-based insights to support decision-making.
• Strong research skills with a proven ability to gather, synthesize, and analyze information from various sources, including market intelligence and competitive landscapes.
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across diverse departments (Commercial, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Engineering).
• Effective communication skills for leading meetings, presenting findings, and articulating strategies to stakeholders at various levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and achieve goals through effective persuasion and cross-functional alignment.
• Self-motivated and proactive with an entrepreneurial mindset, capable of independently learning new strategies, tools, and processes.
• Experience with forecasting methodologies and demand planning processes within a manufacturing or industrial context.
• Familiarity with logistics management and cost control principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the minerals, specialty chemicals, or industrial materials sectors.
• Knowledge of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and ERP systems (e.g., SAP) for data extraction and analysis.
• Proficiency in business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for dashboard creation and data visualization.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.
• Experience supporting international or export sales operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience in an analytical role, coupled with responsibilities like demand planning, forecasting, and supply chain collaboration, suggests that candidates with a background in Sales Operations, Supply Chain Operations, or a specialized Product Operations function would be well-suited. The emphasis on influencing stakeholders and driving process improvements aligns with typical operations analyst roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated ability to develop and present data-driven analyses that directly led to strategic product decisions or sales growth initiatives.
• Examples of creating and utilizing complex models (e.g., supply/demand, profitability, market segmentation) to identify opportunities or solve business problems.
• Evidence of process improvement initiatives undertaken, detailing the problem, solution, implementation, and quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost reductions, improved forecast accuracy).
• Case studies showcasing successful collaboration with cross-functional teams to achieve specific business objectives or overcome operational challenges.
• Documentation of how insights derived from data were translated into actionable plans and executed effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of creating or refining workflows for tasks such as demand forecasting, order allocation, or market analysis.
• Documentation of analytical methodologies used to assess product performance, market trends, or competitive landscapes.
• Evidence of contributing to or leading projects focused on improving operational efficiency or data management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio showcasing analytical rigor, process improvement capabilities, and cross-functional collaboration will be key. Candidates should be prepared to present specific examples of how they have used data to influence strategy and drive operational outcomes, particularly in areas related to demand planning, sales execution, and market analysis.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Product Strategy Analyst with 5+ years of experience in the Atlanta metropolitan area, the estimated salary range for this role is $85,000 - $110,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the required experience, analytical responsibilities, and the cost of living in the region.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for additional hours during peak periods or for project-specific needs. The role is based on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Roswell, Georgia office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on typical compensation for analytical roles with significant responsibilities in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta. Benefits package details are standard for a large, established corporation like Imerys.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Imerys operates in the minerals-based specialty solutions sector, serving diverse industries such as energy transition, sustainable construction, and consumer goods. This context means the company values innovation, material science expertise, and a commitment to sustainable practices and customer decarbonization efforts.

Company Size: With revenue of €3.6 billion and 12,400 employees across 40 countries, Imerys is a large, global organization. For operations professionals, this implies a structured environment with established processes, opportunities for international exposure, and potential for career advancement within a significant corporate framework.

Founded: Imerys' history and growth reflect a long-standing presence and expertise in mineral-based solutions. This stability suggests a company with deep market knowledge and a commitment to long-term strategy, which influences the operational focus on reliability, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

Team Structure:

• The Product Strategy Analyst will likely be part of a product management or commercial strategy team, working closely with a Lead Product Manager.
• The role requires significant interaction and collaboration with various departments, including Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Science & Technology (S&T).
• Reporting lines would typically be to a manager within product management or commercial strategy, with a dotted line to functional leaders in operations and supply chain for collaborative aspects.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Emphasis on leveraging data to understand market dynamics, customer behavior, operational capabilities, and profitability, driving informed strategic decisions.
• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Focus on improving processes related to demand forecasting, order management, logistics, and reporting to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While not explicitly stated, driving process improvements often involves identifying opportunities for automation or streamlining workflows to reduce manual effort and increase accuracy.

Company Website: https://www.imerys.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Imerys' global presence and focus on specialty minerals suggest a culture that values technical expertise, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration. Operations professionals are likely to find opportunities to impact global processes and contribute to strategic initiatives within a stable, industry-leading company.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Product Strategy Analyst role sits at a mid-to-senior level, bridging strategic product planning with operational execution. It offers a solid foundation for a career in product management, sales operations, commercial excellence, or strategic planning within the industrial materials sector. The role demands analytical proficiency, strategic thinking, and strong execution capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The analyst will report directly to a Lead Product Manager, who guides the strategic direction for specific product lines. Close collaboration and regular reporting will be expected with counterparts in Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to ensure alignment and cohesive execution of product strategies.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on revenue through improved sales execution, accurate forecasting, and identification of new growth opportunities. By optimizing demand planning and supply chain alignment, the analyst contributes to customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profitability. Their analytical insights will inform critical decisions regarding product allocation, international sales strategies, and market development, directly influencing business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Management Specialization: Potential to transition into a full Product Manager role, taking ownership of specific product lines and strategic roadmaps.
• Sales Operations Excellence: Opportunity to move into a dedicated Sales Operations role, focusing on optimizing sales processes, forecasting accuracy, and sales enablement.
• Strategic Planning: Development of skills in market analysis, competitive intelligence, and strategic planning can lead to roles in corporate strategy or business development.
• Leadership Development: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to lead projects, mentor junior analysts, or manage cross-functional initiatives, paving the way for leadership positions within commercial operations or product management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of strategic analysis and operational execution makes this role a valuable stepping stone for operations professionals looking to broaden their experience into product strategy and commercial impact. The global nature of Imerys also presents opportunities for international career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Imerys' Atlanta Corporate Office in Roswell, Georgia. This is likely a professional office environment designed to support collaborative work, strategic planning, and the operational functions of a global company.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Roswell, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta known for its business parks and corporate presence. This location offers access to a major metropolitan hub with transportation links and a diverse talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with product managers, commercial teams, and operational counterparts.
• Access to standard office technology, including computers, communication tools, and potentially specialized analytics software, will be provided.
• Opportunities for regular interaction with operations, supply chain, and sales teams will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Imerys may offer some flexibility in working hours, provided business needs and team collaboration are maintained. Adherence to deadlines for reporting and forecasting will be critical.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for strong team collaboration and direct engagement with various functional departments. Candidates should expect a standard corporate office setting that supports a data-driven and cross-functional approach to product strategy and operational execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application by the recruiting team to assess qualifications and experience against the job requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the Lead Product Manager or Hiring Manager to discuss your background, experience, understanding of product strategy, and analytical capabilities. Be prepared to discuss your experience with demand planning, forecasting, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Cross-Functional Interview(s): Interviews with key stakeholders from Operations, Supply Chain, or Sales to assess your ability to collaborate, communicate, and influence across departments. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing competing priorities or resolving operational conflicts.
• Case Study/Analytical Exercise: You may be asked to complete an analytical exercise or case study, either pre-interview or during a later stage, to evaluate your data interpretation, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills. This could involve analyzing sales data, market trends, or supply chain scenarios.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the commercial or product organization to assess overall fit, strategic alignment, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or responsibility, clearly state the objective, your role, the actions taken, and the measurable results achieved (e.g., "Improved forecast accuracy by 15%," "Reduced logistics costs by 5% through better demand alignment").
• Showcase Analytical Process: Detail your approach to data analysis, including the tools used, methodologies applied, and how you derived insights.
• Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide examples of successful teamwork and how you effectively communicated with and influenced stakeholders from different departments (Operations, Sales, Supply Chain).
• Demonstrate Process Improvement: Present specific examples of process improvements you've implemented, focusing on the impact on efficiency, accuracy, or cost savings.
• Tailor to Imerys: Research Imerys' products and markets. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to demonstrate how your skills align with their business objectives and industry challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Practice analyzing datasets (e.g., sales figures, market share, operational metrics) and articulating key trends, insights, and strategic recommendations.
• Scenario Planning: Be ready to discuss how you would approach forecasting challenges, manage product allocations during supply constraints, or analyze new market opportunities.
• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed differing opinions, secured buy-in for your recommendations, or resolved conflicts with cross-functional partners.
• Process Optimization Thinking: Think about common operational processes within manufacturing or distribution (like demand planning, inventory management, or order fulfillment) and how they might be improved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on assessing both analytical/strategic capabilities and the ability to execute within an operational context. Preparing a portfolio that clearly demonstrates quantitative achievements, process improvement initiatives, and successful cross-functional collaboration will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Proficiency with CRM platforms like Salesforce is highly beneficial for understanding customer data, sales pipelines, and market engagement.
• ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning systems (e.g., SAP) is valuable for accessing and analyzing operational data, including production capacity, inventory levels, and logistics information.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in Excel are essential for data analysis, modeling, and reporting. Proficiency in PowerPoint for presentations and Word for documentation is also expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with BI tools such as Tableau or Power BI for data visualization, dashboard creation, and performance monitoring is a significant advantage.
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel skills for complex data manipulation, financial modeling, and forecasting are critical.

CRM & Automation:

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with statistical analysis software or advanced Excel functions for data mining and analysis.
• Forecasting Software: Experience with or understanding of specialized forecasting or demand planning software can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a strong analytical foundation with proficiency in Excel and an understanding of CRM/ERP data structures are paramount. Experience with BI tools for reporting and visualization would be a strong plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A core value is likely the reliance on data and analytical insights to guide strategy, operations, and business decisions.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Imerys emphasizes working across functions to achieve common goals, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills from its employees.
• Efficiency and Process Improvement: A drive to optimize processes, enhance productivity, and deliver value efficiently is expected in an operations-focused role.
• Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting customer needs, whether through product performance or reliable supply, is fundamental.
• Innovation and Adaptability: In a dynamic market, a willingness to learn, adapt to new trends, and contribute innovative solutions is valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a collaborative environment where close working relationships with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain teams are essential for success.
• Process Review and Feedback: A culture that encourages open discussion about processes, allowing for constructive feedback and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of market insights, analytical findings, and best practices across teams to foster collective learning and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate a collaborative spirit, a commitment to data integrity, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and process enhancement, aligning with Imerys' likely corporate values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Operational Execution: Effectively translating high-level product strategies into actionable operational plans and day-to-day execution.
• Data Integration and Accuracy: Consolidating data from disparate systems and ensuring its accuracy and reliability for analysis.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating different departmental priorities and perspectives to achieve consensus and drive collaborative initiatives.
• Market Volatility: Adapting strategies and forecasts to respond to changing market trends, competitive actions, and economic conditions.
• Global Coordination: Supporting international sales and coordinating with overseas teams requires managing different time zones, cultures, and business practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Analytics Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in data modeling, statistical analysis, and business intelligence tool usage.
• Product Management Methodologies: Learning best practices in product lifecycle management, market segmentation, and go-to-market strategies.
• Industry Knowledge Expansion: Gaining in-depth understanding of the minerals industry, its applications, and market dynamics.
• Exposure to Global Operations: Working with international teams provides valuable insights into global supply chains and diverse market approaches.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by experienced Product Managers and commercial leaders within Imerys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to develop a comprehensive skill set in both strategic product planning and operational execution, making it a strong growth path within the industrial materials sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used data analysis to identify a significant market opportunity or risk for a product. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data interpretation, strategic thinking, and impact.)
• "How would you approach building a supply/demand model for a new product line, considering input from sales, operations, and market intelligence?" (Assess understanding of operational processes and cross-functional collaboration.)
• "Walk me through a process improvement initiative you led or contributed to. What was the challenge, your approach, and the quantifiable results?" (Highlight process optimization skills and impact.)
• "How do you prioritize competing demands from different stakeholders (e.g., Sales vs. Operations) when managing product allocations or forecasts?" (Evaluate prioritization, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Imerys and its position in the specialty minerals market?" (Demonstrate research and understanding of the company's business.)
• "How do you see your analytical skills contributing to Imerys' strategic goals?" (Connect your capabilities to the company's objectives.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture." (Assess cultural fit and teamwork approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio item, clearly articulate the business problem, your analytical approach, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Visualize Data: If possible, use charts, graphs, or dashboards in your presentation to illustrate your analytical findings and the impact of your work.
• Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you worked with different teams (Sales, Operations, Marketing) and how your contributions facilitated their success.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible – e.g., "increased efficiency by X%", "improved forecast accuracy by Y%", "identified Z% revenue growth opportunity."
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, assumptions, and the specific tools you used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating analytical processes, demonstrating cross-functional collaboration, and quantifying the business impact of your work, especially in relation to sales execution, forecasting, and process optimization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy Analyst position:

• Submit your application through the Imerys Careers portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that showcases your analytical projects, process improvement initiatives, and examples of cross-functional collaboration. Tailor the examples to highlight your experience in demand planning, forecasting, and market analysis relevant to industrial materials.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of analytical experience, using keywords from the job description such as "data interpretation," "forecasting," "market analysis," "sales execution," and "process improvement." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to problem-solving, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Be ready to discuss your experience with data analysis tools and methodologies.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Imerys' business, products, markets, and recent news. Understand their commitment to sustainability and their global presence to better tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.