Product and Strategic Operations Specialist

Location: Brainerd, MN, not eligible for Remote

The Product and Strategic Operations Specialist is the organization’s primary resource for all technical information related to Product and assigned strategic operations involving AI and systems integrations. Taking the lead in development of new and emerging products and services for CTC’s members and partners. The position is responsible for researching and testing new products while maintaining existing products and their evolution in support of the organization’s product goals. The position aids in the development of AI tools and improved systems utilization within the company. Must be able to clearly articulate technical issues with non-technical peers. This position will create and deliver product and AI training for CTC’s members and employees and requires a motivated individual who can excel in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.

Reports To:       Director of Strategic Operations and AI Innovation

FLSA Status:       Exempt 

Requirements

*In addition to the above, this position will perform other work-related duties as assigned.  These tasks do not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act definition of essential job functions and are usually less than 5% of time spent.  However, these tasks still constitute important performance aspects of the job.

CTC MISSION: 

To empower our members, employees, and communities through exceptional service and life changing technology solutions for a sustainable future.

CTC VISION: 

Through technology leadership, smart growth, and community engagement, our cooperative will demonstrate extraordinary focus to positively transform those we serve.

Supervision Received:  

Works under the direction of several departmental managers with direct reporting structure to the Director of Strategic Operations & AI Innovation and/or the Chief Strategy Officer.

Supervision Exercised:  

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills. 


• Detail Oriented. Natural ability to ensure products and services function as intended.


• Proficient with a diverse set of Microsoft tools including O365, SharePoint and Power Automate.


• Familiarity with large language models.


• Recognizes the importance of AI governance.


• Experience with at least one coding language (Python, SQL, JavaScript).


• Strong collaborative skills ensuring feedback and input from all departments.


• Exemplary skills in prioritizing, organizing, and completing multiple work assignments.


• The ability to be well organized and work with frequent interruptions.


• Knowledge of company policies and procedures, products, and services.


• Skill in identifying problems and resolutions.


• Ability to maintain efficient workflow and to work independently.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, vendors, and business partners.


• Ability to communicate with customers, co-workers, and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner.


• Ability to function as a team player.

Education and Experience:

Two- or four-year degree in a relevant field with at least two (2) years of applicable experience, or four (4) years of relevant work experience in lieu of a degree. Background in project management, technical training, product development, and/or telecommunications preferred. Must demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and the ability to obtain required training, certifications, or licenses.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to see; hear; talk; grasp; feel and finger equipment to completed assigned job tasks.  This position requires prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  The employee is regularly required to be able to stand; walk; lift; climb; stoop; kneel; pull; and push.  The employee occasionally must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

Travel:

Frequent travel may be required for the purpose of meetings and trainings.  Overnight travel may be required if traveling outside of CTC's existing service area.

Supportive Relationships:

Internal - All employees should work together toward a common goal of continued progress of the company.  The employees shall attempt to maintain pleasant working relationships with those in their own and other departments.

External – Employees shall remember that quality service is the only reason that the company is in existence.  To the individual member, that employee is CTC.

Work Environment:

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, printers, light traffic); ability to work in a confined area (i.e., office, cubicle); and ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.

This factor measures the surroundings and physical conditions under which a job must be done and the extent to which those conditions make the job disagreeable.  Consider the presence and relative amount of exposure to dust, dirt, heat, fumes, contaminants, cold, noise, vibration, wetness, etc.

• Good working conditions with the absence of disagreeable conditions.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Key Responsibilities

Product 45%

1. Lead the technical evaluation and testing of potential products, upgrades, and services.


2. Evaluate, analyze, report, and recommend the hardware, software, licensing and/or other components needed to successfully launch new products or evolve current projects.


3. Create and maintain vendor and channel partner relationships for technical expertise and/or product enhancements.


4. Collaborate and provide input on product pricing.


5. Participate in product meetings as the technical expert or engage a specific technical resource as necessary.


6. Be accountable to established timelines related to the project management of product operations.


7. Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the organization (e.g., sales, marketing, and member-facing groups) to ensure products consistently meet members' needs and expectations.


8. Recommend process improvements to product delivery, customer experience, or overall efficiencies related to CTC’s product offerings


9. Create and deliver product training and/or training materials for members and staff.


10. Maintain updated technical internal product documentation for CTC staff in SharePoint.


11. Manage video product content and channel lineups, coordinate feature upgrades and content changes with platform vendors and partners. Ensure timely communication of updates to internal teams and members.

AI and Strategic Operations Support 45%

1. Create technical content for user guides, and/or employee documentation and resources.


2. Support AI-enabled product operations and system integrations in partnership with the Director of Strategic Operations & AI Innovation.


3. Evaluate and test AI and automation tools, acting as a “super user” and providing day-to-day support and troubleshooting.


4. Translate business and member needs into requirements for AI, data, and automation solutions, supporting data quality and coordination with technical teams.


5. Create and maintain AI and product-related documentation and develop training and how-to resources for staff and members.


6. Run standard reports on AI and system performance, summarize key findings for the Director, and follow AI governance guidelines, escalating risks as needed.

Partnership Responsibilities 5%

1. Provide technical knowledge and assistance regarding products, services and other initiatives as directed to CTC’s partner organizations.

Other Responsibilities 5%

1. Maintain effective and proactive communication with all departments.


2. Attend trade shows, conferences, and/or events related to existing or potential new product ideas or enhancements.


3. Maintains a professional appearance that aligns with CTC’s brand and industry standards.


4. Other projects and responsibilities assigned by senior management.*