Product Specialist II - O'Neal Steel / Corporate located in Birmingham, AL

O'Neal Steel is currently seeking a Product Specialist II for our Corporate office in Birmingham, AL and Not Remote

The Product Specialist will be responsible for effectively managing O’Neal’s working capital investment while balancing the needs of O’Neal customers through working with sales. This includes being responsible for properly managing the supply chain by negotiating effectively with O’Neal’s suppliers and effectively communicating with sales and team members as well as others within the organization. Individuals in this job may be expected to handle both inventory management as well as negotiating and quoting inquiries to all levels of the sales and management process depending on the size and scope of the product group.

Responsibilities May Include But Are Not Limited To:

• Effectively execute inventory strategy as determined by Product Manager/Product Planner and VP Supply Chain Management to consistently manage O’Neal’s working capital goals


• Work collaboratively with Regional Inventory Managers to analyze and maintain sufficient inventory levels, including management of slow moving and overstock material


• Work collaboratively with suppliers and regional personnel to solve problems and meet customer needs


• Focus on providing pricing that is competitive, creative, and adds value to our sales force and our customers


• Act as an internal representative for a particular product group, region, or service (may be for stock purchases or direct inquiry quoting, or a combination of both)


• Assist in the analysis and selection of vendors based on quality, service, flexibility, and strategic fit with O’Neal


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors at various levels of the organization, primarily at the inside sales level


• Monitor vendor performance and participate in vendor review process


• Be a positive and productive employee both in a team atmosphere as well as while pursuing independent work


• Negotiate pricing based on the strategic direction of the Product Manager/Product Planner


• Effectively and creatively solve problems to meet sales and customer needs


• Work with Product Manager/Product Planner to develop strategic and tactical plans for the products


• May be expected to travel with sales or present market information for sales or customers


• May be asked to interact directly with customers to offer market knowledge or expertise


• Actively develop and maintain strong relationships internally with sales and continue to work for solutions to help grow sales and maintain excellent competitiveness


• Aid in monitoring replacement costs for accuracy


• Work with sales to provide support for customer contracts (inventory and pricing)


• Take all steps necessary to remain knowledgeable and current on the products and services offered by O’Neal, market conditions, and the activities and pricing of our vendors, our competitors, and our customer needs.

Required Skills: To qualify for consideration, an applicant must possess the following skills. Possession of these skills is a prerequisite for employment.

• Above average oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills


• Must be able to concentrate and maintain productive in high pressure situations


• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel

Education: Associate or Bachelor Degree, OR pursuing a degree. Non-degreed candidates with extensive business experience (1-2 years or more) may be considered.

*Upon offer of employment, candidates must pass a criminal background check and drug test.

Benefits: O'Neal Steel offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to:

• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance


• Work Site Wellness Programs


• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts


• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage


• Tuition and Health Club Reimbursement


• Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Life Insurance


• Adoption Assistance


• Training and Development Opportunities


• 401k 

About Us:  With over 100 years in business, O’Neal Steel, an O’Neal Industries affiliate, supplies a wide range of carbon and alloy steel, stainless steel, and aluminum products for companies nationwide. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, O’Neal Steel has 19 strategically located distribution centers throughout the country that offer inventory and value-added processing capabilities tailored to market needs, all while providing high levels of customer service. O’Neal Steel’s industry-leading online platform, PRONTO®, provides continuous access to inventory, pricing, ordering, and account management.