Associate Product Manager

Flinn; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Flinn Scientific is seeking a Product Associate to drive product development and operational excellence. This hands-on role involves coordinating with manufacturing, supply chain, and product management to ensure timely, high-quality execution and documentation, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration.

You will own BOM accuracy, manage sample evaluation, and coordinate substitute testing while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in product support, operations, or a manufacturing setting preferred
• Advanced Excel skills required; Power BI proficiency is a plus
• Experience in warehouse, lab, or production environment is a strong plus

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day product support execution for assigned initiatives; ensure workflows move forward with quality and speed
• Lead sample evaluation and product matching workflows; coordinate testing and document outcomes
• Serve as primary steward of bill of materials and packing list accuracy; maintain version control and updates
• Drive cross-functional alignment with Manufacturing to keep instructions and specs accurate for production use
• Own substitute evaluation and compatibility validation with Global Supply Chain; define testing requirements and approvals
• Manage documentation and change coordination for product enhancements and continuous improvement efforts
• Proactively monitor timelines and dependencies across development and operations; surface risks and propose mitigations
• Provide cross-departmental support as a point of coordination to ensure timely execution

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Strong communication

Detail oriented

Problem solving

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Related experience considered; degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Teams/SharePoint

Job description

At Flinn Scientific, we don’t just support science education - we ignite it.

We’ve spent decades equipping teachers and inspiring students by making science engaging, safe, and accessible. Our culture is built on the Flinn Formula: a shared commitment to curiosity, bold action, and advocacy. We think like scientists, grow like students, act like entrepreneurs, and advocate like true partners.

As a Product Associate, you’ll play an essential role in driving product development and operational excellence. This is a hands‑on, collaborative position that requires a high level of visibility, communication, and cross‑functional engagement. While some flexibility exists, the nature of the work often demands in‑person presence and timely coordination with teams across manufacturing, supply chain, and product management.

YOUR DAY-TO-DAY

Key Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day product support execution for assigned WLK and bulk material initiatives, ensuring workstreams move forward with quality, speed, and alignment across stakeholders.
• Lead sample evaluation and product matching workflows for new and existing items, including coordinating testing, documenting outcomes, and recommending next steps to product management.
• Serve as the primary steward of bill of materials and packing list accuracy for assigned products. Maintaining version control, auditing for completeness, and driving timely updates across systems and partners.
• Drive cross‑functional alignment with Manufacturing to keep instructions, labels, and bulk item specifications accurate and execution‑ready; identify gaps, resolve discrepancies, and ensure readiness for production use.
• Own substitute evaluation and compatibility validation in partnership with Global Supply Chain, including defining testing requirements, verifying use‑case fit, documenting approvals/constraints, and supporting WLK partner implementation.
• Manage documentation and change coordination for product enhancements and continuous improvement efforts such as: capturing requirements, updating records, and ensuring changes are communicated and adopted by impacted teams.
• Proactively monitor timelines and dependencies across product development and operational tasks; surface risks early, propose mitigation options, and elevate decisions when needed.
• Provide cross‑departmental support as a point of coordination to ensure timely execution, facilitating handoffs, clarifying ownership, and keeping work moving through ambiguity.
• Contribute to broader team priorities by supporting initiatives that improve product quality, operational consistency, and scalability across the WLK program.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• A service‑oriented mindset with professionalism, urgency, and strong follow‑through
• Strong analytical and technical problem‑solving skills
• Comfort working independently while collaborating effectively across teams
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills
• High level of discretion and professionalism regarding new product launches and internal strategies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

WHAT YOU’RE GOOD AT AND WHAT MATTERS TO YOU

You are someone who:

• Manages multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Maintains quality and attention to detail while working toward deadlines
• Adapts quickly to new systems, workflows, and business needs
• Identifies and shares ideas for process improvement
• Follows through consistently on commitments
• Values mission‑driven work that supports educators and students

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent related experience
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in product support, operations, or a manufacturing setting preferred
• Prior experience in a warehouse, lab, or production environment is a strong plus
• Advanced Excel skills required; Power BI proficiency is a plus
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools such as Teams or SharePoint

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is based 60 to 100 percent onsite at our headquarters in Batavia, Illinois. The role operates across both office and warehouse‑adjacent environments. The primary workspace is a shared office with regular activity, including team discussions, collaboration, and ambient noise from nearby operations and shared equipment.

This role requires regular computer and phone use, along with consistent communication and coordination with internal teams. Comfort working in an active, team‑oriented environment is essential.

When remote work is approved, employees are expected to maintain consistent responsiveness, communication, and collaboration, including timely replies to messages and emails, meeting participation, and availability during normal business hours.

As an exempt, salaried position, work hours may vary based on business needs. Occasional extended hours or weekend availability may be required to meet deadlines, support critical initiatives, or ensure timely cross‑functional execution.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role requires the ability to sit for extended periods while performing tasks such as meetings, phone calls, and computer work. It also involves frequent use of communication tools including email, messaging platforms, and video conferencing. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required. The individual must be able to access and navigate all areas of the facility, including office and warehouse spaces, to support day‑to‑day responsibilities

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We value diversity and believe it strengthens our team and the communities we serve.