Product Specialist - Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative : Job Details

About Us: Blackfoot Communications reliably connects business of all sizes across the nation using the latest telecommunication technology in voice, network, and managed services. With focus on strong connections, we also provide dedicated account management with a goal to get to know our clients so can help advise on the best solution. What We Offer: We offer opportunities in the telecommunications and technology sectors with positions in Western Montana and Eastern Idaho. Blackfoot is proud to offer a competitive salary and a family-friendly benefits package that includes; comprehensive medical benefits plan, LTD, life insurance, an outstanding retirement pension plan plus a 401k plan that includes employer match, along with other employer paid benefits. We are proud to have received awards and recognition that highlight our strong company culture. These include Employer of Choice from the Missoula Job Service Employer's Council, Top Tech Employer from the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, and the Heart Award from the United Way of Missoula County in recognition of our ongoing community efforts. Job Summary: The Product Specialist plays a critical role, helping to execute Blackfoot's product strategy through effective project management, cross-functional coordination, and operational follow-through. This role is responsible for driving the execution of product initiatives across the lifecycle-from development to retirement-by collaborating with internal teams and ensuring alignment with strategic goals. The Product Specialist ensures that product plans are translated into actionable tasks and delivered on time and within scope. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to manage the product lifecycle, with a sharp focus on market trends, customer needs and business goals.
• Maintain and update product roadmap that outlines key milestones and stages in the product lifecycle.
• Translate strategic product goals into detailed requirements, user stories, and project plans.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform product decisions and identify opportunities.
• Track project milestones, manage risks, and escalate issues to ensure successful execution.

• Assist in go-to-market planning, including training, documentation, and internal communications.
• Monitor product performance using KPIs and provide regular updates to stakeholders.
• Maintain documentation and support internal knowledge sharing on product initiatives.

Additional Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required to fulfill the job functions or as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of:

• Product lifecycle management and execution.
• Project management methodologies and tools.
• Market research and competitive analysis techniques.
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Skills to:

• Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Communicate clearly and effectively across teams.
• Write and edit technical and business documentation.
• Analyze data and present insights to support decision-making.

Ability to:

• Facilitate meetings, track deliverables, and ensure accountability.
• Build strong relationships across departments.
• Adapt to changing priorities and manage ambiguity.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Work with customers to understand their needs and be able to make recommendations and model different solutions.
• Work independently and within a team.
• Think analytically and be a problem solver.
• Communicate effectively, both in writing and in speaking, with customers, co-workers, and various business contacts in a courteous and professional manner.
• Work completely and accurately under time constraints and deadlines.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Montana driver's license, have a good driving record and be insured under the Company insurance policy.
• Be a part of a team environment, be positive, and support employee morale.

Education and Experience: Any combination equivalent to the following education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would qualify. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: BS/BA in business, engineering, telecommunications or related degree; 2-5 years of hands-on product management or product marketing experience, ideally in the telecommunications industry. Any noted minimum or maximum years of experience should not be construed as a requirement for consideration; this information is meant to be used as a suggested guideline.