Product Specialist

At Van Metre, we believe that each employee contributes directly to our growth, success and culture. We seek out candidates who love to challenge themselves and work with others to fulfill this role. Van Metre Companies is seeking a New Homes Product Specialist, reporting to the Brand Strategy team.  If you’re ready to elevate our product offerings through trendsetting design, strategic vendor partnerships, and a high standard of excellence, we want to meet you.

As the New Homes Product Specialist, you will lead the way in sourcing and selecting materials that embody Van Metre’s commitment to quality, style, and innovation. You’ll collaborate closely with the Product Development Group, sharing insights on industry trends, customer preferences, and emerging technologies to drive product evolution. With a discerning eye for design, strong vendor management skills, and a proactive approach, you’ll help shape the homes we bring to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Innovation and Trend Analysis: Provide the Product Development Group with the latest insights into industry trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies, recommending enhancements to our product offerings.
• Material Sourcing and Vendor Management: Source and select high-quality, cost-effective materials aligned with our brand’s aesthetic and quality standards. Build and manage productive vendor relationships, negotiating terms that ensure quality and value.
• Market and Competitor Analysis: Conduct ongoing market research to understand competitor products and pricing, positioning our offerings to meet customer demands and stand out in the market.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with the marketing, design, community experience, and construction teams to ensure cohesive communication of product features and benefits to potential homebuyers.
• Quality Assurance and Technical Support: Partner with construction teams to maintain material and finish quality in finished homes, ensuring high standards are met. Support project teams during design and construction phases to uphold regulatory compliance and quality guidelines.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in design, purchasing, business, marketing, or a related field. Certifications such as Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) or Product Management certification are preferred.
• Experience: 3-7 years in product management, vendor relations, or purchasing within homebuilding, real estate, or building materials industries.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of construction materials, finishes, and residential construction processes.
• Analytical and Strategic Insight: Strong market analysis and trend identification skills to inform product positioning.
• Excellence and Accountability: Demonstrated high standard of quality, innovation, and efficiency in previous roles.
• Collaborative Team Player: Exceptional interpersonal skills to engage cross-functional teams, ensuring cohesive product strategy and execution.

Core Competencies

• Proactive and Solution-Oriented: Enthusiastic about exploring new solutions and bringing fresh ideas to our product offerings.
• Detail-Oriented and Organized: Maintains accuracy and clarity in managing multiple project components.
• Vendor Relationship Management: Proven expertise in building and sustaining valuable vendor partnerships.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Demonstrates a strong understanding of customer needs, driving product quality and satisfaction.

Compensation and Benefits information

Van Metre offers excellent benefits, and a work environment that fosters and rewards excellence. We also promote work/life balance, including a robust Employee Wellness Program.  We encourage employees to make full use of vacation and other company-paid leave to refresh their bodies and minds.

• Salary: $70,000 - $125,000 annually (Pay is commensurate with experience, education, training, and skills)
• Paid Time Off: 11 paid holidays; 10 vacation days, 10 sick days, Two Volunteer Days off, Two Personal Days, Winter Break, Day off for Annual Physical, Day off for your Birthday; comprehensive parental and bonding leave
• Retirement Planning: Company Matched 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan; access to retirement planning coaches
• Wellness: Annual Wellness Reimbursement of up to $900; Free and unlimited access to TaskHuman Wellness App for yourself and your family members.

Van Metre Core Values

Integrity; Ownership; Respect and Dignity; Diversity and Inclusion; Teamwork; Community; Work/Life Balance                                                          

Van Metre Mission Statement

The mission of Van Metre Companies is to build and continually improve upon the storied reputation, earned over the years since the Company’s founding in 1955, of providing top quality homes, investment properties and services to our customers and clients. The Company’s emphasis on integrity, professionalism and philanthropy ingrained by our founder Albert G. Van Metre, Sr. has garnered trust and respect in the Washington, D.C. area and beyond. It is critical to our future that we maintain that reputation and assure that Van Metre Companies continues to excel in real estate development and construction and in the management of apartment, retail and office investment properties, as well as in the provision of mortgage and related services. It is the task of our dedicated, energetic, and involved professionals to advance our ability to set the benchmark for luxury living and refined commercial development. The capstone of our mission is to make the “Van Metre” signature an icon for elegant residential communities, and industry leading condominium and apartment communities, as well as Class A neighborhood retail centers and office developments.