Fast Facts

Seeking a strategic Category Manager to develop and grow our devices portfolio, focusing on driving category growth and maximizing profitability through collaboration and data-driven strategies.

Responsibilities: Develop and implement long-term growth strategies, manage category budgets, onboard vendors, conduct business reviews, and provide ongoing product lifecycle support.

Skills: Strategic thinking, vendor negotiation, strong analytical abilities, effective communication (oral and written), and experience in EdTech technology.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred, with a minimum of 5 years in product or category management, ideally with EdTech experience.

Location: Texas, United States

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $95,000 - $130,000.

Position Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and growing our portfolio. The successful candidate will focus on driving category growth, and maximizing profitability. This role requires a strategic thinker who can collaborate with vendor partners and internal teams to enhance category performance. As a subject matter expert, the Category Manager will analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and implement data-driven strategies to optimize product selection, pricing, and promotions.

Responsibilities

• Develop a long-term growth strategy for the category, be accountable and take ownership of category revenue budgets and forecasts; prepare and conduct Quarterly Business Reviews with core vendor partners and annual category reviews with senior management.
• Define the category, onboard vendors and distribution partners and develop Go-to-Market (GTM) offerings working with Marketing, Sales, and Sales Enablement teams.
• Participate in the initial discovery meeting with customer to understand pain points and requirements; conduct assessment of existing products and solutions; develop and provide recommendations, coordinate demonstrations, and in partnership with the Sales team engage with customers.
• Provide pre-sales solution consulting and vendor-agnostic advisory to Sales and Customers.
• Partner with Marketing on developing a well-structured offer with clear economic benefits for the customer that can resonate with customer and the Sales teams.
• Collaborate with Bluum training team to develop category specific training for new and existing Account Executives.
• Analyze sales data and monitor competitive and industry trends; derive customer insights from participating in Sales calls.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with vendor partners, identifying product or pricing opportunities that set Bluum apart from competition.
• Coordinate procurement, configuration, and deployment options for the solution.
• Provide ongoing product lifecycle support and consulting sessions.
• Support Sales Enablement teams with SME knowledge by regularly curating content, coordinating, and co-delivering vendor and product training.
• Support Sales by responding to inquiries, assisting with deal registrations, attending pre-sales customer calls, and actively helping sellers to develop opportunities and close deals.
• Establish periodic cadence with regional sales leaders and their teams to share market insights, category direction, new product launches and lifecycle updates, and gather customer insights.
• Other duties as assigned

Education & Skill Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian University is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Previous experience working with EdTech technology in sales, procurement, or training capacity.
• Minimum 5 years of product management or category management experience in a multi-vendor environment at a retailer, distributor, EdTech provider or reseller.
• Demonstrated experience in vendor negotiation achieving differentiation and favorable outcomes.
• Proven track record of managing categories and go-to-market activities in concert with cross-functional teams.
• Track record of building and presenting proposals internally and externally, as well as engaging in public speaking internally and externally.
• High aptitude to stay current and train on related technology areas is preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; ability to copy write solution briefs.
• Ability to travel within the US and Canada of up to 25% of time.