Fast Facts

The Category Manager for Devices will drive category growth and profitability by developing strategic partnerships and optimizing product offerings. This role requires collaboration with vendors and internal teams, and the ability to analyze market trends to implement effective strategies.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include developing growth strategies, managing category revenue budgets, conducting business reviews, onboarding vendors, providing pre-sales consulting, and supporting sales enablement through training and market insights.

Skills: Required skills include strong analytical abilities, vendor negotiation experience, and clear communication skills. A background in EdTech and product/category management is essential.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a bachelor's degree (master's degree preferred), a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, and an aptitude for technology training.

Location: This position is based in Texas, United States, with potential travel within the US and Canada up to 25%.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $85,000 - $120,000.

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.