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Category Manage-Devices

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Fast Facts

The Category Manager - Devices position focuses on developing and expanding the product portfolio while driving growth and profitability through strategic vendor collaboration and data-driven decision-making.

Responsibilities: The role involves defining category strategies, onboarding partners, conducting business reviews, providing pre-sales consulting, and collaborating with sales and marketing to optimize product offerings.

Skills: Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in product or category management, vendor negotiation skills, and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Qualifications: A bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree is preferred. Experience in EdTech and a proven track record in managing categories are essential.

Location: Texas, United States

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $90,000 - $130,000.

Position Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and growing our portfolio. The successful candidate will focus on driving The Category Manager is responsible for developing and expanding our product portfolio, 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.

Average salary estimate

$110000 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$90000K

$130000K

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What You Should Know About Category Manage-Devices, Bluum

Are you ready to make your mark as a Category Manager - Devices with us? At Bluum, we’re all about innovation and growth, and this role is pivotal in driving our success in the EdTech industry. As a Category Manager, your mission is to develop and expand our product portfolio, ensuring we have the right offerings to meet market demands while maximizing profitability. You’ll be working in a hybrid environment in Texas, collaborating with both vendors and internal teams to create winning strategies. Your day-to-day will be incredibly dynamic; you’ll define category strategies, onboard new partners, conduct insightful business reviews, and mentor sales teams on product offerings. Effective communication is key, so you’ll need to share your insights clearly and confidently, whether in writing or during discussions. To excel in this position, you should have at least 5 years of experience in product or category management, especially within a multi-vendor environment, and ideally in the EdTech sector. A bachelor’s degree is a must, while a master’s degree can definitely give you an edge. Your knack for vendor negotiation and keen understanding of market trends will enable you to drive growth and define strategies that take our category performance to the next level. Join us at Bluum and be part of a team that celebrates creativity, strategic thinking, and the desire to guide educational transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Category Manage-Devices Role at Bluum

What are the key responsibilities of a Category Manager - Devices at Bluum?

The Category Manager - Devices at Bluum is responsible for developing long-term growth strategies, onboarding vendors, and collaborating with sales and marketing teams. They conduct business reviews and provide pre-sales consulting to optimize product offerings. Understanding market trends and customer insights is crucial for effectively managing the product portfolio and ensuring it aligns with the company's goals.