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.
