Category Manager Technology

The Product Manager - Technology supports the development and execution of the Campus Store’s technology assortment in partnership with the Senior Manager of Merchandising. The role works with leading technology brands, including Apple, Dell, Microsoft, and Lenovo, to deliver a relevant, productive, and customer-focused assortment for students, faculty, staff, and the broader campus community.

The position supports assortment planning, vendor coordination, product lifecycle management, pricing and promotional execution, inventory analysis, and product setup. Success requires strong cross-functional partnership with Fulfillment, Ecommerce, Marketing, Inventory Planning, Store Leadership and other campus stakeholders to ensure products are accurately represented, available when needed, and supported throughout the customer journey.

The Category Manager exercises sound judgment within established strategies, budgets, and institutional requirements, working closely with the Senior Manager of Merchandising to make informed assortment, inventory, pricing, and vendor recommendations that drive category performance.

Why Work at the University Campus Store? At the University of Utah Campus Store, we make campus a family.

Every member of our team contributes to the success of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors. Whether providing course materials, technology solutions, Starbucks beverages, official University merchandise, or exceptional customer service, our employees play an important role in supporting the University community.

We believe that hiring is about more than filling positions. We seek individuals who are committed to service, collaboration, accountability, and creating an environment where others feel welcomed and supported.

If you are passionate about helping others succeed and want to contribute to a positive campus experience, we encourage you to apply., * Partner with the Senior Manager of Merchandising to develop and execute the technology category strategy, assortment plans, seasonal priorities, and financial goals.

• Support the buying process by researching products and trends, evaluating vendor opportunities, recommending assortments, preparing purchase information, and coordinating approved orders.
• Build productive day-to-day relationships with technology vendors, including Apple, Dell, Microsoft, Lenovo, and other key partners. Coordinate product launches, availability, vendor programs, training, and issue resolution.
• Manage the product lifecycle from introduction through end of life, including launch readiness, product transitions, replacement models, aging inventory, and exit recommendations.
• Monitor category performance regularly using sales, margin, inventory, sell-through, weeks of supply, and year-over-year results. Identify opportunities and risks and recommend appropriate actions to the Senior Manager.
• Partner with Inventory Planning and Fulfillment to support forecasting, replenishment, in-stock performance, receipt timing, and inventory flow while operating within approved open-to-buy parameters.
• Maintain accurate and timely product records in the ERP and related systems, including item setup, pricing, cost, status, specifications, attributes, vendor information, and lifecycle dates.
• Coordinate with Ecommerce and Marketing to provide complete product content, launch details, promotional information, and vendor assets that support compelling and accurate customer-facing experiences.
• Partner with store leaders and front-line employees to communicate product knowledge, launches, promotions, availability, and selling priorities. Gather customer and employee feedback to help improve the assortment.
• Execute approved pricing and promotional plans accurately and on schedule. Support markdown and sell-through actions for aging and end-of-life inventory.
• Support institutional technology programs and ensure the assortment aligns with university standards, purchasing requirements, contractual obligations, and applicable policies.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects and resolve operational issues involving vendors, product data, inventory, fulfillment, Ecommerce, Marketing, or store execution. Escalate material risks promptly.
• Prepare clear analyses, presentations, and business updates that translate category performance and product information into actionable recommendations.

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience). Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in merchandising, business, supply chain, marketing, technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience in retail buying, merchandising, category support, inventory planning, vendor management, consumer technology, or a related function.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the ability to interpret sales, margin, and inventory data.
• Ability to develop presentations and communicate recommendations effectively to cross-functional partners and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams and work effectively within a structured approval environment.
• Experience with ERP, inventory, ecommerce, or product information systems; NetSuite experience preferred.
• Experience supporting product launches, promotions, vendor programs, or omnichannel retail execution.

Special Instructions