Category Manager Technology

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University Campus Store seeks a Category Manager – Technology to lead the technology category strategy, assortment planning, and vendor partnerships. You will work with leading brands to deliver a relevant campus technology lineup for students, faculty, staff, and the campus community.

The role requires cross-functional collaboration with Fulfillment, Ecommerce, Marketing, Inventory Planning, and Store Leadership to ensure accurate product representation and timely availability while aligning

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with relevant work experience.
• Experience in retail buying, merchandising, category support, inventory planning, or related functions.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the technology category strategy and plans.
• Research products, evaluate vendors, and prepare assortments.
• Manage product lifecycle from launch to end-of-life.
• Analyze sales, margins, inventory, and sell-through to drive actions.
• Coordinate with Ecommerce and Marketing for content and launches.
• Partner with store leaders to communicate launches and promotions.

Skills

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Inventory planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

NetSuite

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Category Manager Technology

Job Summary

The Product Manager – Technology supports the development andexecution of the Campus Store's technology assortment inpartnership with the Senior Manager of Merchandising. The roleworks with leading technology brands, including Apple, Dell,Microsoft, and Lenovo, to deliver a relevant, productive, andcustomer-focused assortment for students, faculty, staff, and thebroader campus community.

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

The Category Manager exercises sound judgment within establishedstrategies, budgets, and institutional requirements, workingclosely with the Senior Manager of Merchandising to make informedassortment, inventory, pricing, and vendor recommendations thatdrive category performance.

Why Work at the University Campus Store?

At the University of Utah Campus Store, we make campus afamily.

Every member of our team contributes to the success of students,faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors. Whether providing coursematerials, technology solutions, Starbucks beverages, officialUniversity merchandise, or exceptional customer service, ouremployees play an important role in supporting the Universitycommunity.

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

If you are passionate about helping others succeed and want tocontribute to a positive campus experience, we encourage you toapply.

Learn more about our mission and values herewww.store.utah.edu

Learn more about the great benefits of working forUniversity of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Senior Manager of Merchandising to develop andexecute 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 approvedorders.
• Build productive day-to-day relationships with technologyvendors, including Apple, Dell, Microsoft, Lenovo, and other keypartners. Coordinate product launches, availability, vendorprograms, training, and issue resolution.
• Manage the product lifecycle from introduction through end oflife, including launch readiness, product transitions, replacementmodels, aging inventory, and exit recommendations.
• Monitor category performance regularly using sales, margin,inventory, sell-through, weeks of supply, and year-over-yearresults. Identify opportunities and risks and recommend appropriateactions to the Senior Manager.
• Partner with Inventory Planning and Fulfillment to supportforecasting, replenishment, in-stock performance, receipt timing,and inventory flow while operating within approved open-to-buyparameters.
• Maintain accurate and timely product records in the ERP andrelated systems, including item setup, pricing, cost, status,specifications, attributes, vendor information, and lifecycledates.
• Coordinate with Ecommerce and Marketing to provide completeproduct content, launch details, promotional information, andvendor assets that support compelling and accurate customer-facingexperiences.
• Partner with store leaders and front-line employees tocommunicate product knowledge, launches, promotions, availability,and selling priorities. Gather customer and employee feedback tohelp improve the assortment.
• Execute approved pricing and promotional plans accurately and onschedule. Support markdown and sell-through actions for aging andend-of-life inventory.
• Support institutional technology programs and ensure theassortment aligns with university standards, purchasingrequirements, contractual obligations, and applicablepolicies.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects and resolve operationalissues involving vendors, product data, inventory, fulfillment,Ecommerce, Marketing, or store execution. Escalate material riskspromptly.
• Prepare clear analyses, presentations, and business updates thattranslate category performance and product information intoactionable recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications

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 workexperience).

Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (orequivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

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

Requisition Number:

PRN46078B

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time

Work Schedule Summary:

M-F, 8a-5p, some weekends andholidays.

Department:

00435 - University Campus Store

Location:

Campus

Pay Rate Range:

$60,000 - $65,000 DOE

Close Date:

12/01/2026