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.

Learn more about our mission and values here www.store.utah.edu

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

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 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.

Type

Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is your highest level of completed education?

  • None
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate Degree

• * How many years of related work experience do you have?

  • Less than 2 years
  • 2 years or more, but less than 4 years
  • 4 years or more, but less than 6 years
  • 6 years or more, but less than 8 years
  • 8 years or more, but less than 10 years
  • 10 years or more, but less than 12 years
  • 12 years or more, but less than 14 years
  • 14 years or more

Applicant Documents

Required Documents****Optional Documents

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Open Date

09/01/2026

Requisition Number

PRN46078B

Job Title

Demand Planners

Working Title

Category Manager Technology

Career Progression Track

P00

Track Level

P2 - Developing

FLSA Code

Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code?

No

Standard Hours per Week

40

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time

Shift

Day

Work Schedule Summary

M-F, 8a-5p, some weekends and holidays.

VP Area

President

Department

00435 - University Campus Store

Location

Campus

City

Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

External Posting

Pay Rate Range

$60,000 - $65,000 DOE

Close Date

12/01/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)