Vp, Product And Merchandasing

Balfour & Co. is one of the world's largest Collegiate and High School commencement services companies, leading the industry in digital product innovation by helping students and their families celebrate the most meaningful moments in their lives. Operating under Balfour®, GradImages®, University Photo®, Gaspard®, ArtCarved®, KeepSake® and Taylor Publishing Company®, the Company provides personalized products such as class jewelry and apparel, yearbooks and commercial printing, graduation cap and gowns, announcement products and photography through digital marketing technology, personal in-school deliveries, and customized school assortments. To learn more visit Balfour.com, the destination for Graduation products, and GradImages.com, the industry’s largest commencement photography platform. The Company operates throughout North America with around 5,000 team members. From our start in 1913 to today, the Company has grown and evolved in many ways but the quality of our products and our commitment to our people have been at the highest standards throughout this long history.

Position Summary:

As the Vice President of Product and Merchandising at Balfour & Co., you will play a crucial role in transforming student celebrations. You will lead product improvements, drive innovation, forge strategic partnerships, and oversee licensing efforts across our diverse range of products, including yearbooks, caps & gowns, jewelry, photography, apparel, and more. Your responsibility will be to shape and enhance the entire spectrum of student commemoration product experiences.

Responsibilities:

Product Strategy and Innovation:

• Develop and execute product strategies, roadmaps, and feature enhancements for our extensive product portfolio.

• Foster a culture of experimentation, user-centric design, and continuous product improvement.

• Generate new ideas and innovations to improve the way students celebrate their achievements.

Partnerships and Licensing:

• Establish strategic partnerships to expand our product reach and enhance our market position.

• Identify and evaluate licensing opportunities aligned with our brand values.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution and maximize business outcomes.

Market Insights and Research:

• Stay informed about industry trends and market dynamics.

• Lead market research initiatives to understand customer needs and translate findings into actionable product initiatives.

Team Leadership and Talent Development:

• Lead and inspire a small & scrappy team of product managers.

• Foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and customer focus.

• Attract, develop, and retain top talent.

Qualifications:

• Proven success in product management or leadership roles.

• Experience in driving product innovation, revenue growth, and market expansion.

• Strong understanding of the K-12 and higher education landscape.

• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.

• Excellent leadership and communication abilities including presentation skills.

• Demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through others.

• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.

• Demonstrated experience in building and managing high-performing teams.

• Ability to forge strategic partnerships and negotiate agreements.

• Appreciation for design thinking, user experience, and human-centered design principles.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Design, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree is a plus.

Join us as our Vice President, Product and Merchandising and help us continue to lead the way students commemorate their achievements. Apply now to contribute to our mission of creating unforgettable experiences for students and shaping the future of student celebrations at Balfour & Co.