📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Content Portfolio Manager (Remote)
🔹 Company: Cengage Group
🔹 Location: United States (Remote)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Education, E-Learning
🔹 Date Posted: May 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (100%)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing strategic business plans for a profitable product line
- Leading a portfolio of market-leading Science products for secondary education
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality learning experiences
- Using data to make market-informed business proposals and guide strategic decisions
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with key authors and adoption decision-makers
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, data analysis, and stakeholder management to drive product success in a competitive market.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead a profitable product line and develop strategic business plans
✅ Provide product leadership, representing the portfolio and customers across audiences
✅ Use data to make market-informed business proposals and guide strategic decisions
✅ Define long-term goals and set metrics-driven milestones
✅ Balance experience, market knowledge, and insights to make impactful decisions and long-term plans
✅ Translate priorities into organized end-to-end development plans with budgets, resources, performance goals, and key checkpoints
✅ Provide project team direction, facilitating effective communication, and ensuring timely delivery of multiple products simultaneously within scope and budget
✅ Cultivate an environment of creativity and collaboration
✅ Deliver quality learning experiences to students and instructors
✅ Establish and maintain relationships with key authors and adoption decision-makers to gain customer insights, strengthen adoptions, and identify new talent
✅ Develop a deep understanding of competitors and anticipate competitor activity
✅ Identify and test product ideas within segments, including the administration of focus groups, advisory boards, reviews, and customer meetings as appropriate
✅ Regularly analyze product and portfolio plans to align forecasting and measurement of progress towards goals
✅ Work closely with colleagues in Academic Design, Content Production, Marketing, Sales, and Technology to ensure the successful release of products in the marketplace
✅ Collaborate with Marketing and Sales teams to seed and secure adoptions
✅ Partner with colleagues in other functional areas on discipline-specific and pan-Cengage initiatives
✅ Make presentations at internal and external meetings, and academic conventions in support of sales efforts and to drive sales
✅ Share best practices across teams and functional groups
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills to coordinate multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) required
Experience: Minimum 5 years in product management, product development, or other relevant management role
Required Skills:
- Creative and curious problem-solving and collaboration
- Understanding of the educational technology and publishing industry
- Ability to clearly articulate vision and strategy and help team members understand how their work impacts business success
- Customer focus; understanding of how customer needs and challenges translate into opportunities
- Demonstration of strong communication skills with keen ability to facilitate team meetings, presentations, focus groups, and interviews
- Strong financial analysis and modeling skills and an understanding of business metrics
- Natural curiosity and willingness to learn paired with a desire for continuous improvement
- Proven written and verbal abilities enabling the preparation and presentation of information and recommendations to a diverse and senior-level audience
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the secondary education market
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the secondary education market and proficiency in relevant software tools may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $77,100.00 - $100,000.00 USD per year
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support and empower employees
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee discounts on Cengage products and services
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling and remote work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and may vary depending on individual qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Cengage Group operates in the global education technology industry, serving millions of learners with affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job-ready.
Company Size: Cengage Group has 5,001-10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth within a large organization.
Founded: Cengage Group was founded in 1921 and has since grown into a global leader in education technology.
Company Description:
- Cengage Group is a global education technology company that enables student choice in learning
- The company serves learners from middle school through graduate school and skills education in more than 125 countries
- Cengage Group's portfolio of education businesses includes Cengage Academic, Cengage Work, and Cengage Select
Company Specialties:
- Higher education learning solutions
- Higher Education
- edtech
- Online skills
- Reskilling
- Workforce skills
- Research
- Digital learning
- Secondary education
- English language teaching
- Hybrid learning
- Education technology
Company Website: www.cengagegroup.com
ASSUMPTION: Cengage Group's extensive experience and global presence provide a stable and supportive environment for employees to grow and succeed.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management career stage, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.
Reporting Structure: The Content Portfolio Manager reports directly to the Senior Director of Portfolio Management and works closely with cross-functional teams, including Academic Design, Content Production, Marketing, Sales, and Technology.
Work Arrangement: This role is 100% remote, with the expectation of traveling approximately 20% of the time for meetings, conferences, and other work-related events.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to senior-level roles within the portfolio management function
- Expansion into other product management or leadership roles within Cengage Group
- Development of expertise in the secondary education market and related technologies
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement and growth opportunities make this role an attractive option for experienced product managers looking to advance their careers in the education technology industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote (100%)
Office Location(s): United States (with flexibility to work from any location within the country)
Geographic Context:
- The United States offers a diverse range of educational markets and opportunities for growth
- The remote work arrangement allows for flexibility in choosing a suitable work environment
- Cengage Group's global presence provides opportunities for international collaboration and exposure
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling and remote work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement and flexible scheduling provide employees with a high degree of autonomy and work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth behavioral and technical interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Senior Director of Portfolio Management
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving and strategic thinking skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Industry knowledge and market awareness
- Data analysis and financial modeling skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Cengage Group's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments
- Research Cengage Group's products, market, and competitors to demonstrate your industry knowledge
- Practice presenting your ideas and insights clearly and concisely
ATS Keywords: Product management, portfolio management, secondary education, Science, market research, data analysis, strategic planning, project management, collaboration, communication, remote work
ASSUMPTION: Applicants who demonstrate a strong understanding of the role, industry, and company, and who can articulate their ideas clearly and concisely, will have a competitive advantage in the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Video conferencing and collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant software tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Student-centered
- Inclusive
- Curious
- Collaborative
- Adaptable
- Accountable
Work Style:
- Results-driven
- Data-informed
- Collaborative
- Adaptable
- Student-focused
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Cengage Group's values in your daily work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you used data to inform a strategic decision?
- How do you approach collaboration and cross-functional teamwork in a remote work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants who can demonstrate a strong alignment with Cengage Group's values and work style will be well-suited to this role and the company's culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
- Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day tactical tasks
- Adapting to a remote work environment and maintaining productivity
- Keeping up with industry trends and competitor activity in the secondary education market
- Travel requirements for meetings, conferences, and other work-related events
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other product management positions in the education technology industry but focuses specifically on the secondary education market and Science portfolio
- Cengage Group's global presence and comprehensive product offerings provide unique opportunities for growth and advancement
- Career paths in product management can lead to senior-level roles within the function or expansion into other leadership positions within the organization
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and interests in the education technology industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting market research and competitive analysis to inform product strategy and positioning
- Developing and implementing go-to-market plans for new product launches
- Managing product development cycles, from ideation to delivery, ensuring high-quality learning experiences
- Collaborating with marketing and sales teams to drive product adoption and revenue growth
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they contributed to product success.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current product portfolio and its performance in the secondary education market?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams and functions within Cengage Group?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the Science portfolio in the secondary education market?
- How does Cengage Group support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being in a remote work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gather information about the role, team, and company, and to assess their fit with the organization's culture and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments
- Research Cengage Group's products, market, and competitors to demonstrate your industry knowledge
- Practice presenting your ideas and insights clearly and concisely
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
