Director, Product Management

Cengage Group
Chicago, IL

We believe in the power and joy of learning

At Cengage Group, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose - driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Cengage Group's portfolio of businesses supports student choice by providing a range of pathways that help learners achieve their goals and lead a choice-filled life.

Our culture values inclusion, engagement, and discovery

Our business is driven by our strong culture, and we know that creating an inclusive workplace is absolutely essential to the success of our company and our learners, as well as our individual well-being. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives in everything we do, and strive to ensure employees of all levels and backgrounds feel empowered to voice their ideas and bring their authentic selves to work. We achieve these priorities through programs, benefits, and initiatives that are integrated into the fabric of how we work every day. To learn more, please see

As the Director of Product Management for Higher Ed, you will lead the development and execution of product strategies, collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, and successfully implement world-class solutions that make learning experiences more connected, efficient, and insightful. The Director of Product Management is responsible for managing and encouraging a high-performing product management team and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. If you are passionate about digital transformation and excited to compete in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, this role is made for you!

Responsibilities:

  • Product Strategy and Vision: Collaborate with business leaders and customers to align with business goals and customer outcomes. Lead and mentor the team around continuous discovery processes to understand customer needs, identify problems, and find opportunities for innovation.

  • Product Management Leadership: Develop a team of skilled product managers who act as mini-CEOs for their products. Lead the team through the change to the Product Operating Model and build a strong and collaborative culture. Assess team performance, invest in professional growth, and align with the principles of high-performing product organizations.

  • Product Prioritization: Shape initiatives based on measurable customer impact, business value, and technical feasibility. Shift from output-focused roadmaps to outcome-driven prioritization, ensuring that each product initiative is tied to business and customer success metrics.

  • Data-Driven Leadership: Define clear metrics to measure product and team success. Continuously evaluate product performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure accountability for results and advocate to leadership when investment is needed.

Skills you will need here:

  • Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a comparable area, or equivalent experience.

  • 10 years of experience in product management

  • Proven track record of developing and implementing successful product strategies.

  • Experience in managing and motivating a distributed team.

  • Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

  • Proven experience in successfully launching and scaling innovative products.

  • Strong analytical and data-driven approach.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Cengage Group is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. Our job applicants are considered regardless of any classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws.

Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities including during our job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in our job application process, please contact us at [email protected] .

About Cengage Group

Cengage Group, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Compensation

At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. Click here ( to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy .

The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.

In this position, you will be eligible to participate in the company's discretionary incentive bonus program. This position's bonus target amount, which is not guaranteed and is dependent on individual performance and overall company results among other factors, is provided below.

25% Annual: Individual Target

$138,200.00 - $210,000.00 USD

Cengage Group , a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms.

We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Warning: Be aware, there has been an increase of targeted recruitment scams perpetrated by bad actors falsely providing job offers on behalf Cengage Group to candidates as a means of obtaining personal information. Note that Cengage will always interview candidates via live in-person meetings, phone calls and video calls before an offer would be extended. Also, be sure to check that communication is coming from an @cengage.com email address.

Posted 2026-01-31

Recommended Jobs

Front Office Operations Analyst Il

Invesco, Ltd.
Downers Grove, IL

About Invesco As one of the world’s leading independent global investment firms, Invesco is dedicated to rethinking possibilities for our clients. By delivering the combined power of our distincti…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-30

DOC Decatur CC Family Services Administrator

State of Illinois
Decatur, IL

Job Requisition ID: 52774  Closing Date: 02/03/2026 11:59PM ​Agency:  Department of Corrections Class Title:  PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015  Skill Option:  General Administration/Bus…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-23

Dairy Farm Herd Manager / Herdsman

Farm Job Search
Illinois

Dairy Farm Herd Manager / Herdsman (6216) Location: Illinois Job Number: 6216 Dairy Farm Herd Manager / Herdsman Position available on an expanding 400 cow operation in South Central Illinois.…

View Details
Posted 2025-12-19

Regional Account Manager

Jacuzzi Group
Chicago, IL

Jacuzzi Group is a leading manufacturer of hot tubs, swim spas, baths, showers, saunas, and pool equipment. With our headquarters in California and operations all over the world, Jacuzzi Group has be…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-15

Unpaid Volunteer at Youth Center Gym Program Volunteer- Chicago, Illinois

Maryville Academy
Chicago, IL

**Job Summary:** As a Youth Center Gym Program Unpaid Volunteer in Chicago, Illinois, you will support Maryville by participating in youth-focused events, assisting with administrative tasks, coachin…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-28

Certified Medical Assistant Float - Part time 24 hrs wk Days

Northwestern Medical Group
Chicago, IL

The salary range for this position is $20.31 - $26.40 (Hourly Rate) Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positi…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-30

Partnerships & Strategic Alliances Director

Raft
Chicago, IL

Raft is building the enterprise AI platform for supply chain - the industry that literally keeps the world moving. We’ve built deep credibility in the supply chain sector, partnering with more tha…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-14

Salesforce Developer

Zone IT Solutions
Chicago, IL

Join Zone IT Solutions as a Salesforce Developer and become a key player in delivering innovative Salesforce solutions. You will work closely with clients to understand their business needs and trans…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-14

Senior Frontend Engineer (Hybrid Work Schedule)

Parts Town
Addison, IL

Position at Parts Town  See What We’re All About As the fastest-growing distributor of restaurant equipment, HVAC and residential appliance parts, we like to do things a little differently. First,…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-29