Nelnet Business Services (NBS), a division of Nelnet, Inc., provides payment technology, education services, and learning management solutions to education and faith-based organizations, serving more than 1,300 higher education institutions, 11,500 K-12 schools, 3,500 churches, and millions of individual students, families, and supporters across the globe. Our culture of service enables us to form long-lasting and trusted partnerships, while our focus on creativity and innovative solutions empowers our customer communities to thrive.
As a Nelnet company, the perks at NBS go beyond our benefits package. You’re part of a community, invested in you as an individual and united by our mission to create opportunities for people where they live, learn and work.
The Director, Product & Business Management is responsible for scaling validated ventures into durable, profitable business units within the organization. This role assumes ownership of initiatives that have cleared the Pilot stage‑gate with a validated ideal customer profile, live customers, and a tested sales motion. This role is accountable for building and operating the product, financial, and go‑to‑market strategy and capabilities required to scale a business from early-stage venture into a material, sustainable line of business. While initiatives may begin at small scale, the scope of this role includes developing and leading businesses that mature into large, standalone divisions over time.Assume end-to-end ownership of market-validated ventures including full business accountability for assigned product lines, including strategy, long-term growth, and financial performance.
Define and execute product and business strategies aligned to company priorities and market opportunity.
Build and evolve product, operating, and distribution models, required to scale early concepts into profitable, repeatable businesses.
Lead and develop dedicated product and go-to-market (GTM) teams, including direct management of sales and GTM resources supporting the business.
Drive revenue growth and market adoption in partnership with shared service teams including Marketing, Finance, and other centralized functions to support growth and scale.
Act as the primary business owner and escalation point for assigned products across internal stakeholders.
Develop and own budgets, forecasts, revenue targets, NOI accountability, and performance metrics for assigned product lines.
Drive effective go‑to‑market execution, including pricing, packaging, positioning, and launch readiness.
Make lifecycle decisions for assigned business(es), including investment prioritization, scaling, optimization, or strategic pivots as needed.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Preferred: Advanced degree or equivalent experience in product management, general management, or business strategy.
8+ years of experience in product management, general management, strategy, or commercial leadership roles.
Demonstrated ownership of business outcomes, including revenue, growth, or P&L‑adjacent accountability.
Experience leading cross‑functional teams to deliver products or services to market.
Experience managing multiple products or portfolios simultaneously, preferred.
Background in scaling early‑stage or growth‑phase products, preferred.
Exposure to SaaS, platform, or technology‑enabled product environments, preferred.
General management and business ownership
Product strategy and portfolio management
Commercial and financial acumen
Cross‑functional leadership and influence
Strategic decision‑making under ambiguity
Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: LINK.
Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.
Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.
Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.