Category Merchant

Staples is business to business. You're what binds us together.

Our merchandising team aims to deliver the best value and selection to our customers through products, services and solutions all centered around our customers' needs. We are driven by customer insights and analytics to bring products and solutions to market seamlessly. We are inclusive, well-rounded professionals who have deep experience in buying, selling, negotiating, operations, design, innovation, finance and more.

As a Category Merchant at Staples, you will play a pivotal role in setting the strategy and driving financial results for a business segment generating approximately $1B in sales across the Staples ecommerce and business advantage channels. This position will report directly into the Director of Merchandising, requires a dynamic leader who can curate and create a client-first product assortment, manage diverse vendor partnerships, and oversee both eCommerce and sales organizations.

Join our team and play a key role in driving the success of Staples' product categories, delivering financial results, and enhancing the shopping experience for our customers.

What you'll be doing:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to achieve sales, margin, and inventory goals, ensuring alignment with the company's overall objectives.

• Utilize data-driven insights to identify opportunities and gaps in the current strategy, driving informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

• Anticipate and accelerate emerging trends in the Business Essentials space, evolving our strategy based on industry, competitor, and technological advancements.

• Curate and create a client-first product assortment that meets the evolving needs of our customers.

• Ensure optimal representation of products online, enhancing the shopping experience for all customers.

• Develop a deep understanding of customer needs and shopping behaviors to inform product selection and merchandising strategies.

• Select and manage relationships with vendors, brands, and products, negotiating for lower net costs through volume incentives, rebates, advertising, or promotional price support.

• Foster strong partnerships with diverse vendors to ensure a competitive and comprehensive product offering.

• Demonstrate clear ownership and knowledge of strategy and assortment, effectively communicating and addressing questions from senior leadership.

• Partner cross-functionally with marketing, sales, supply chain, pricing, site merchandising, private brands, and other departments to develop and execute integrated plans.

What you bring to the table:

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to leverage data insights to inform business decisions.

• Excellent negotiation skills and experience managing vendor relationships.

• Deep understanding of eCommerce and sales operations, with a customer-centric approach to product assortment and merchandising.

• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions and levels.

• Operate with grit, growth mindset, and urgency.

• Proven track record in category management, merchandising, or a related field, with a focus on driving financial results and strategic planning.

What's needed- Basic Qualifications:

• 6+ years' experience in buying related functions (buying/ merchandising)

What's needed- Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

We Offer:

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups

• Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays)

• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!