Senior Merchandise Specialist

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're inclusive, well-rounded professionals who have deep experience in buying, selling, negotiating, operations, design, innovation, finance and more.

What you'll be doing:

• Support Merchant in all buying and selling activities with ability to act as Merchant when needed.

• Owner of (at minimum) one class or vendor with little oversight from Merchant: working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver budgeted sales and profit metrics (P&L), drive sales with assortment and buying experience decisions, accountable for achieving CPI targets, and all aspects of the Vendor program and relationship.

• Manage a Master Assortment: align with company strategy to provide the right assortment for our customers at the best costs, provide direction on alts, negotiate exclusive products from our vendors and partner with our internal private brands group to develop new and innovative products.

• Assist Merchant on vendor program negotiations and relationships: identify savings opportunity for Staples through vendor negotiations, manage needs of all Business Units

• Point person for cross-functional relationships with Merchandising, Pricing, Inventory + Planning, Vendor Management, Field Sales, Digital, Marketing, and other Staples owned business counterparts (.com, SBA, Quill, Essendant, HiTouch, and other acquisitions).

• Work closely with Site Merchandising team to enhance site and provide best customer experience.

• In depth and proactive financial analysis for total portfolio: vendor profitability analysis, identify lower cost product alternatives, partner with private brand team on assortment bids, etc.

• Lead ad hoc projects required to meet category portfolio needs.

What you bring to the table:

• Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Ability to manage many projects, prioritize and drive multiple threads of work to completion

• Business acumen and an understanding of financial performance metrics

• Analytical and process-oriented

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task

• Works effectively with cross functional partners

• Skilled in Microsoft Suite (MS Excel skills a MUST)

What's needed- Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience

What's needed- Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-2+ years prior experience in ecommerce, marketing, or merchandising preferred

We Offer:

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups

• Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule

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