Associate Category Merchant

Staples•Framingham, MA

About The Position

Staples is business to business. 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. Join Staples’ Facilities Merchandising team where you will own and drive category performance across our Contract (B2B) and Marketplace channels. In this highly visible role, you will shape assortment strategy, influence pricing, partner with top vendors, and directly impact sales, margin, and customer experience. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys combining strategy, analytics, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver measurable business results.

Requirements

Strong understanding of customer needs, product solutions, and trends
Strong analytical skills including forecasting and assortment optimization
Proven negotiation and vendor management experience
Strong communication skills with ability to influence
Ability to build relationships across teams and vendors
Strong financial acumen
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Advanced Excel and analytical capability
Experience leading or developing team members
Ability to manage multiple priorities
4+ years of experience in eCommerce buying, merchandising, planning, or inventory management
Proven ability to drive sales and margin results
Experience managing categories and P&L ownership
Understanding of B2B and eCommerce metrics

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
Experience managing multiple categories and P&L
Track record of driving sales and margin growth
Experience in eCommerce merchandising strategy
Leadership experience driving team accountability

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category strategies to deliver budgeted sales, margin, and growth
Build and optimize a best-in-class assortment based on customer insights and market trends
Own vendor selection, negotiation, and performance management
Negotiate costs, rebates, and programs to drive profitability
Partner cross-functionally with Pricing, Marketing, Inventory, Planning, and Site Merchandising
Execute go-to-market strategies including promotions and campaigns
Influence pricing strategy and digital customer experience
Drive joint business planning with key vendor partners
Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategy to meet targets
Identify opportunities for new products and process improvements
Manage and develop 1–2 Specialist-level team members