Senior Category Merchant ( Business Essentials )

Staples • Framingham, MA

53d

About The Position

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. What you'll be doing: Lead the strategic direction, growth, and profitability of one or more high-value product categories across two channels, leveraging market insights, vendor relationships, and cross-functional collaboration. Develop and implement category strategies that include assortment planning, pricing, promotional activities, and supplier partnerships to meet business objectives. Monitor and analyze category performance metrics such as sales, margin, and inventory turns, adjusting strategies as needed to deliver financial targets. Identify, negotiate, and maintain partnerships with key suppliers to ensure product availability, competitive pricing, and favorable contract terms. Provide leadership and mentorship to a diverse team of product specialists. Champion innovative approaches in product assortment, merchandising techniques, and vendor relationships, while driving process improvements and adopting new tools or methodologies. Communicate category performance updates, challenges, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders. What you bring to the table: Strategic thinker who sees the "big picture" while excelling at day-to-day tactical execution. Proven leadership and mentorship abilities, with a track record of developing high-performing teams and driving a culture of collaboration and results. Skilled negotiator and influencer, adept at building consensus internally and externally. Strong analytical mindset, comfortable interpreting complex data to guide decisions and strategy. Adaptable and resilient under pressure, with the ability to respond quickly to emerging opportunities or challenges. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to tailor messages to diverse audiences.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive experience in merchandising, category management, or a related area.
• 3+ years of management experience, including leading teams, managing direct reports, or overseeing large cross-functional projects.
• Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding financial targets for assigned product lines.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools such as Excel and BI platforms.
• Strategic thinker who sees the "big picture" while excelling at day-to-day tactical execution.
• Proven leadership and mentorship abilities, with a track record of developing high-performing teams and driving a culture of collaboration and results.
• Skilled negotiator and influencer, adept at building consensus internally and externally.
• Strong analytical mindset, comfortable interpreting complex data to guide decisions and strategy.
• Adaptable and resilient under pressure, with the ability to respond quickly to emerging opportunities or challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to tailor messages to diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's or equivalent work experience

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction, growth, and profitability of one or more high-value product categories across two channels, leveraging market insights, vendor relationships, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Develop and implement category strategies that include assortment planning, pricing, promotional activities, and supplier partnerships to meet business objectives.
• Monitor and analyze category performance metrics such as sales, margin, and inventory turns, adjusting strategies as needed to deliver financial targets.
• Identify, negotiate, and maintain partnerships with key suppliers to ensure product availability, competitive pricing, and favorable contract terms.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to a diverse team of product specialists.
• Champion innovative approaches in product assortment, merchandising techniques, and vendor relationships, while driving process improvements and adopting new tools or methodologies.
• Communicate category performance updates, challenges, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Benefits

• 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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees