Senior Merchant, Category Solutions

Office Depot • Boca Raton, FL

1d

About The Position

The Senior Merchant, Category Solutions at The ODP Corporation leads the development and execution of product and category strategies across multiple departments. Working with cross-functional teams and the Director of Merchandising, the role aims to increase sales, margin, and profitability by bringing new products and services to market at scale. It oversees the product lifecycle, develops solutions to address assortment gaps, and aligns category plans with market demand and business objectives.

The role uses market insights, customer segmentation, retail optimization, and digital experience expertise to guide decisions and product development. It also manages and mentors a team of merchants and interacts with executive leadership. The position represents the voice of the customer and works with product, engineering, sales, marketing, vendor partners, and internal customers to deliver product and customer experience strategies.

The ODP Corporation describes itself as a provider of products, services, and technology solutions through a B2B distribution platform and omnichannel presence, including supply chain and distribution operations, sales professionals, online channels, and Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores. Coworkers are expected to support a safe work environment by working safely and addressing potential hazards. Duties listed may not be exhaustive, and other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 7 years of experience.
• Retail and merchandising experience.
• Product development and new product introduction experience, from concept to launch at scale.
• Leadership and management experience.
• Strategic leadership experience.
• P&L management experience.
• Long-term planning experience.
• Intermediate PC software skills using Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strategic planning and execution skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Financial acumen.
• Vendor and supplier management skills.
• Market and consumer insights skills.
• Project management skills.
• Knowledge of agile methodologies, including Scrum/Kanban, backlog management, and roadmap management.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

• Visionary leadership.
• Strategic mindset.
• Ability to influence.
• Accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic execution and delivery of category strategies to increase sales, penetration, and margin growth.
• Develop and execute product strategies for each category that support growth, profitability, market leadership, and business strategies.
• Manage the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept to launch, including planning, development, launch, and post-launch evaluation.
• Provide product and engineering teams with requirements, priorities, and customer inputs, and partner through design, build, and release using agile delivery practices.
• Use market insights and data to evaluate tradeoffs and outcomes, including upside, expected, and downside scenarios, to inform decisions about opportunities and growth strategies.
• Drive project plans with supporting financials, manage a challenge process, and drive project execution.
• Track and analyze key performance metrics to assess product success, identify improvement areas, and make data-driven decisions.
• Develop points of view on customer-centered platforms such as sustainability, safety, hygiene, and productivity.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to support product adoption and sales growth through marketing collateral, sales training, and customer support materials.
• Build partnerships with vendor partners, key internal customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Represent the voice of the customer in internal decision-making.
• Lead and mentor a team of merchants, fostering continuous learning and professional development.
• Work safely and address potential hazards or concerns in support of the company's operational safety culture.

Benefits

• The company offers a benefits package that includes a 401(k).
• Competitive salaries.
• Opportunities to move and grow within the organization.
• Potential eligibility to participate in an incentive program, subject to the Incentive Plan terms and conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior