Sr Merchandise Specialist-Framingham, MA

Staples•Framingham, MA

About The Position

The Sr. Merchandise Specialist supports category performance through project management, data analysis, operational execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The role coordinates with business partners to turn objectives into actionable plans that improve sales, profitability, inventory performance, and customer experience. It monitors category and initiative results, identifies opportunities and risks, supports go-to-market initiatives, and helps ensure projects and merchandising activities are completed accurately and on time.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least 2 years of experience in merchandising, project management, data analytics, category management, retail operations, or a related field.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, reporting, analysis, and data interpretation.
Experience managing projects, timelines, deliverables, and cross-functional initiatives.
Ability to analyze data and make business recommendations.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced business environment.
Strong analytical mindset and ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.
Excellent project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Strong collaboration, communication, presentation, and stakeholder-influence skills.
Curiosity, a continuous-improvement mindset, and a problem-solving approach.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with detailed execution.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Customer-focused approach and understanding of how merchandising decisions affect business performance and customer experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting merchandising, retail, category management, inventory planning, promotional planning, or marketing functions.
Strong business acumen and understanding of retail performance drivers.
Experience conducting market research, competitive analysis, and trend monitoring.
Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority.
Creative and innovative problem-solving skills.
Experience using data to identify opportunities and improve business performance.

Responsibilities

Monitor category and initiative performance by analyzing sales, margin, inventory management, and inventory-turn metrics.
Develop and execute action plans to mitigate risks, address performance gaps, and capitalize on business opportunities.
Partner with Merchandising, Marketing, Inventory, Promotional Planning, Planograms (POG), and supplier teams to support go-to-market initiatives.
Manage cross-functional projects from planning through execution, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and timelines are achieved.
Identify and recommend strategic initiatives using business insights, analytics, market trends, and customer data.
Influence stakeholders and business partners to execute recommended strategies and process improvements.
Conduct competitive analysis, market research, and trend evaluations to inform category and product decisions.
Support weekly category reporting, ad hoc analysis, and business performance tracking.
Review competitor in-store and online experiences for opportunities in assortment, pricing, promotions, and customer experience.
Assist with product selection using industry research, trend analysis, and competitive insights.
Maintain merchandising systems, product information, SKU management, vendor setup, and ongoing maintenance activities.
Proof and validate content across digital and print marketing vehicles, including product information, imagery, pricing, and copy accuracy.
Evaluate completed initiatives and recommend best practices and process improvements for future execution.