Sr Merchandise Specialist-Framingham, MA

Staples Retail•Framingham, MA

About The Position

The Sr. Merchandise Specialist helps drive category performance through project management, data analysis, operational execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The role coordinates with business partners to turn business objectives into actionable plans that improve sales, profitability, inventory performance, and customer experience. The successful candidate is analytical, organized, and proactive, able to manage multiple initiatives and influence stakeholders while identifying opportunities and solving business challenges. The position partners with Merchandising, Marketing, Inventory, Promotional Planning, Planograms (POG), and supplier teams to support go-to-market initiatives. It monitors category performance, develops action plans, conducts market and competitive analysis, supports reporting, maintains merchandising and product information systems, validates marketing content, and evaluates initiatives to recommend improvements. Staples describes a bonus plan, paid time off including one floating holiday each year, flexible work arrangements and hours, a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, optional benefits, an associate store discount, and other discounts. The role may also be eligible for bonuses or other variable compensation. The posting does not state a salary range.

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.
Demonstrated ability to analyze data and make business recommendations.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced business environment.
Strong analytical skills and ability to translate data into actionable business recommendations.
Excellent project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to build partnerships and collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.
Strong communication and presentation skills, with confidence influencing stakeholders.
Curiosity and a continuous-improvement mindset focused on identifying opportunities and solving problems.
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 using 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 met.
Identify 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 to identify 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 product information, imagery, pricing, and copy across digital and print marketing vehicles.
Evaluate completed initiatives and recommend best practices and process improvements for future execution.