Category Merchant-Framingham, MA

Staples is focused on our customer and our community. As a Category Merchant for Staples, you will be responsible for the categories on the Business Essentials team in our US Retail Stores (USR) business. You will also be responsible for achieving financial objectives by developing and executing a customer-centric strategy. This strategy will be inspired by deep customer insight and will include assortment planning, merchandise and vendor selection, negotiation, financial planning, supply chain and inventory turn implications, advertising plans, merchandise presentation, distribution, vendor relations and administration for assigned lines.

Merchandising is a key strategic pillar of growth for Staples Retail, and this role is critical to accelerating change and super-charging this high-potential business. Our people are the heart of our success and we believe in collaboration, curiosity and continuous learning in all that we think, create and do. We are investing in our people and our stores, empowering our people to learn, grow and deliver.

Come be a part of a team that's leading the way in a new era of working and living.

Strategy:

* Acquire a deep understanding of customer needs through research efforts, and field feedback.

* Develop a realistic and effective business plan to achieve budgeted goals in sales, margin, and inventory. Execute that plan to deliver financial results.

* Develop, execute, and effectively communicate strategy to the highest levels of the company. Ensure plans align with company strategic objectives and goals.

* Gather and analyze data to showcase trends in the market to determine customer buying patterns.

Assortment Planning:

* Choose assortment items and vendors, influence pricing, and create an elegant customer experience.

* Negotiate for lower total delivered cost, volume incentives, rebates, advertising and other applicable allowances.

* Review and approve financial and item forecasts with Planners.

* Effectively partner and influence other cross-functional partners, such as Pricing, Site Merchandising, Marketing, Portfolio, Inventory + Planning, and more.

* Manage support team.

Essential skills and experience:

* Bachelor's Degree

* Minimum 4-6 years total experience in buying related functions

* Expert knowledge of industry trends, competition, assortment planning, customer behaviors, inventory management, logistics and marketing techniques.

Preferred skills and experience:

* Demonstrated in-depth knowledge in financial analysis and forecasting.

* Expert negotiating skills with highest level internally and externally.

* Accomplished in holding a team accountable to achieve measurable results.

* Multiple category experience including large P+L management is preferred.

Get great perks.

* Bonus plan and generous amount of paid time off, including one Floating Holiday each year

* Flexible work arrangements, including flexible work hours

* 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance with many more optional benefits

* Associate store discounts and more perks (discounts on mobile plans, movie tickets, etc.)

The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate's experience, skill set, education, business considerations, geography, and internal equity.

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