Category Development Manager – Growth & Insights

Staples Advantage Canada

Framingham (MA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Staples is seeking an Associate Manager in Category Development to transform customer, competitive, financial, and market insights into actionable product and portfolio recommendations. You will work across Merchandising, Finance, Product Development, Marketing, and Sourcing to build business cases and guide growth initiatives.

The role involves evaluating performance, developing cases for new products, and leading smaller development projects while mentoring teammates.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Finance, Analytics, or equivalent work experience.
5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, product management, strategy, business analytics, finance, or related field.
Experience developing business cases, financial analyses, or product recommendations.
Experience analyzing customer, market, competitive, and/or financial data to support business decisions.
Experience presenting recommendations and analytical findings to business stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and business reporting tools.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Experience partnering with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.

Responsibilities

Evaluate assortment performance, customer demand, profitability, and portfolio productivity to identify growth opportunities.
Develop business cases for new products, product renovations, and portfolio opportunities, including financial impact, risks, and assumptions.
Assess customer needs, competitive gaps, market trends, and category growth potential, then translate insights into clear recommendations.
Create product briefs and customer requirements, recommend positioning and value propositions, and support product development decisions.
Present recommendations and business cases to Merchandising leaders and support category reviews and annual planning discussions.
Partner across Finance, Merchandising, Product Development, Marketing, Sourcing, and other teams to refine forecasts and advance initiatives.
Independently manage multiple analyses and projects while resolving analytical and operational issues.
Lead smaller category development initiatives and project teams while supporting less experienced team members.