Strategic Category Merchant, Business Essentials

Staples; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus plan and paid time off

Flexible work arrangements

401(k) plan with company match

Job summary

Staples is seeking a customer-focused and results-driven Category Merchant to lead strategic merchandising initiatives within the Business Essentials category for our US Retail Stores. This role develops category strategies that drive sales, margin, and inventory productivity while collaborating with Planning, Marketing, Pricing, Site Merchandising, Supply Chain, and Vendor Partners.

You will influence senior leadership with data-driven recommendations, build compelling assortments, negotiate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience.
• 4–6 years of experience in merchandising, buying, category management, retail planning, procurement, or related functions.
• Experience managing product assortments and developing category strategies.
• Knowledge of retail industry trends, customer behavior, inventory management, pricing strategies, and merchandising principles.
• Strong analytical and financial aptitude.
• Experience working cross-functionally to deliver business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute customer-centric category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and inventory productivity.
• Gain a deep understanding of customer needs through market research, customer insights, competitive analysis, and field feedback.
• Create and manage comprehensive business plans to achieve financial goals, including sales, margin, inventory, and profit objectives.
• Analyze market trends, customer buying behavior, and competitive activity to identify opportunities and risks.
• Build compelling assortments by selecting products and vendor partners that meet customer needs and business objectives.
• Negotiate with vendors to secure favorable pricing, rebates, advertising support, volume incentives, and other commercial benefits.
• Partner closely with Planning teams to develop accurate financial and item forecasts.
• Collaborate across Merchandising, Marketing, Pricing, Inventory Planning, Supply Chain, eCommerce, and other cross-functional teams to execute category plans.
• Influence senior leadership through data-driven recommendations, strategic insights, and clear communication.
• Lead and develop support team members while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and manage category performance, making adjustments as needed to optimize results and enhance the customer experience.

Skills

Category management

Merchandising

Negotiation

Data analysis

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Excel

Forecasting software

Job description

Staples is seeking a customer-focused and results-driven Category Merchant to lead strategic merchandising initiatives within the Business Essentials category for our US Retail Stores. This role develops category strategies that drive sales, margin, and inventory productivity while collaborating with Planning, Marketing, Pricing, Site Merchandising, Supply Chain, and Vendor Partners.

You will influence senior leadership with data-driven recommendations, build compelling assortments, negotiate