Staples

Sr Category Merchant

Staples$90K — $120K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in merchandising or category management, or equivalent experience
  • Strong leadership and mentorship track record
  • Proficient in negotiation and internal/external consensus building
  • Excellent analytical skills for data interpretation
  • Flexibility and resilience in fast-paced environments
  • Outstanding communication skills, adaptable for diverse audiences

Responsibilities

  • Lead strategic growth and profitability of key product categories
  • Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies
  • Monitor and analyze performance metrics to adjust strategies
  • Negotiate and maintain supplier partnerships for optimal product availability
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to product specialists
  • Champion innovative merchandising techniques and process improvements
  • Communicate category performance and strategic recommendations to stakeholders

Benefits

  • Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
  • Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule
  • Employee discounts on online and retail purchases
  • Company-matched 401(k) contributions
  • Physical and mental health wellness programs
Full Job Description
Job Description

What you'll be doing:
  • Lead the strategic direction, growth, and profitability of one or more high-value product categories across two channels, leveraging market insights, vendor relationships, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Develop and implement category strategies that include assortment planning, pricing, promotional activities, and supplier partnerships to meet business objectives.
  • Monitor and analyze category performance metrics such as sales, margin, and inventory turns, adjusting strategies as needed to deliver financial targets.
  • Identify, negotiate, and maintain partnerships with key suppliers to ensure product availability, competitive pricing, and favorable contract terms.
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to a diverse team of product specialists.
  • Champion innovative approaches in product assortment, merchandising techniques, and vendor relationships, while driving process improvements and adopting new tools or methodologies.
  • Communicate category performance updates, challenges, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.

What you bring to the table:
  • Strategic thinker who sees the "big picture" while excelling at day-to-day tactical execution.
  • Proven leadership and mentorship abilities, with a track record of developing high-performing teams and driving a culture of collaboration and results.
  • Skilled negotiator and influencer, adept at building consensus internally and externally.
  • Strong analytical mindset, comfortable interpreting complex data to guide decisions and strategy.
  • Adaptable and resilient under pressure, with the ability to respond quickly to emerging opportunities or challenges.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to tailor messages to diverse audiences.

What's needed- Basic Qualifications:
  • 8 years of progressive experience in merchandising, category management, or a related area, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

What's needed- Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or equivalent work experience

We Offer:
  • Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
  • Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays)
  • Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!


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, geography, business considerations, and internal equity. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for bonuses, or other forms of variable compensation.

About Staples

Staples is a retail company that sells office supplies, furniture, technology, and other products to businesses and consumers. The company was founded in 1986 and has since grown to become one of the largest office supply retailers in the world. Staples operates more than 1,200 stores in 26 countries and has a strong online presence. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Learn more about Staples
Size
61,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1986

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