Job Information
Staples Associate Category Merchant in Framingham, Massachusetts
Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together.
Our merchandising team aims to deliver the best value and selection to our customers through products, services and solutions all centered around our customers’ needs. We are driven by customer insights and analytics to bring products and solutions to market seamlessly. We’re inclusive, well-rounded professionals who have deep experience in buying, selling, negotiating, operations, design, innovation, finance and more.
What you’ll be doing :
Develop deep understanding of customer needs, product solutions, and shopping behavior as well as upcoming trends and brands in the marketplace.
Develop and execute a go-to-market strategy to achieve budgeted sales and margin goals and deliver an optimal customer experience.
Cross functionally collaborates with all channels and sales verticals to understand their unique needs and deliver an assortment and cost structure that meets those needs.
Responsible for managing cost as well as tracking and hitting targets. Includes negotiating programs, adjusting assortment, and developing strategies to drive profitability while finding alternatives to cost, tariff, and transportation inflation items.
Responsible for selecting items and vendors. With leadership support negotiate with vendors for lower total delivered cost, volume incentives, rebates, advertising and other applicable allowances.
Drive joint business planning meetings with top vendors in categories to drive strong partnerships and growth.
Effectively partner to drive strategy, growth and proactively solve everyday opportunities and challenges with transactional website (staples.com, staplesadvantage.com). Shape demand within assortment, influence pricing strategy, and create an appropriate customer experience.
Effectively partner and influence other cross-functional partners, such as Sellers, Pricing, Site Merchandising, Marketing, Portfolio, Inventory & Planning Teams.
Ability to manage and develop team members and drive high levels of engagement.
What you bring to the table:
Proven ability to drive sales and margin results.
Strong negotiation skills.
Proficiency in B2B and Ecommerce sales metrics and best-practices to optimize traffic, conversion, and ultimately sales & profit growth.
Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to influence at multiple levels.
Ability to build strategic partnerships across organization and with vendor partners.
Accomplished in holding a team accountable to achieve measurable results.
Proactive communications; comfortable with assessing the need for immediate action.
Strong time management, prioritization, and organizational skill.
What’s needed - Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
3+ years total experience in Ecommerce buying related functions (buying-Merchandising, Planning, Inventory management). Buying and Planning experience required.
What’s needed - Preferred Qualifications:
Multiple category experience, including P&L management is preferred.
Demonstrated financial acumen and in-depth proficiency in analysis, forecasting, demand shaping and SKU-level assortment rationalization. PC literate with strong abilities in Excel.
We Offer:
Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule
Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!
Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender idenity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
For individuals with disabilities that need additional assistance at any point in the process, please call 1-888-490-4747 for more information.