Category Merchant (Office Supplies) - Staples, Inc.

Quill.com makes the job of ordering supplies easier and more rewarding. While delivering everything from paper, ink, and toner to cleaning supplies and technology. Quill showcases exceptional customer service. Quill had proven to be a trusted partner of Staples since being acquired in 1998.

What you’ll be doing:

• Responsible for all aspects of assigned product lines, including assortment planning, merchandise and vendor selection, negotiation, financial planning, inventory impact implications, promotional plans, vendor relations, and logistics cost management.


• Partner effectively with Go to Market, Finance, Analytics, Sku Operations, Ecomm, Inventory Management, Agency, Pricing and other functional areas as needed to achieve corporate goals.


• Interpret financial statements, total costs to serve the product, financial levers and metrics used in merchandising to understand current and future trends.


• With guidance from Senior Category Merchant or DMM, develops realistic and effective strategic business plans for assigned product lines to achieve budgeted goals in sales, margin, supply chain impact, driving execution and adjustments of the plan.


• Develop deep understanding of customer’s needs and behaviors through customer research.


• Define role of Own Brand within assigned categories of responsibility.  Develop and execute Own Brand strategies within the portfolio


• Jointly develop market based pricing strategies with pricing team


• Responsible for executing promotional strategy driven by the Go to Market team.


• Review and approve promo item forecast with Planners for assigned product lines.


• Effectively manage Return and Allowance rates by identifying problematic SKUs and developing mitigation plans.


• In collaboration with cross-function team, develop and approve disposition plans for vendor transitions and SKU end of life.


• Optimize online shopping experience and revenue through search, browse, ribbons, content, imagery, attributes, cross selling, attachments, product relationships and other enhanced selling tools.


• Develop team members to learn and advance within the company with timely feedback, effective development plans and performance appraisals.


• Make hiring decisions for staff and ensure there are clear and effective onboarding plans for new associates.

What you bring to the table:

• Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.


• PC literate with the ability to develop and manipulate spreadsheets; strong Microsoft Excell Skills


• Ability to drive sales and margin results.


• General knowledge of industry trends, assortment planning, customer buying patterns, inventory management, logistics and marketing techniques.


• Ability to work independently, prioritize and re-prioritize tasks based on fluctuating deadlines while continually meeting deadlines and maintaining a positive attitude.


• Organizational skills and detail oriented.


• Ability to analyze data, understand key indicators, and make decisions using that data.


• Online merchandising experience.

Qualifications:

What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years of Buying experience in related functions (merchandising, buying, planning, inventory management

What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree 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!

At Staples, “inclusion” is an action word. It represents what we do to ensure that all employees feel valued and supported to contribute to their fullest potential. When we operate inclusively, diversity naturally follows. This is why we work hard to foster an inclusive culture, as we seek employees with unique and varied perspectives and areas of expertise. The result is a better workplace and innovative thinking that helps us exceed our customers’ expectations – through the power of the people behind our iconic brand. Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.