Job Description

As an Associate Category Merchant for Staples, you will be responsible for managing various lines of product in Retail. This is a diverse portfolio with opportunities that are perfect for an up-and-coming Merchant. Be a part of a team that's leading the way in a new era of working and learning.

Responsibilities:

• Develop deep understanding of customer needs and shopping behavior as well as upcoming trends and brands in the marketplace.
• With support from leadership team, develop and execute strategy to drive business utilizing vendor and industry share information.
• Responsible for selecting items that represent both core and trend product lines, and presenting to manager for approval.  
• Negotiate with vendors for lower total delivered cost, volume incentives, rebates, advertising, funding, and other applicable allowances. Meet with vendors in development of marketing plans.
• Merchandise assigned line(s) to ensure service levels with minimum inventory investment and maximum gross margin. Effectively manage impact on total supply chain by leveraging knowledge of inventory turns and logistics.
• Review and approve financial and item forecasts with Planners. Responsibility for all financials of the category and must be able to present understanding of the numbers to upper management.
• Work with Marketing, POG, Promo, Inventory Management, Stores Operations, Portfolio Team, and other functional areas as needed to achieve corporate goals. Partner with private label team to manage transitions and develop new on trend product at utmost quality.
• Interpret financial statements, NPD Market data and other financials metrics used in Merchandising to understand current and future trends.  
• Manage and develop one Merchandise Specialist  

Essential skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of 3 years of total experience in buying related functions (Buying-Merchandising, Planning, Inventory Management).  
• General knowledge of industry trends, assortment planning, Planograms, customer buying patterns, inventory management, logistics and marketing techniques.
• Knowledge and understanding of financial analysis and forecasting.
• Negotiation skills, Influencing skills, verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Intermediate to advance Microsoft and Excel skills a must.
• Ability to drive sales and margin results.
• Ability to build partnerships

Get great perks.

• Bonus plan and generous amount of paid time off, including one Floating Holiday each year
• Flexible work arrangements, including flexible work hours
• 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance with many more optional benefits
• Associate store discount and more perks (discounts on mobile plans, movie tickets, etc.)

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.

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