Job Description

The Category Merchant, Private Brand is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive sales, margin, and market share across all channels. This role owns end-to-end category performance including assortment, pricing, promotions, vendor strategy, and inventory outcomes. This role leads category planning through data-driven insights, market intelligence, and customer understanding, while managing and developing Category Assistants to ensure strong execution. This role serves as both a strategic owner and team leader, ensuring alignment between strategy and execution.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute category strategy including assortment, pricing, promotions, and vendor strategy to drive sales, margin, and market share
• Own vendor relationships including negotiations, funding, performance management, and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Lead and develop Category Assistant(s), providing direction, coaching, and performance management to ensure execution excellence.
• Drive pricing and promotional strategy including competitive positioning and margin optimization.
• Lead forecasting and inventory strategy including demand planning and inventory productivity. Drive cross-functional execution across Marketing, Ecommerce, Supply Chain, and Sales.
• Own assortment planning and SKU lifecycle management including optimization and rationalization.

Education and Experience:

• Level of Formal Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Area of Study: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Marketing, or Merchandising.
• Minimum Years of Experience: 6
• Type of Experience: Experience in merchandising, category management, or retail strategy
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Strategic and commercial acumen
  • Strong leadership and team development
  • Advanced analytical and financial skills
  • Vendor negotiation expertise
  • Cross-functional leadership

About The ODP Group: The ODP Group, through its business entities ODP Business Solutions and Office Depot, is a leading provider of products, services, and technology solutions through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omnichannel presence, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, online presence, and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores.

Commitment to Safety: We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for our Coworkers and our customers. All Coworkers are expected to support our operational safety culture by working safely and addressing potential hazards or concerns.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Coworkers assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of Coworkers so classified. Other duties may be assigned.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule: The company offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunities to move and grow within our organization! You may be eligible to participate in an incentive program, paid in accordance with the Incentive Plan terms and conditions.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to the City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Application Deadline: The job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 days and will expire once the position has been filled.

How to Apply: Click the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the “Submit” button.