Senior Category Merchant ( Food Service Disposables )

Staples Merchandising Team Opportunity

**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 are inclusive, well-rounded professionals who have deep experience in buying, selling, negotiating, operations, design, innovation, finance and more.

What you'll be doing:

• Candidate will have the opportunity to own our large, rapidly growing, and profitable Disposables category, as well as lead the charge as we expand into Foodservice.
• Lead the strategic direction, growth, and profitability of product categories across the Staples Business and Marketplace channels, leveraging market insights, vendor relationships, and cross-functional collaboration. Identify and develop the assortment and partnerships needed to win over Foodservice customers.
• Develop and implement a category strategy that includes assortment planning, pricing, eCommerce shopping experience, seller activation 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 Merchandise Specialists.
• Push the organization on the process improvements and new tools or methodologies needed to be successful in a new market.
• 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 across functions, both internally and externally.
• Strong analytical mindset, comfortable interpreting complex data to guide decisions and strategy.
• Deep understanding of tactics to drive both eCommerce sales and human sales force.
• 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.
• 3+ years of management experience, including leading teams, managing direct reports, or overseeing large cross-functional projects.
• Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding financial targets for assigned product lines.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools such as Excel and BI platforms.

What's needed- Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or equivalent work experience.
• Prior experience in the Foodservice industry, or in working with Field Sales teams to execute go-to-market strategies.

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!