Associate Category Merchant

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.

Join Staples’ Facilities Merchandising team where you will own and drive category performance across our Contract (B2B) and Marketplace channels. In this highly visible role, you will shape assortment strategy, influence pricing, partner with top vendors, and directly impact sales, margin, and customer experience. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys combining strategy, analytics, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver measurable business results.

What you will be doing:

• Develop and execute category strategies to deliver budgeted sales, margin, and growth
• Build and optimize a best-in-class assortment based on customer insights and market trends
• Own vendor selection, negotiation, and performance management
• Negotiate costs, rebates, and programs to drive profitability
• Partner cross-functionally with Pricing, Marketing, Inventory, Planning, and Site Merchandising
• Execute go-to-market strategies including promotions and campaigns
• Influence pricing strategy and digital customer experience
• Drive joint business planning with key vendor partners
• Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategy to meet targets
• Identify opportunities for new products and process improvements
• Manage and develop 1–2 Specialist-level team members

What You Bring to the Table:

• Strong understanding of customer needs, product solutions, and trends
• Strong analytical skills including forecasting and assortment optimization
• Proven negotiation and vendor management experience
• Strong communication skills with ability to influence
• Ability to build relationships across teams and vendors
• Strong financial acumen
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Advanced Excel and analytical capability
• Experience leading or developing team members
• Ability to manage multiple priorities

What’s needed: Basic Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience in eCommerce buying, merchandising, planning, or inventory management
• Proven ability to drive sales and margin results
• Experience managing categories and P&L ownership
• Understanding of B2B and eCommerce metrics

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Experience managing multiple categories and P&L
• Track record of driving sales and margin growth
• Experience in eCommerce merchandising strategy
• Leadership experience driving team accountability

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 wellness programs, and more!

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.