Associate Category Merchant

Framingham, Massachusetts, United States

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When we work together, challenges don’t stand a chance.

Be the reason — the expertise you bring to the table, your keen eye for customer insights, and your passion for analytics. So join our team and you’ll own product lines and drive profit. And we’ll help you build a future merchandised exactly how you want.

Total Rewards

Compensation & Incentives

Competitive base salary + bonus on eligible positions
Paid Time Off

22 days plus 7 major holidays and 1 floating holiday
401(k) Matching

Company match 401(k) plan
Discounts

Online and retail discounts
Wellness

Physical and mental health wellness programs
On-site Amenities

Daycare, cafeteria, fitness center, and coffee shop at our HQ

Associate Category Merchant

Framingham, Massachusetts, United States

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Remote/On-site On-site Job ID 57696 Category Merchandising Date posted 11/25/2025 Pay Range $78,000 - $108,000

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.

What you'll be doing:

Develop and execute a business plan to achieve budgeted sales and margin goals.
Develop deep understanding of customer needs and shopping behavior as well as upcoming trends and brands in the marketplace.
Cross functionally collaborates with all Business Units to understand their unique customer needs and deliver an assortment and cost structure that meets those needs.
Responsible for the P&L for assigned product categories.
Develop strategies and execution plans across Business Units including Staples Business Advantage Inside and Outside Sales teams.
Manages category programs with all vendors including selecting items and vendors.
Responsible for delivering and tracking all vendor revenue and working with all business units and cross- functional partners to ensure program elements are executed upon.
With leadership support, negotiate with vendors for lower total delivered cost, volume incentives, rebates, advertising and other applicable allowances.
Showcase assortment through annual Line Reviews on each category.

What you bring to the table:

Proven ability to drive sales and margin results
Expertise in site metrics such as visits, conversion, AOV, frequency, engagement
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to influence at multiple levels
Ability to build strategic partnerships across the organization and with vendors at the senior levels
Ability to hold a team accountable to achieve measurable results
Proactive communications; comfortable with assessing the need for immediate action
Exceptional time management, prioritization and organizational skills

Qualifications:

What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:

4+ years' experience in buying related functions (buying/ merchandising)

What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree
PC skills with strong abilities in Excel

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!

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.

#LI-HS1

Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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Success Profile

Adaptable
Analytical
Communicator
Detail-oriented
Insightful
Problem-solver

Our Culture

People are at the heart of what we do, and we take care of our people. We’re the kind of company that invests in you because you invest in us. At Staples, we thrive on challenges, we believe in the power of what can be, and we support change with purpose. So, bring your win-together attitude and we’ll surround you with like-minded experts who are looking to make an impact for our customers, our community, and our teams.

Two coworkers reviewing something on the computer

Meet Louise, Associate Category Merchant

Hear from our people and learn more about their experiences.

"What I love about this department is that every day brings a new challenge, and every day you get the chance to collaborate with a variety of different teams. This allows us to really figure out what our passions are and what we want to pursue."
Merchandising Specialist