Be the reason

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. 

Role summary:

The Merchandise Specialist is a foundational role within our merchandising team, focused on the detailed analysis and support of specific product categories. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of merchandise selection and presentation.

What you’ll be doing:

• Manage the SKU lifecycle, including setup, maintenance, inactivation, and returns to vendor (RTV) or destruction
• Collaborate with content and inventory teams throughout the process
• Oversee the Master Assortment tracker for all items across various business units; provide SKU requirements, including additions, deletions, and maintenance, to ensure consistency across channels
• Facilitate communication of new items and forecasts among business unit counterparts (e-commerce, SBA, Quill, Essendant, HiTouch, and other acquisitions), Inventory & Planning, Vendor Management, and own brand teams
• Identify, track, and recommend matches for alternative products when needed
• Become an expert in our systems and be responsible for running reports on sales and margin performance, vendor purchases, business unit performance, and ad hoc reporting
• Analyze vendor and assortment financial data and suggest opportunities for improvement
• Process and communicate cost increases via PCW Process with vendors or own brand teams
• Handle high volumes of field inquiries daily and provide timely support using problem-solving skills efficiently
• Communicate effectively and proactively with the distribution network and wholesaler team to identify assortment gaps and add new items to the Master Assortment at optimal costs
• Support merchandising teams and generalist salesforce with RFPs and proposals
• Assist merchants in executing activities to deliver vendor and category strategies

What you bring to the table:

• Strong organization skills with ability to multi-task
• Ability to work independently and execute across multiple groups
• Good verbal and written communication skills

What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• 1+ years’ of work experience in business or related field
• 1+ years using Microsoft Suite
• 6+ months merchandising and print experience
• 6+ months analytical/financial experience

What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications:

• Intermediate level systems experience with databases, AS400 systems and spreadsheets

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 

At Staples, “inclusion” is an action word. It represents what we do to ensure that all employees feel valued and supported to contribute to their fullest potential. When we operate inclusively, diversity naturally follows. This is why we work hard to foster an inclusive culture, as we seek employees with unique and varied perspectives and areas of expertise. The result is a better workplace and innovative thinking that helps us exceed our customers’ expectations -- through the power of the people behind our iconic brand.

Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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.