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. 

The Senior Manager, Category Development serves as a strategic business leader responsible for driving sustainable category growth, portfolio strategy, and merchant partnerships across key businesses. This role leads the development of multi-year category growth strategies, portfolio roadmaps, and investment priorities while partnering closely with Merchandising and cross-functional teams to deliver differentiated growth, incremental margin, and enhanced customer value.  

This position plays a critical role in shaping the future direction of assigned categories by leveraging data-driven insights, influencing senior leadership decisions, and aligning enterprise priorities with actionable strategies. 

What you will be doing:

• Develop and execute multi-year category growth strategies and actionable roadmaps 
• Identify innovation opportunities, emerging trends, and growth platforms 
• Evaluate investment priorities and strategic opportunities across categories 
• Lead portfolio strategy and prioritize resources across initiatives 
• Partner cross-functionally to align and execute strategic initiatives 
• Influence senior leadership through data-driven insights 
• Build and evaluate business cases using customer and financial data 
• Drive ROI-focused decision-making 
• Lead and develop a high-performing team 
• Represent Category Development in leadership forums 

What You Bring to the Table:

• Strategic mindset with strong business acumen 
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Executive presence and influencing capabilities 
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and lead change 
• Strong communication and storytelling skills 
• Collaborative leadership style 
• Curiosity and continuous learning mindset 

What’s needed: Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience  
• 8+ years of experience in category management, strategy, merchandising, consulting, or analytics 
• 3+ years of leadership or people management experience preferred 
• Experience developing and executing growth strategies 
• Strong data analysis and strategic thinking capabilities 
• Experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders 
• Strong financial acumen and business case development 
• Proficiency in tools such as Excel, Tableau, or Power BI 

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA or advanced degree 
• Experience in retail, CPG, or consulting 
• 5+ years leading high-performing teams 
• Experience managing large category portfolios 
• Track record of driving revenue growth and margin improvement 
• Experience in matrixed organizations 
• Advanced analytics skills (SQL, Python, BI tools) 
• Private brand or product development experience 

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.  

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.