Associate Category Merchant
Lincolnshire, Illinois, United States
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
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- Compensation & Incentives
- Competitive base salary + bonus on eligible positions
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- Paid Time Off
- 22 days plus 7 major holidays and 1 floating holiday
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- 401(k) Matching
- Company match 401(k) plan
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- Discounts
- Online and retail discounts
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- Wellness
- Physical and mental health wellness programs
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- On-site Amenities
- Daycare, cafeteria, fitness center, and coffee shop at our HQ
Associate Category Merchant
Lincolnshire, Illinois, United States
ApplyQuill.com makes the job of ordering supplies easier and more rewarding. While delivering everything from paper, ink and toner to cleaning supplies and technology. Quill showcases exceptional customer service. Quill had proven to be a trusted partner of Staples since being acquired in 1998.
What you’ll be doing:
- Develop and execute strategic business plans for product lines.
- Manage product lifecycle including assortment planning, vendor selection, and inventory management.
- Collaborate with merchandising leadership to implement strategies that drive sales and margin.
- Enhance online shopping experience using customer insights and data.
- Plan and execute promotional strategies to increase traffic and sales.
- Negotiate with vendors for cooperative funding and favorable terms.
- Stay informed on market trends and financial data to identify opportunities and risks.
- Make informed decisions based on financial reports and data.
What you bring to the table:
- Seamless sharing of business insights and product knowledge among cross-functional teams that support their product lines.
- Proficient in resolving complex business scenarios by anticipating challenging market conditions, devising proactive merchandising strategies, and skilfully implementing contingency plans to mitigate potential impacts.
- Focus on short to mid-term business strategies.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
What’s needed- Basic Qualifications
- 3+ years of related experience in buying related functions (merchandising, buying, planning, inventory management)
- Experience in online merchandising strategies.
- Knowledge of industry trends, assortment planning, and customer buying patterns.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; knowledge of Access and PowerBI is a plus.
What’s needed - Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business or equivalent work experience in a related field.
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!
#LI-HS1
Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer who values the diversity of our people, products, and services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
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.
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.



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."
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