Be the reason

While you may know Staples as the world’s leading office supply company, Staples Promotional Products – a division of Staples – is a national leader in the promotional products industry. At Staples Promotional Products, we help customers build love for their brands with customized merchandise solutions. Whatever story they want to tell, connection they want to make, or goal they need to deliver, Staples Promo makes it easy to design promo experiences that create lasting impact. Join our winning team!

Work Location:  This position can be based from SPP offices in Orange City, IA; Overland Park, KS or St. Louis, MO and does require the ability to work on site at least 2 days per week.

What you’ll be doing:

• Source and present apparel, headwear, and ad spec merchandise to clients, ensuring programs meet target expectations for SKUs, margins, and client satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain all speed SKU product menus for client projects.
• Execute art and decoration requests, confirm product pricing, and create compelling PowerPoint presentations for internal and client meetings.
• Communicate with vendors regarding product features, availability, and costs; follow up on all product details for catalogs and websites, providing merchandise layout direction.
• Assist with training and development of staff and support Associate Merchandiser duties as needed.
• Travel to site locations in St. Louis, Overland Park or Orange City and attend annual account visits and tradeshows as required.
• Influence client perception by sharing innovative product ideas and trends from preferred vendors.
• Act as a liaison with Account Services to ensure merchandise meets customer timelines and expectations, attending strategy and customer meetings as needed.
• Build relationships with key vendors for optimal product placement on client online stores.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop core strategies that meet project needs and timelines.

What you bring to the table:

• Flexibility, adaptability, and a positive attitude that supports teamwork and communication.
• Expertise in retail products and trend forecasting, with a passion for staying ahead of industry shifts.
• Strong visual and creative merchandising skills with the ability to translate inspiration into impactful client presentations.
• Leadership capabilities in planning, organizing, and mentoring newer associates.
• Ability to manage sample budgets for client accounts and make decisions that maximize client experience and profitability.
• Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, comfortable engaging with large groups and all levels of stakeholders.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize projects under pressure, demonstrating sound judgment in all aspects.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and energetic, with excellent teamwork and flexibility.
• Passion for retail and merchandise, and eagerness to stay ahead of promotional product trends.
• Ability to attend strategy meetings, tradeshows, and related customer meetings to present merchandise assortment and provide direction.

What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:

• 2-4 years of related work experience in product management, retail sales, or retail management.
• Demonstrated understanding of retail product trends, trend forecasting, and product assortment development.
• Solid PC skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

What’s needed - Preferred Qualifications:

• Mentoring and training experience.
• Social media knowledge.
• Experience with database and systems knowledge, product/category knowledge, and product presentation.

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!

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.