Senior Merchandise Specialist (Hybrid)

Company: Staples
Location: Framingham
Posted on: September 12, 2023

Job Description:

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 are inclusive, well-rounded professionals who have deep experience in buying, selling, negotiating, operations, design, innovation, finance and more.
What you'll be doing:
* Support Category Merchant in all buying and selling activities with ability to act as Merchant when needed.
* Manage deviations: negotiate with vendors, track deviation spends, perform profitability analysis (customer and vendor level).
* Owner of (at minimum) one department with little oversight from Merchant: work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver budgeted sales and profit metrics (P&L), drive sales with assortment and buying experience decisions, accountable for achieving CPI targets, and all aspects of the Vendor program and relationship. Including:
o Managing a Master Assortment: aligning with company strategy to provide the right assortment for our customers at the best costs, providing direction on alts, negotiating exclusive products from our vendors and partnering with our internal private brands group to develop new and innovative products.
o Lead person for vendor program negotiations and relationships: identifying savings opportunity for Staples through vendor negotiations, managing needs of all Business Units.
* Point person for cross-functional relationships with Merchandising, Pricing, Inventory + Planning, Vendor Management, Field Sales, Digital, Marketing, and other Staples owned business counterparts (.com, SBA, Quill, Essendant, HiTouch, and other acquisitions).
* In depth and proactive financial analysis for total portfolio: vendor profitability analysis, identifying lower cost product alternatives, partnering with private brand team on assortment bids, etc.
* Collaborate with business owners and cross-functional partners to create a unified strategy, project plans, and implementation timelines.
* Monitor ongoing performance for initiatives relative to financial goals.
* Develop and project manage short-term plans for mitigating risks and address opportunities.
* Define and drive the full category strategy for a growth initiative.
* Manage the P&L through budget and forecast accountability.
* Work with vendors to expand assortment and identify cost opportunities

What you bring to the table:
* Ability to work independently and execute across multiple groups.
* Good verbal and written communication skills necessary.
* Strong analytical skills, ability to quickly interpret complex data and make recommendations.
* Solid organization skills and ability to multi-task and follow-up.
* Ability to learn fast and think on your feet.
* Ability to work independently and execute across multiple groups.
* Leadership mentality
* Strong financial acumen
Qualifications : What's needed- Basic Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
* 2+ years of project experience.
* 1+ year of product specialist/equivalent experience.
* 1+ year of work experience with merchandising/buying field.
* 1+ year experience using Microsoft Suite (MS Excel skills a MUST).
What's needed- Preferred Qualifications:


* Negotiation experience.
* Vendor Management/Engagement 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 perks and benefits Interested in joining the team? Check out our perks and benefits ! Staples believes Inclusion is a verb and we encourage diversity of thinking and ideas as well as backgrounds and experiences. 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.

Keywords: Staples, Framingham , Senior Merchandise Specialist (Hybrid), Accounting, Auditing , Framingham, Massachusetts