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:

The Senior Manager, Category Development leads in the development of strategic category initiatives to drive growth for Staples Private Brands. Their goal is to drive sales and loyalty for Staples, Inc and across our partner channels. This role marries strategic category understanding with both product development and execution. As a member of the Private Brands leadership team, they will be responsible for driving the vision and goals for the Private Brand program across the organization.

• Consistently demonstrates deep category management expertise through use of all data sources to drive decision making and to influence merchants to support Private Brand growth.
• Partner with merchandising leads to influence all aspects related to Private Brands including financial performance, assortment and portfolio mix, value positioning and placement.
• Lead in assigned category for Private Brand category annual planning, working with Brand Strategy team to drive connecting between brand strategy to individual categories.
• Collaborates across Private Brands team to develop, align, prioritize and execute on Private Brands business plans and targets including aligned upon targets.
• Leads Private Brand discussions in all category reviews to ensure brand and category objectives are understood and met.
• Demonstrates understanding in how assigned category drives total Private Brand plan.
• Leads new product identification in assigned category for Private Brands – filling product gaps or identifying whitespace.
• Builds overall program by seeking product improvements, programs, and initiatives that will reduce operating costs, increase product performance, and increase sustainability.
• Create business cases to support new product development; sell in product ideas to stakeholders.
• Supports Product Development and Sourcing team on creating tech packs and required feature/benefits.
• Work with Brand Strategy team to build compelling consumer propositions and support in the creation of compelling packaging and messaging.
• Analyzes and interprets consumer and industry trends and maintains competitive research.
• Partners with the Insights team to establish success metrics, review results regularly and develop business recommendations based on findings.
• Influences stakeholders at various levels by utilizing internal and external data, research, and customer-centric insights to drive product development, assortment and sustainability initiatives.
• Lead and inspire at least one direct report to achieve goals.
• Manages the day-to-day activities of the team, establishing priorities and ensuring timelines are met.
• Provides training and coaching to direct report to support ongoing growth and development. 

What you bring to the table:

• Ability to influence without authority.
• Analytical thinker and problem solver, with the ability to use the data to tell a story and drive the business.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Initiative, flexible, detail-oriented and a team player.
• The willingness to work to tight deadlines in high pressured environments without compromising on work quality.
• Experience working effectively in complex global organizations, satisfying the needs of diverse constituents, and often working under the pressure of competing and sometimes conflicting priorities.
• Be able to thrive in a collaborative, corporate environment with a professional and positive attitude.
• Knowledgeable in the impact and methods of achieving sustainability through materials, process, and execution. 

What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:

• 5 -7 years of category management experience, with the demonstrated ability to build and drive category plans. 

What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience 

We Offer:

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
• Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule
• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more.

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.