Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together. 

Our world class sales and sales support teams work directly with businesses of all sizes to offer products and services to meet our customers’ unique needs. We are committed to understanding our customers and use best-in-class sales tools and technology to find the best solutions. We’re constantly discovering new ways to reach our goals, taking time to develop our skills, and investing in our career growth, so we can enjoy lucrative opportunities and grow our careers both within and beyond sales. 

The SBA Print Sourcing Team is responsible for over $100 million in print procurement and service for our Contract Customers. This team excels at building strong customer and supplier relationships while utilizing creative problem-solving methods to meet and exceed customer expectations. 

Position Summary:

• With minimum supervision, carries out broad assignments to procure finished goods and services for resale requiring extensive or specialized knowledge of the printing industry.
• Utilizes online quoting tools and systems to procure print product for Staples internal customers (Sales, Sales Support). 
• Develops alternative sources of supply, when supplier partners are unable to procure the items required by customers and ensure lowest cost and best-time delivery. 
• Collaborates with sales and strategic sourcing partners to obtain competitive pricing. 
• Acquire product knowledge and follow industry trends.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Gathers information from sales and sales support to develop detailed specifications for various print product categories. Using these specifications, solicits bids and quote requests from qualified suppliers using the company designated processes and procurement tools.   

• Negotiates with Supplier partners to deliver best pricing, solution and value.  Provide sales with proactive communication regarding progress of quote request while working within established deadlines. 
  
  
• Ability to describe specifications from samples provided by the requestor utilizing commonly used industry tools - ruler, micrometer, loop, paper swatches, and PMS books.

• Procures finished goods and services for resale, utilizing established suppliers and/or contacting new suppliers as alternative sources of supply when needed. Provides alternatives when cost savings and/or better solutions can be realized. 

• Support internal partners as needed (Program Sourcing opportunities, Merchandising teams, Supply Chain teams). Support the SBA Business Unit.

• Possess a strong team building work ethic as well as foster a productive, professional work environment, supporting departmental initiatives, processes, and procedures. 

• Works closely with Sales support teams to resolve supplier and sales issues/concerns/requests post order.

• Works with Sourcing Management to qualify/request new strategic suppliers. Works with Supplier Relations to address concerns/issues and possible removal of strategic suppliers from our database. 

• Work closely with Sourcing Management to proactively communicate with internal and external business partners. 

• Cross functionally train in all areas of print sourcing. Achieve departmental goals and objectives.

• Provide exceptional customer service to our internal and external customers.

Required Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma or GED
• Previous print purchasing experience
• Demonstrated negotiation skills
• Knowledge of various product categories related to custom print manufacturing (i.e. envelopes, forms, digital print etc.)
• Knowledge of systems: Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; self-motivation 
• Flexible, detail-oriented with strong organizational and information-gathering skills 
• Ability to work in a team environment and fluid organizational structure
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills both verbal and written, including problem solving and conflict resolution skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3-5 years print purchasing experience 
• Knowledge of systems: AS400, Salesforce.com
• Proven professionalism
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment
• Strong Multi-tasking and Time Management skills 

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!

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.