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’re inclusive, well-rounded professionals who have deep experience in buying, selling, negotiating, operations, design, innovation, finance and more.  

The Project Management team turns concepts and ideas for products into reality. They utilize expertise in project management, communication, risk mitigation, resource and timeline management to lead a cross-functional team through the define, development and launch phases of new product development projects, specification change projects, resourcing projects, and repackaging projects. They are accountable for delivering the product & project requirements on time while meeting our cost and quality targets. Simply put, they are our in-house project management experts related to our Staples Brands Group products.  

The Sr. Specialist PD Project Management supports the category Project Management lead by implementing project management tools, methodologies and practices to deliver assigned project sku count and revenue goals on time and in full. 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Concurrently manage multiple product development projects and be responsible for the creation of the project timeline, all communication, time management, and risk mitigation related to each project. 
• Support projects in multiple product categories, demonstrate ability to learn quickly about new markets, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. 
• Ensure delivery of projects through the define, development and launch phases which meet timing, cost, and quality targets, while exceeding customer expectations. 
• Ensure adherence to product development processes, compliance requirements, and quality standards. 
• Facilitate internal cross-functional project status meetings for assigned projects with Product Engineering, Sourcing, Category Development, Merchandising, Inventory, Logistics, and Quality. 
• Under guidance from category PM, lead and align team on project scope, project requirements and success criteria. Ensure this is supported by proper project documentation of project definition and goals in PLM system, communication out to team and alignment with category PM lead. 
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills by identifying process improvements and supporting efficiency initiatives. 
• Maintain project schedules and project data in the PLM system. 

What you bring to the table: 

• Self-motivated, fast learner who works well in a fast-paced, changing environment 
• Highly customer-focused 
• Must have effective communication skills, both written and oral, be highly organized with excellent follow-up skills and the ability to successfully interface with partners on various teams, internal and external, as well as domestic and international 
• Creative mind that looks for innovative ways to solve problems and improve processes 
• Values open communication and has a proven history of leading a team to achieve business goals through peer collaboration 
• Values continuous improvement and enjoys identifying new methods and ways to improve current processes 
• Must have a deep interest in personally growing and developing in the Project Management field. Must be comfortable with ambiguity and find enjoyment in problem-solving 
• Strong aptitude to collaborate and build relationships 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively 

What’s needed- Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• 3+ years of experience effectively managing projects in product development, sourcing, logistics or manufacturing disciplines in cross-functional environments. 
• Experience working in a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool(s) and creating and maintaining project schedules and project data in a PLM system 

What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems 
• Experience managing projects as part of a global team 
• Knowledge of Enovia 
• PMP, Six Sigma or Agile certification 

We Offer: 

• Hybrid work schedule: 3 days per week onsite at the Framingham, MA office
• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups 
• 22 days of PTO and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays + 1 floating holiday) 
• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more! 

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