Category Merchant
Lincolnshire, Illinois, United States
- Full time
- Remote
- $94,000 - $130,000
Join a team that powers everyday impact.
At Quill, a proud member of the Staples family of brands, we help businesses thrive by delivering essential products, smart solutions, and award-winning customer support. From paper and print to tech and custom services, we provide what teams need to get work done—seamlessly and affordably.
When you join Quill, you’re not just supporting customers—you’re part of a company where every workday is an opportunity to make a difference.
Total Rewards
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- Compensation & Incentives
- Competitive pay + bonuses
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- Paid Time Off
- Vacation & Sickness including 8 Paid Holidays
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- Wellness Programs
- Physical and mental wellness programs
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- Work-Life Balance
- Healthy work-life balance
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- Discounts
- Enjoy online and retail discounts
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- 401(k) Matching
- Company match 401(k) plan
Category Merchant
Lincolnshire, Illinois, United States
ApplyQuill is a valuable part of the Staples family of brands. Since 1956, Quill has held its position as a leader in office supplies.
Acquired by Staples in 1998, Quill delivers the essential services, solutions, and award-winning customer support to help our customers – and our people – thrive. When you partner with Quill, as a customer or as an associate, every workday is more rewarding.
From paper, ink & toner, to technology and custom print, we deliver the right products at the right value, plus an unmatched assortment of over 900 instant rewards available with every order.
What you will be doing:
- Develop and execute strategic business plans for assigned product lines to align with company objectives and drive success.
- Manage the entire product lifecycle, including assortment planning, vendor selection and negotiations, inventory management, and merchandise presentation.
- Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the online shopping experience, leveraging customer insights and data to optimize product visibility and revenue.
- Contribute to promotional go-to-market strategies, plan key product promotions, and negotiate with vendors for cooperative funding and favorable terms.
- Interpret financial reports and market data to make informed decisions, identify growth opportunities, and mitigate risks.
- Provide clear direction and guidance to team members, ensuring successful execution of key initiatives and seamless sharing of business insights.
Stay current on market trends and external factors, positioning Quill as a trusted solutions provider to customers and partners.
What You Bring to the Table:
- A strong history of managing product categories to achieve outstanding P&L results, showcasing expertise in online merchandising and a deep understanding of industry trends.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for building relationships, negotiating effectively, and collaborating across functions.
- Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, enabling informed decisions and strategic guidance for product lines.
- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks with exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, including coaching and developing team members for successful execution of product strategies.
- Ability to make informed decisions based on key indicators and business insights.
- Experience with tech, furniture, office supplies a plus.
What’s needed: Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years total experience in buying-related functions (merchandising, buying, planning, inventory management).
- Basic proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; knowledge of Access, PowerBI, Jira, Bloomreach or related systems is a plus.
- 1-2 years of experience in a managerial role, with proven success in managing product categories and driving P&L results.
- Experience in online merchandising strategies, assortment planning, customer buying patterns, inventory management, logistics, and marketing techniques.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business or equivalent work experience.
- 1-2 years of experience in a managerial role.
- Strong foundation in leadership and team management.
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!
The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate's experience, skill set, education, geography, business considerations, and internal equity. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for bonuses, or other forms of variable compensation.
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.
Success Profile
What makes a great sales representative at Staples? Take a look and see how you match up.
- Collaborative
- Entrepreneurial
- Adaptable
- Problem-solver
- Results-driven
- Team player
Our Culture
At Quill, we’re totally obsessed with our customers. Whether it’s tracking down that new favorite pen, offering instant savings, or making someone’s day with unexpected rewards, we take pride in being the team that helps businesses win. We believe in anticipating needs, delivering expert service with a personal touch, and making every interaction feel real — because it is. Cross-team collaboration is our office standard, because delivering for our customers starts with delivering for each other. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, meet challenges head-on, and serve the next generation of business owners, there's only one thing missing at Quill: That’s you.
Career Path
There are plenty of places to take your career at Staples.
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Starting roles
- Inside Sales Business Development Specialist
- Category Specialist (Furniture, Technology or Print)
- Site Development / Reactivation Specialist
- Inside Sales Account Manager
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Mid-level roles
- Key Account Manager
- Field Sales
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Manager roles
- Inside Sales Team Manager
- Sr. Team Manager
- Field Sales Manager
- Picker Packer - Staples Promotional Products Orange City, Iowa Warehouse
- Supply Demand Planner Framingham, Massachusetts Corporate Supply Chain & Logistics
- Key Account Executive Print Remote, Dallas, Texas Sales & Sales Support
- Warehouse Material Handler Full Time 3rd Shift Hanover, Maryland Drivers & Delivery
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