Be the reason

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

Quill 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:

As the Manager, Merchandising Strategy and Operations, you will play a vital role in supporting operational excellence, planning, and cross-functional execution within our Merchandising function. You’ll conduct analysis, develop reporting, create presentations, and support key initiatives that drive alignment and improve merchandise planning processes. You’ll work collaboratively with Merchandising, Finance, Pricing, Marketing, and Digital teams to gather insights and facilitate the execution of merchandising strategies and seasonal initiatives.

You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing merchandising strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, and operational efficiency—bridging strategic vision and execution. Leveraging data, insights, and collaboration, you’ll deliver effective merchandising outcomes across both digital and physical channels. This role also partners with supply chain and analytics teams to develop actionable business plans, optimize assortments, and improve processes.

Your duties will include:

• Develop and execute short- and mid-term merchandising strategies that align with business goals, customer needs, and market trends.
• Analyze sales, margin, inventory, and customer data to provide actionable recommendations on assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Collaborate with finance and supply chain to optimize forecasting, inventory allocation, and replenishment strategies.
• Build and maintain reporting dashboards and performance metrics to track category and assortment performance.
• Partner with marketing and digital teams to ensure promotional execution and product presentation align with merchandising strategies.
• Lead operational process improvements to streamline workflows, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.
• Provide thought leadership on vendor negotiations, seasonal planning, and product lifecycle management.
• Troubleshoot operational issues escalated by merchandising teams, providing effective and timely solutions.
• Mentor junior staff and provide technical or analytical guidance to support team development.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and occasionally lead project workstreams.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities; capable of influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proven project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to thrive in a matrixed environment.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to anticipate and address challenges before they occur.

What’s needed: Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or equivalent experience 
• Minimum 6+ years of relevant work experience in merchandising, planning, operations, or strategy.
• Experience with ERP, PIM, or assortment planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDA/Blue Yonder).
• Background in digital or omnichannel retail environments.
• Knowledge of change management principles and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze sales and margin performance and provide actionable recommendations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and business intelligence/reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or similar).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business or related discipline.
• 7+ years of merchandising or retail operations experience with exposure to both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar environments.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior staff.
• Familiarity with ERP and retail planning tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDA).
• Proven track record of delivering process improvements that drive efficiency and cost savings.

We Offer: 

• Hybrid work schedule requires 4 days in the office per week in Lincolnshire, IL
• 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! 

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 

#LI-HS 

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.