Senior Category Merchant
Lincolnshire, Illinois, United States
When we work together, challenges don’t stand a chance.
Be the reason — the expertise you bring to the table, your keen eye for customer insights, and your passion for analytics. So join our team and you’ll own product lines and drive profit. And we’ll help you build a future merchandised exactly how you want.
Total Rewards
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- Compensation & Incentives
- Competitive base salary + bonus on eligible positions
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- Paid Time Off
- 22 days plus 7 major holidays and 1 floating holiday
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- 401(k) Matching
- Company match 401(k) plan
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- Discounts
- Online and retail discounts
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- Wellness
- Physical and mental health wellness programs
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- On-site Amenities
- Daycare, cafeteria, fitness center, and coffee shop at our HQ
Senior 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:
As a Senior Category Merchant, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategy and execution for high-volume and complex product lines at Quill. You’ll lead a talented team, leveraging customer insights and data analytics to deliver the best value and selection for our customers through seamless online and offline experiences. Your responsibilities will span assortment planning, vendor selection, pricing strategy, negotiation, financial analysis, inventory management, promotional planning, and merchandise presentation. You’ll partner cross-functionally with teams including Ecommerce, Pricing & Analytics, Marketing, Finance, and Inventory Management to achieve ambitious sales and margin goals.
This role is both strategic and tactical, giving you ownership of the product category P&L and the chance to innovate and drive results. You’ll lead negotiations with vendors, develop and execute business plans, and ensure a best-in-class customer journey. If you are passionate about merchandising, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to influence the future of B2B commerce, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
What You Bring to the Table:
- Proven experience leading and managing high-performing teams.
- Track record of driving sales, margin results, and managing large P&L accounts.
- Experience in multiple product categories, preferably with B2B customers or sales teams.
- Expertise in merchandising strategy, vendor negotiations, and online retail optimization.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and develop actionable plans.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence across all levels.
- Creative, innovative approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications, especially Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
- Excellent written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail and a strategic, analytical approach.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at multiple level.
What’s needed: Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.
- 8+ years of relevant merchandising experience.
- Ability to analyze data, understand key indicators, and make informed decisions.
- Experience with online merchandising and vendor negotiations.
- Demonstrated ability to drive sales and margin results.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with large P&L management and multiple product categories.
- Background working with B2B customers or sales teams.
- Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills with the ability to develop recommendations and action plans based on data.
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.
#LI-HS1
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
- Adaptable
- Analytical
- Communicator
- Detail-oriented
- Insightful
- Problem-solver
Our Culture
People are at the heart of what we do, and we take care of our people. We’re the kind of company that invests in you because you invest in us. At Staples, we thrive on challenges, we believe in the power of what can be, and we support change with purpose. So, bring your win-together attitude and we’ll surround you with like-minded experts who are looking to make an impact for our customers, our community, and our teams.
Meet Louise, Associate Category Merchant
Hear from our people and learn more about their experiences.
"What I love about this department is that every day brings a new challenge, and every day you get the chance to collaborate with a variety of different teams. This allows us to really figure out what our passions are and what we want to pursue."
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