Senior Manager, Merchandise Strategy Operations
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 Manager, Merchandise Strategy Operations
Lincolnshire, Illinois, United States
ApplyQuill.com makes the job of ordering supplies easier and more rewarding. While delivering everything from paper, ink, and toner to cleaning supplies and technology. Quill showcases exceptional customer service. Quill had proven to be a trusted partner of Staples since being acquired in 1998.
The Senior Manager, Merchandising Strategy and Operations plays a critical role in driving operational excellence, strategic planning, and cross-functional execution within the merchandising function. This position is responsible for leading key initiatives that optimize merchandise planning, enhance cross-functional processes, and align merchandising strategies with overall business goals. The role partners closely with Merchandising, Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Digital teams to ensure cohesive planning, execution, and performance tracking across merchandising strategies and seasonal initiatives.
What you’ll be doing:
- Develop and implement merchandising strategies to maximize sales and profitability.
- Oversee the planning and execution of category management and inventory control.
- Oversee the management of SKU operations and partnership with inventory management.
- Monitor and analyze market trends to position products effectively.
- Lead strategic planning processes for merchandising, including calendar management, process development, and execution alignment across functions.
- Drive operational improvements in merchandise execution, product setup, assortment planning, promotional readiness, and go-to-market alignment.
- Analyze business performance and identify trends, gaps, and opportunities to optimize merchandise effectiveness and business results.
- Develop and manage reporting tools and dashboards to track KPIs and ensure data-driven decision-making across the merchandising organization.
- Partner with IT and data teams to implement and enhance systems and tools that streamline operations and improve productivity.
- Facilitate alignment meetings and planning sessions between category management and cross-functional partners.
- Lead special projects related to merchandising transformation, organizational effectiveness, or operational scalability.
What you bring to the table:
- Strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into action
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills
- Collaborative leadership style and cross-functional influencing ability
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and process optimization
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills using data
What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or equivalent work experience
- Minimum of 8+ years of relevant business experience in merchandising, planning, operations, or strategy
- At least 3+ years of management or team leadership experience
- 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)
What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications:
- MBA or relevant advanced degree
- Experience with digital merchandising tools and analytics platforms
We Offer:
- 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!
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.
#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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