<p>Staples has a focus on our customers and our community. As the Director of Merchandising for Staples, you will be responsible for achieving the financial budget by developing and executing a customer-centric growth strategy for Technology Hardware. This strategy will be inspired by deep customer insight / market trends and include assortment planning, merchandise and vendor selection, negotiation, financial planning, supply chain and inventory turn implications, promotional and seasonal plans, merchandise presentation, distribution, vendor relations and administration for assigned lines.</p> <p>Merchandising is a key strategic pillar of growth for Staples Retail, and this role is critical to accelerating change and super-charging this high-potential business. Our people are the heart of our success, and we believe in collaboration, curiosity and continuous learning in all that we think, create and do. We are investing in our people and our stores, empowering our people to learn, grow, and deliver. Come be a part of a team that's leading the way in a new era of working and living.</p> <p>Execute Growth Strategy:</p> <ul> <li>Acquire a deep understanding of customer needs through research efforts and field feedback. </li><li>Develop a realistic and effective business plan to achieve budgeted goals in sales, margin, and inventory, along with executing that plan to deliver financial results. </li><li>Develop, execute, and effectively communicate strategy to the highest levels of the company. Ensure plans align with company strategic objectives and goals. </li><li>Partner to drive strategy, growth, and solve everyday opportunities and challenges with transactional website. </li></ul> <p>Assortment Planning & Vendor Relations:</p> <ul> <li>Choose product assortment and vendors, influence pricing, and create an appropriate customer experience. </li><li>Negotiate the lowest total delivered cost, volume incentives, rebates, advertising, and other allowances. </li><li>Effectively partner and influence other cross-functional partners, such as Inventory & Planning, Promo, Pricing, Marketing, Portfolio, etc. </li></ul> <p>Essential skills and experience:</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's Degree </li><li>10+ Years in buying related functions (buying-selling, merchandising, planning, inventory management). </li><li>Proficiency in B2C Sales metrics and best practices to ultimately drive sales & profit growth </li><li>Expert industry-specific knowledge of trends, competition, products customer behaviors, inventory management, logistics, and marketing techniques. </li><li>Ability to manage and develop the support team. </li></ul> <p>Preferred skills and experience:</p> <ul> <li>MBA Preferred. </li><li>Retail and Online Experience a plus. </li><li>10+ years of merchandising experience in retail, with a focus on technology or consumer electronics </li><li>Demonstrated in-depth knowledge in financial analysis. </li><li>Expert negotiating skills. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships across the organization and with vendors at the highest levels. </li><li>Technology Hardware including large margin & traffic-driving P&L management is preferred. </li></ul> <p>Get great perks because, you matter.</p> <ul> <li>Generous amount of paid time off and bonus plan. </li><li>401(k) plan with a company match, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and many more Benefits. </li><li>On-site, discounted childcare, fitness center and dry cleaners in Framingham, MA corporate office. </li><li>Associate store discount and more perks (discounts on mobile plans, movie tickets, etc.) </li></ul>