<p>As an Associate Category Merchant for Staples, you will be responsible for managing various lines of product in Retail. Category responsibilities include Batteries, Label Makers & Tapes, Calculators, Digital Imaging and Appliances. This is a diverse portfolio with opportunities that are perfect for an up-and-coming Merchant. Be a part of a team that's leading the way in a new era of working and learning.</p> <p>Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li>Develop deep understanding of customer needs and shopping behavior as well as upcoming trends and brands in the marketplace. </li><li>With support from leadership team, develop and execute strategy to drive business utilizing vendor and industry share information. </li><li>Responsible for selecting items that represent both core and trend product lines, and presenting to manager for approval. </li><li>Negotiate with vendors for lower total delivered cost, volume incentives, rebates, advertising, funding, and other applicable allowances. Meet with vendors in development of marketing plans. </li><li>Merchandise assigned line(s) to ensure service levels with minimum inventory investment and maximum gross margin. Effectively manage impact on total supply chain by leveraging knowledge of inventory turns and logistics. </li><li>Review and approve financial and item forecasts with Planners. Responsibility for all financials of the category and must be able to present understanding of the numbers to upper management. </li><li>Work with Marketing, POG, Promo, Inventory Management, Stores Operations, Portfolio Team, and other functional areas as needed to achieve corporate goals. Partner with private label team to manage transitions and develop new on trend product at utmost quality. </li><li>Interpret financial statements, NPD Market data and other financials metrics used in Merchandising to understand current and future trends. </li><li>Manage and develop one Merchandise Specialist </li></ul> <p>Essential skills and experience:</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's Degree </li><li>Minimum of 3 years of total experience in buying related functions (Buying-Merchandising, Planning, Inventory Management). </li><li>General knowledge of industry trends, assortment planning, Planograms, customer buying patterns, inventory management, logistics and marketing techniques. </li><li>Knowledge and understanding of financial analysis and forecasting. </li><li>Negotiation skills, Influencing skills, verbal and written communication skills. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Skills:</p> <ul> <li>Intermediate to advance Microsoft and Excel skills a must. </li><li>Ability to drive sales and margin results. </li><li>Ability to build partnerships </li></ul> <p>Get great perks.</p> <ul> <li>Generous amount of paid time off and bonus opportunities </li><li>Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid </li><li>401(k) plan with a company match, full benefits plan and options, and associate resource groups </li><li>Associate store discount </li><li>Corporate office includes a café (i.e., coffee, cappuccinos, teas), 24/7 fitness center, convenience store, on-site dry cleaning, Chef Louie's Cafeteria, and more </li></ul>