Associate Manager, Category Development - Staples
Framingham, MA
About the Job
Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together.
Our merchandising team aims to deliver the best value and selection to our customers through products, services and solutions all centered around our customers’ needs. We are driven by customer insights and analytics to bring products and solutions to market seamlessly. We’re inclusive, well-rounded professionals who have deep experience in buying, selling, negotiating, operations, design, innovation, finance and more.
What you'll be doing:
+ Demonstrates deep category management expertise through use of all data sources.
+ Support the development and execution of category strategic plans (12-18 months) to drive sales, margin and penetration that meet or exceed goals. Responsible for executing plan in assigned categories and demonstrates understanding of how assigned categories drives total Private Brand plan.
+ Support team in new product identification across the portfolio of Private Brands – filling product gaps or identifying whitespace. Create business cases to support new product development and supports the sell in of product ideas to merchants and leadership team.
+ Supports overall program by seeking product improvements, programs, and initiatives that will reduce operating costs, increase product performance, and increase sustainability.
+ Partner with merchandising leads to influence all aspects related to Private Brands including financial performance, assortment and portfolio mix, value positioning and placement.
+ Supports Product Development and Sourcing team on creating tech packs and required feature/benefits.
+ Support team (including Brand Strategy team) to build compelling consumer propositions and support in the creation of compelling packaging and messaging.
+ Analyzes and interprets consumer and industry trends and maintains competitive research.
+ Supports category annual planning by working with Brand Strategy team to drive connection between brand strategy to individual categories.
What you bring to the table:
+ A result-focused, detailed-oriented thinker who’s equal parts creative and analytical
+ Comfortable working with and analyzing sales and market data
+ Strong verbal and written communication skills
+ Ability to influence manager-level colleagues both within and outside direct team
+ Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks
+ High sense of urgency and takes initiative as a self-starter
+ Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
+ Ability to work independently and efficiently
What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:
+ Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in category management, product development, merchandising, or management consulting within E-Commerce/Retail industry
What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications:
+ Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or related field, or equivalent education and experience combined
+ Proficient in PowerPoint and Excel
+ Experience in private brands
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!
Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender idenity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
For individuals with disabilities that need additional assistance at any point in the process, please call 1-888-490-4747 for more information.
Our merchandising team aims to deliver the best value and selection to our customers through products, services and solutions all centered around our customers’ needs. We are driven by customer insights and analytics to bring products and solutions to market seamlessly. We’re inclusive, well-rounded professionals who have deep experience in buying, selling, negotiating, operations, design, innovation, finance and more.
What you'll be doing:
+ Demonstrates deep category management expertise through use of all data sources.
+ Support the development and execution of category strategic plans (12-18 months) to drive sales, margin and penetration that meet or exceed goals. Responsible for executing plan in assigned categories and demonstrates understanding of how assigned categories drives total Private Brand plan.
+ Support team in new product identification across the portfolio of Private Brands – filling product gaps or identifying whitespace. Create business cases to support new product development and supports the sell in of product ideas to merchants and leadership team.
+ Supports overall program by seeking product improvements, programs, and initiatives that will reduce operating costs, increase product performance, and increase sustainability.
+ Partner with merchandising leads to influence all aspects related to Private Brands including financial performance, assortment and portfolio mix, value positioning and placement.
+ Supports Product Development and Sourcing team on creating tech packs and required feature/benefits.
+ Support team (including Brand Strategy team) to build compelling consumer propositions and support in the creation of compelling packaging and messaging.
+ Analyzes and interprets consumer and industry trends and maintains competitive research.
+ Supports category annual planning by working with Brand Strategy team to drive connection between brand strategy to individual categories.
What you bring to the table:
+ A result-focused, detailed-oriented thinker who’s equal parts creative and analytical
+ Comfortable working with and analyzing sales and market data
+ Strong verbal and written communication skills
+ Ability to influence manager-level colleagues both within and outside direct team
+ Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks
+ High sense of urgency and takes initiative as a self-starter
+ Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
+ Ability to work independently and efficiently
What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:
+ Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in category management, product development, merchandising, or management consulting within E-Commerce/Retail industry
What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications:
+ Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or related field, or equivalent education and experience combined
+ Proficient in PowerPoint and Excel
+ Experience in private brands
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!
Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender idenity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
For individuals with disabilities that need additional assistance at any point in the process, please call 1-888-490-4747 for more information.
Source : Staples
