Senior Category Merchant -Tech (Remote*) - Office Depot

Overview

The Sr. Category Solutions Merchant will be responsible for the development and the execution of the strategic category plan for multiple departments. They will oversee the channel strategy, vertical engagement, store optimization, offer development and the go to market strategy. Must understand customer needs, enabling them to provide solutions by segment including vertical execution to maximize customer spend. Will develop new products, services and solutions to fill gaps within the assortment. Partners with Senior Director, Product & Service Solutions (Sr. Director) to develop 1-3 year strategy plans for categories by customer type for assigned categories. Strategies will have meaningful impact the company income and profitability streams.

Works with the Sr. Director in the establishment and execution of the necessary category plans, strategies and tactics to deliver the sales, margin and inventory objectives supporting the solution strategy. Promotes the objectives to which the Assortment Optimization Specialist, Private Brand, Finance, Solution Insights and Product Optimization Specialist operate.

As Sr. Merchant over PC's the expectations are to become an AI Solutions Specialist, within our computer merchant team.  Have familiarity with cloud platforms and services for deploying AI solutions.  Play a pivotal role in understanding and leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to enhance our products and services. Your responsibilities will revolve around market research, analyzing data and user feedback to identify areas for improvement and optimization, that align with our business objectives, as well as collaborating with internal teams to market our offerings both internally and externally.

This role requires a comprehensive understanding all current and future paths to purchase. Necessitating knowledge of key drivers including:

• Retail store format optimization and brick & mortar shopping experience
• Web dynamics, digital marketing impacts, and mobile experience
• Contract B2B sales motion, pricing strategies and vertical / customer segmentation.
• Responsible for people management, leadership and development of team and has significant influence in the mentoring and coaching across merchandising professional staff.
• Interacts extensively with executive C-suite level professionals both internally and externally.
• Identifies new vendors and new products/services that support targeted customer needs and aligns with the strategic category plan.
• Establishes, plans and implements all programs to achieve sales, gross margin and grow market share.
• In partnership with Sr. Director, develops and executes strategic category plan. Leads the communication of the category plan cross-functionally.
• Reviews and utilizes vendor scorecards to manage vendor relationships.
• Works with Financial Forecasting and Solution Analyst to gauge the effectiveness of the category strategy in relation to goals.
• Creates and implements sound vertical and channel strategy in line with the overall solution strategy.
• Hands off vendor strategy to Assortment Management to build out micro and vertical assortments as well as overall assortment.
• Hands off to Product Optimization to ensure effective pricing and promotion across all channels leveraging best price and placement.
• Develops one or more direct reports, including preparation for increased responsibilities, coaching, performance management, and long-term career planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A. / B.S.);in Business, Merchandising, Operations, Finance
• Minimum 7 + experience (4+ years progressive merchandising experience and 4 years managerial)
• Preferred 4+ years of hands-on experience negotiating contractual agreements in an international business environment; 3+ years marketing/product development. Financial evaluation experience required

Other Information

• Follow market trends. Use this knowledge to support internal customers, reduce costs and develop sourcing strategies.
• Evaluate the financial aspects and key cost drivers of global markets using published industry data and internal ODP; spend data, develop analysis and apply procurement strategy development.
• Conduct benchmarking and industry assessments to identify best practices and implement successfully within ODP; and culture
• Advanced negotiating skills;

*Remote: While this position does not currently require relocation, candidates within a radius of our physical locations, including, but not be limited to Boca Raton, Itasca, and Austin, will be required to work in the office a minimum of two days a week beginning in September 2024.

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.

About The ODP Corporation
The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) is a leading provider of products and services through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omnichannel presence, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, a B2B digital procurement solution, online presence, and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores. Through its operating companies Office Depot, LLC; ODP Business Solutions, LLC; Veyer, LLC; and Varis, LLC, The ODP Corporation empowers every business, professional, and consumer to achieve more every day.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified. Other duties may be assigned. 

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule 

The company offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunity to move and grow within our organization! For immediate consideration for this exciting position, please click the Apply Now button.

How to Apply

Click the Apply Now button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the submit button.

Application Deadline

The job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 days and will expire once the position has been filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.