Senior Category Merchant
Lincolnshire, IL 
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Posted 17 days ago
Job Description

Quill 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.

What you'll be doing:

* Expertly interpret financial statements, total costs to serve the product, financial levers and metrics used in merchandising to understand current and future trends. Identify exceptions and seek additional information when data discrepancies are found.

* Independently develop realistic and effective strategic business plans for high volume and / or complex product lines to achieve budgeted goals in sales, margin, supply chain impact, driving execution and adjustments of the plan. Identify alternatives for driving sales in face of negative trends.

* Develop deep understanding of customer's needs and behaviors through customer research. Leverage customer knowledge and identify market trends create selling strategies that give Quill.com a competitive advantage. Independently develop assortment strategies in anticipation of customer needs and select vendors for assigned product lines.

* Work closely with Staples Merchant teams to understand terms of Vendor Program Agreements and to ensure Quill specific asks are included. Expertly negotiate with vendors for lowest total delivered cost, volume incentives, rebates, advertising, and other applicable allowances that apply to the Vendor Program Agreement (VPA). Negotiate incremental Quill specific promotional and Key Supplier Program funding specific to assigned lines of responsibility.

* Review and approve promo item forecast with Planners for individual category ownership as well as Team's assigned product lines.

* Effectively manage Return and Allowance rates by identifying problematic SKUs and developing mitigation plans.

* Develop and deploy plans to create the most effortless and friendly online experience through the eyes of the customer. Optimize online shopping experience and revenue through search, browse, ribbons, content, imagery, attributes, cross selling, attachments, product relationships and other enhanced selling tools.

* Utilize insights from web and customer analytics, for on-line, digital, print and sales channels.

* Partner cross-functionally with channel partners to gain deeper insights, communicate category strategies, and flawlessly execute plans. Understand our targeted marketing capabilities to enhance those contacts and maximize the results of our business.

* Jointly develop market based pricing strategies with pricing team. Modify as needed based on market conditions and business demands.

* Responsible for promotional strategy including sales forecast, category role, vendor negotiations, promo allowances, existing tools, Quill strategies and promo negotiations. Meet with vendors in development of growth and promotional plans.

* Manage and coach a team of Merchants who are responsible for the financial performance of their categories. Ensure the team's product assortments will meet our customers' needs.

* Develop team members into future leaders in the organization with timely feedback, effective development plans and performance appraisals. Make hiring decisions for staff and ensure there are clear and effective onboarding plans for new associates.

What you bring to the table:

* Experience with leading and managing a team.

* Proven ability to drive sales and margin results.

* Strategic and analytical thinker who is a problem solver with the ability to draw conclusions and develop recommendations and action plans based on data.

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence at multiple levels.

* Online merchandising experience.

* Experience in vendor negotiations.

* Attention to detail, analytical mindset, and a problem solver.

Qualifications :

What's needed- Basic Qualifications:

* 8+ years of relevant experience in merchandising.

* Proficiency in MS Office applications, specifically MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.

What's needed- Preferred Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

* Multiple category experience including large P&L management.

* Experience working with B2B customers or sales teams.

We Offer:

* Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups

* Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule

* Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!

Interested in joining the team? Check out our!


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Staples believes Inclusion is a verb and we encourage diversity of thinking and ideas as well as backgrounds and experiences. Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

 

Job Summary
Company
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Experience
8+ years
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