Staples Professional is the commercial, business to business division of Staples
We work with small to large sized companies to develop customized programs with specialized pricing, dedicated account management, and a complete assortment of products and services at a low total delivered cost
Staples Professional offers our clients: Facility Supplies, Breakroom Products, Technology Solutions, Furniture, Print Solutions, Promotional Products and more
To learn more about Staples Professional visit us at: www.staplesbusinessadvantage.ca
Purpose of Job
The Director of Merchandising will have responsibility for a group of merchandising categories within their Division focused on either our B2C (Stores and Online) or B2B (SBA and Preferred) business. The Category Director will lead and develop a group of Category Managers with responsibility for delivering on budgeted sales, margin and inventory turns for their business. The Category Director will work closely with their VP – Divisional Merchandising on go to market strategies and product development that supports the future of Working and Learning.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Category Strategy:
Work with their team to develop timely assortment strategies and marketing plans to deliver on budgeted sales, margin and inventory targets, ensuring that their plans align with the company’s greater strategy
Liaise across the team on various initiatives and help ensure that projects/tasks stay on track
Develop plans 12-18 months out on assortment review and planogram changes to improve productivity, drive innovation and support Own Brand growth
Closely align with internal partners (Marketing, Space Planning, Analytics/Pricing, Inventory, Sales, Contract and Bid ) to gain the necessary support and remove barriers
Work closely with Merch and Finance leadership to establish departmental budgets and regular forecasting of sales and margin
Marketing:
Partner closely with Integrated Marketing team to achieve collective goals
Ensure that the Division’s key priorities are well represented in our Marketing plans and that they support the Company Vision and Transformation Strategy
Vendor Relations:
Support and provide guidance to their team on Vendor negotiations
Take a lead role with regards to key Strategic Vendor Partnerships
Ensure that new Vendor partnerships align with direction of the organization
People Management:
Lead a team of Category Managers and Category Specialists with a focus on Coaching and People development
Oversee, provide guidance and motivate team members for success
Hold teams accountable for proactively seeking trends and insights about their categories and product assortments
Provide input into hiring and coach associates through disciplinary actions up to and including termination of employment
Communication:
Ensure all channels ( Stores, Digital and Sales Teams ) receive timely information required to be successful
Ensure that senior management is informed on strategy and changes with respect to assigned categories
Establish relationships with other departments and business units and gain alignment on initiative where necessary
Project Management:
Periodically lead a project and/or represent the Merchandising team as a whole
Provide direction to the business from a Merchandising lens and report back to the Executive team
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Office Environment (Home & Corporate)
Periodic travel required
Qualifications :
Recommended Qualifications
Knowledge / Skill Requirements:
Advanced Leaderships skills
Advanced Analytical skills
Advanced Problem-Solving skills
Experience:
Minimum 6-8 years Merchandising Management Experience
Cross functional experience in several Merchandising functions and channels
Education:
Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Business or related discipline
Management Responsibility
Number of Direct reports with team of less than 3 associates: 3-4
Number of Direct reports with team of 3 or more associates: 0
Total reports (direct or indirect): 6-10
Interested in joining the team? Check out our perks and benefits !
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.
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