Associate Category Merchant Quill
Job Description
Quill is a valuable part of the Staples family of brands. Since 1956, Quill has held its position as a leader in office supplies.
Acquired by Staples in 1998, Quill delivers the essential services, solutions, and award-winning customer support to help our customers – and our people – thrive. When you partner with Quill, as a customer or as an associate, every workday is more rewarding.
From paper, ink & toner, to technology and custom print, we deliver the right products at the right value, plus an unmatched assortment of over 900 instant rewards available with every order.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Develop and execute strategic business plans for assigned product lines, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Manage all aspects of the product lifecycle, including assortment planning, vendor selection, negotiation, financial planning, inventory management, and merchandise presentation.
- Collaborate with the Category Merchant, Senior Category Merchant or Director of Merchandising to implement strategies that drive sales, margin, and competitive differentiation.
- Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the online shopping experience, leveraging customer insights and data to optimize revenue and utilization of selling tools (search results, browse paths, accessories, product attributes, etc.)
- Contribute to the development and execution of promotional go-to-market strategies, planning key product promotions to increase traffic and provide incremental sales and margin.
- Negotiate effectively with vendors to secure cooperative funding and favorable terms.
- Stay informed about market trends, external factors, and internal financial data to identify
- opportunities and potential risks.
- Interpret and communicate findings from financial reports and data, making informed decisions to drive positive outcomes.
- Provide clear direction and guidance to team members, ensuring successful execution of key initiatives.
- Develop product line pricing strategy with support from Pricing team.
What You Bring To The Table
- General knowledge of industry trends, assortment planning, customer buying patterns, inventory management, logistics and marketing techniques.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for building relationships, negotiating effectively, and collaborating cross-functionally.
- Skilled in data analysis and interpretation, leveraging insights to make informed decisions and guide product line management.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with particularly strong Excel skills and the ability to develop and manipulate spreadsheets.
What’s Needed- Basic Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years total experience in buying related functions (merchandising, buying, planning, inventory management).
- Experience in online merchandising strategies and practices.
- Basic knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint with proficiency in Access a plus.
- Basic knowledge of PowerBI, Access or related a plus.
What’s Needed- Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business.
- Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration and relationship-building.
- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
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!