Category Merchant-Framingham, MA

Staples is focused on delivering value for our customers and the communities we serve. As a Category Merchant, Tech Services, you will own and manage key technology service categories across U.S. Retail Stores and Online (Staples.com). This role is responsible for achieving financial and customer engagement objectives by developing and executing a customer‑centric, omnichannel services strategy.

This strategy will be informed by deep customer insight and will include service portfolio planning, vendor and program selection, negotiations, financial planning, promotional and marketing alignment, and effective presentation of services both in‑store and online. A critical part of this role is ensuring Tech Services are easy to discover, easy to understand, and easy to sell, enabling associates to confidently recommend and attach services that solve customer needs.

Merchandising is a critical growth pillar for Staples Retail, and this role is central to accelerating the evolution of our Tech Services business across retail and digital experiences. Our people are at the heart of our success, and we foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning. We are investing in our teams, stores, and digital platforms—empowering our people to grow, innovate, and deliver exceptional service. Join us and help shape the future of how Staples supports customers in a connected, technology‑enabled world.

Strategy

• Develop a deep understanding of customer technology needs through customer insights, data analysis, and direct field feedback.
• Build and execute a practical, results‑oriented business plan to achieve budgeted sales, margin, and attach goals for Tech Services.
• Develop, execute, and clearly communicate category strategy to senior leadership, ensuring alignment with enterprise and merchandising objectives.
• Analyze internal performance data and external market trends to identify customer buying behaviors, service adoption patterns, and growth opportunities.

Service Portfolio & Program Planning

• Own the Tech Services portfolio by selecting service offerings and vendors, influencing pricing and value propositions, and delivering a simple, compelling customer experience.
• Lead vendor negotiations across pricing, revenue share, rebates, marketing investment, funding, and other financial levers to improve category economics.
• Review and approve service forecasts and financial plans in partnership with the DMM, Planning, and Finance teams.
• Effectively partner with cross‑functional teams including Site Merchandising, Marketing, Portfolio, Stores, and Operations to drive successful omnichannel execution.
• Manage and develop a support team, setting clear priorities and accountability.
• Own all vendor‑led service programs, ensuring delivery of revenue commitments, tracking performance, and coordinating with cross‑functional partners to execute all program elements consistently across retail and online.

Essential skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum 4-6 years total experience in buying related functions
• Expert knowledge of industry trends, competition, assortment planning, customer behaviors, store operations, logistics and marketing techniques.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge in financial analysis and forecasting. 
• Intermediate to advance Microsoft and Excel skills a must.
• Strong managerial and development skills
• Ability to build partnerships

Preferred skills and experience:

• Expert negotiating skills with highest level internally and externally. 
• Accomplished in holding a team accountable to achieve measurable results. 
• Multiple category experience including large P+L management is preferred. 

Get great perks.

• Bonus plan and generous amount of paid time off, including one Floating Holiday each year
• Flexible work arrangements, including flexible work hours, 4 days in the office, and 1 day remote
• 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance with many more optional benefits
• Associate store discount and more perks (discounts on mobile plans, movie tickets, etc.)

The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate's experience, skill set, education, geography, business considerations, and internal equity.  In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for bonuses, or other forms of variable compensation. 

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Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Staples is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 1-888-490-4747 for more information.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act; as well as with any other state and local Fair Chance Ordinance/Act regulations.

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.