Senior Manager, Category Development

About the Role

Staples operates as a B2B company committed to connecting through its merchandising team, which focuses on providing optimal value and selection by centering its products, services, and solutions on customer needs. The team is composed of versatile professionals with diverse expertise in buying, selling, negotiation, operations, design, innovation, finance, and related areas.

The Senior Manager of Category Development is a pivotal strategic leader responsible for steering long-term category growth, managing portfolio strategy, and forging strong partnerships with merchants. This role collaborates closely with merchandising and cross-functional teams to create competitive growth, improve margins, and deliver greater value to customers. It involves shaping future category directions using data insights, influencing senior leadership, and aligning key enterprise objectives with executable plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement multi-year strategies and roadmaps for category growth.
• Spot new growth areas, innovative opportunities, and market trends.
• Assess portfolio health and prioritize resource allocation.
• Lead strategic discussions with merchandising leaders and stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-team efforts to achieve strategic goals.
• Analyze customer data, industry trends, and financial outcomes.
• Develop business cases to guide investment decisions based on ROI.
• Guide, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing team.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Economics, or related fields, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in category management, strategy, merchandising, consulting, or analytics.
• Demonstrated ability to create and execute growth strategies and business plans.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and various functional teams.
• Strong financial skills, including business case development.
• Proficiency with data tools like Excel, Tableau, or Power BI.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced academic degree preferred.
• Over 8 years of industry experience in retail, consumer packaged goods, or similar sectors.
• More than 3 years of leadership experience managing teams.
• Proven track record managing complex category portfolios.
• Experience with private brand management, product development, and category oversight.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Strategic planning and strong business judgment.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Executive presence and influence.
• Effective communication and storytelling talent.
• Comfort with ambiguity and capability to drive organizational change.
• Collaborative leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Benefits and Culture

• Inclusive work environment with associate-led Business Resource Groups.
• Flexible paid time off (22 days) and 7 paid holidays.
• Discounts for online and retail purchases, company 401(k) match, health and wellness programs, among other benefits.

Compensation Details

The indicated salary range reflects Staples’ anticipated remuneration for this role at posting time and may vary according to factors including the candidate's experience, education, location, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, this position may qualify for bonuses and other variable pay incentives.