**Staples is business to business.** You’re what binds us together. Our merchandising team aims to deliver the best value and selection to our customers through products, services and solutions all centered around our customers’ needs. We are driven by customer insights and analytics to bring products and solutions to market seamlessly. We’re inclusive, well-rounded professionals who have deep experience in buying, selling, negotiating, operations, design, innovation, finance and more. **Role summary:** The Merchandise Specialist is a foundational role within our merchandising team, focused on the detailed analysis and support of specific product categories. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of merchandise selection and presentation. **What you’ll be doing:** + Manage the SKU lifecycle, including setup, maintenance, inactivation, and returns to vendor (RTV) or destruction + Collaborate with content and inventory teams throughout the process + Oversee the Master Assortment tracker for all items across various business units; provide SKU requirements, including additions, deletions, and maintenance, to ensure consistency across channels + Facilitate communication of new items and forecasts among business unit counterparts (e-commerce, SBA, Quill, Essendant, HiTouch, and other acquisitions), Inventory & Planning, Vendor Management, and own brand teams + Identify, track, and recommend matches for alternative products when needed + Become an expert in our systems and be responsible for running reports on sales and margin performance, vendor purchases, business unit performance, and ad hoc reporting + Analyze vendor and assortment financial data and suggest opportunities for improvement + Process and communicate cost increases via PCW Process with vendors or own brand teams + Handle high volumes of field inquiries daily and provide timely support using problem-solving skills efficiently + Communicate effectively and proactively with the distribution network and wholesaler team to identify assortment gaps and add new items to the Master Assortment at optimal costs + Support merchandising teams and generalist salesforce with RFPs and proposals + Assist merchants in executing activities to deliver vendor and category strategies **What you bring to the table:** + Strong organization skills with ability to multi-task + Ability to work independently and execute across multiple groups + Good verbal and written communication skills **What’s needed-** Basic Qualifications: + Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience + 1+ years’ of work experience in business or related field + 1+ years using Microsoft Suite + 6+ months merchandising and print experience + 6+ months analytical/financial experience **What’s needed-** Preferred Qualifications: + Intermediate level systems experience with databases, AS400 systems and spreadsheets **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 Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender idenity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. For individuals with disabilities that need additional assistance at any point in the process, please call 1-888-490-4747 for more information.