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.
The Manager, Category Development serves as a Portfolio Owner responsible for the performance, growth, and lifecycle management of assigned Owned Brand portfolios. This role partners closely with Merchandising and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, prioritize initiatives, and execute category strategies that drive differentiated growth, improved assortment productivity, sustainable margin expansion, and customer value.
The role applies data-driven insights, customer understanding, and commercial acumen to evaluate portfolio performance, recommend actions, and support product development and innovation efforts. Operating within defined category strategies and business priorities, this role contributes to portfolio planning and execution while influencing decisions through analytics, insights, and structured recommendations.
What you will be doing:
- Evaluate and manage Owned Brand portfolio performance and lifecycle
- Analyze financial, customer, and operational data to identify opportunities
- Develop recommendations to improve assortment and category performance
- Build and maintain annual portfolio and category plans
- Support product development and innovation initiatives
- Partner with cross-functional teams to execute category strategies
- Conduct competitive benchmarking and market analysis
- Prepare and present insights, recommendations, and business cases
- Drive data-based prioritization and decision-making
- Collaborate across Product Development, Sourcing, Finance, and Marketing
What You Bring to the Table:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to translate data into business insights
- Cross-functional collaboration and partnership
- Clear and structured communication skills
- Strong organization and prioritization
- Commercial mindset with attention to detail
- Adaptability in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to influence stakeholders
- Experience working cross-functionally
What’s needed: Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- 7+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, product development, consulting, or analytics
- Experience analyzing financial and customer data
- Experience building business cases
- Proficiency in Excel, SQL, or similar tools
Preferred Qualifications:
- 3+ years of project leadership or people management experience preferred
- Experience with Owned Brands or private label
- Experience in retail, eCommerce, or consumer goods
- Product development lifecycle experience
- Advanced analytics or BI tools (Tableau, Power BI)
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!
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.
About UsStaples 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
- 7+ years experience in category management, merchandising, product development, consulting, or analytics
- Experience analyzing financial and customer data
- Experience building business cases
- Proficiency in Excel, SQL, or similar tools
- 3+ years of project leadership or people management experience
- Experience with Owned Brands or private label
- Experience in retail, eCommerce, or consumer goods
- Product development lifecycle experience
- Experience with advanced analytics or BI tools (Tableau, Power BI)
Staples Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Staples and has not been reviewed or approved by Staples.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing offerings are described as broad, including wellness reimbursements, emotional support and coaching, legal services, identity theft protection, and pet insurance. Employee discounts and select on-site amenities are also positioned as meaningful add-ons beyond basic coverage.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off provisions are presented as relatively expansive, including paid time off, company-recognized holidays, and a personal or flexible holiday option. Vacation that grows with tenure and PTO flexibility are highlighted as valued elements.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — Healthcare benefits explicitly include gender-affirming care alongside medical, dental, and vision coverage. Family and caregiver programs also include support that references LGBTQ+ considerations and broader life-stage needs.
Staples Insights
What We Do
For nearly 40 years, Staples has been a trusted leader in delivering end-to-end workplace solutions for consumers and businesses of all sizes across a broad range of industries. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio of products, strategic solutions, and services including print and marketing, shipping, technology, and travel. Its specialized assortment includes high-quality office supplies, janitorial products, technology, furniture, and breakroom essentials, all supported by best-in-class supply chain capabilities and a dedicated team of experts committed to making the workday easier. Headquartered near Boston, Massachusetts, Staples operates throughout North America via direct B2B sales, e-commerce, and more than 900 retail stores. To learn more, visit your local U.S. Staples store, download the Staples app, explore Staples.com or StaplesBusiness.com, or follow @Staples on social media.
