Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together.
Our Merchandising team is at the forefront of delivering innovative products and solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We work cross-functionally to bring ideas to life, ensuring our Own Brand portfolio is positioned for success across all channels. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy turning strategy into execution, this is a unique opportunity to make a measurable impact.
What you will be doing:
The Manager, Commercial Activation – Own Brands is responsible for owning end-to-end activation of a defined portfolio of Private Brand SKUs, ensuring products are effectively positioned, launched, and optimized across Staples Business, Retail, Staples.com, and Marketplace channels. This role operates at the center of cross-functional execution, driving alignment across teams, identifying and resolving activation gaps, and using data-driven insights to continuously improve performance.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Own end-to-end activation for a portfolio of Own Brand SKUs, including new launches and in-market assortment
- Ensure products are properly set up and optimized across digital, retail, and program environments
- Identify and resolve activation gaps impacting pricing, placement, readiness, and content
- Drive cross-functional alignment across Merchandising, Pricing, Sales, Digital, Retail, Marketplace, and GPO partners
- Partner with execution teams to ensure activation plans are delivered consistently
- Analyze performance data (sales, pricing, channel performance) to identify risks and opportunities
- Monitor key activation KPIs and ensure follow-through on improvements
- Translate data into clear, actionable insights to support business decisions
- Contribute to reporting improvements and enhanced data visibility
- Lead or influence cross-functional initiatives and mentor less experienced team members
What You Bring to the Table:
- Strong ownership mindset with ability to drive initiatives from concept through execution
- Ability to navigate ambiguity and structure complex, cross-functional challenges
- Collaborative, proactive approach to building alignment across teams
- Analytical curiosity and comfort working with data to inform decisions
- Clear, concise communication skills with ability to translate complexity into actionable insights
- Strong prioritization skills and ability to balance multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment
- Resilient, solutions-oriented mindset with focus on continuous improvement
What’s needed: Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Analytics, or related work experience
- 7+ years of experience in merchandising, marketing, commercial activation, or related roles
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in omnichannel retail (B2B, eCommerce, Retail, Marketplace)
- Experience working with SKU-level sales, pricing, or channel performance data
- Experience supporting go-to-market or product performance initiatives
- Exposure to Private Brands or CPG environments
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!
Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer who values the diversity of our people, products, and services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
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, business considerations, geography, and internal equity. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements.
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 in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Analytics, or equivalent experience
- 7+ years of experience in merchandising, marketing, commercial activation, or related roles
- Strong analytical skills and comfort working with data to inform decisions
- Clear, concise communication and ability to build cross-functional alignment
- Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and mentor less experienced team members
- Experience in omnichannel retail (B2B, eCommerce, Retail, Marketplace)
- Experience working with SKU-level sales, pricing, or channel performance data
- Experience supporting go-to-market or product performance initiatives
- Exposure to Private Brands or CPG environments
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.
