Job Description:

The Merchandise Specialist at Staples Retail is transforming modern working and learning. Our Merchandising organization offers entry level opportunities with training, mentoring, and promotional opportunities to grow within the Merchandising team. Starting as a Merchandising Specialist, you will learn about competitive analysis, promotional planning, market research, identifying trends and new products, SKU set-upmaintenance, proofing marketing assets, and more. Our people are the heart of our success, and we believe in collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning in all that we think, create, and do. You will gain exposure to a wide variety of cross functional teams including Merchandising, Marketing, Inventory Planning, Store Operations, eCommerce, and Stores to name a few.Get Great Perks:Generous amount of paid time off Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and flexible work hours 401(k) plan with a company match, variety of benefits and options, associate resource groupsAssociate store discount and more perks (discounts on mobile plans, movie tickets, etc.)Corporate office includes a café (i.e., coffee, cappuccinos, teas), 247 fitness center, convenience store, on-site dry cleaning, Chef Louie's Cafeteria, and moreLearn about and impact store merchandise and sales:Attend vendor meetings to collaborate on business plans and gain exposure to new productsConduct market research, gather industry data, track trends, competitive shoppingWork with vendors and internal teams to launch new to market products, vendor program agreements and price change worksheetsObtain samples and assist with POG and Promo set up at the LabManage the Ad Sign off process and digital marketing assets with supportProactively manage the SKU and Vendor set up and maintenance processProcess product returns, price changes, price protection, couponsrebates, and markdownsRetrievesource financial datareports to review performance with BuyerAnswer communication from stores on products and vendors; other responsibilities as assignedEssential skills and experience:High school degree or Bachelor's degree; recent college grads welcome to applyStrong Microsoft Office skillsStrong Excel skills; ability to use a pivot table and calculateenter formulas such as v-lookups, SumIf and IfError.Strong Organization skillsEnjoy working in teams and being highly communicativeAble to multi-task and be flexible to new initiativesPreferred skills and experience:Bachelor's degreeInterest to learn about retail and merchandisingStrong math skills