Strategic Merchandiser, Staples Promotional Products

Staples Promotional Products leads the industry with design expertise, best in class technology and inspiring creativity. SPP offers hundreds of customizable products – from coolers to notebooks – that allow companies to maximize brand recognition and reach thousands of people at a low cost.

What you’ll be doing:

The SPP Strategic Merchandiser will be responsible for collaborating with Account Services Leads & Sales Teams to create the merchandise strategies for key strategic accounts and source corresponding products for ad-hoc (“Special”) orders and online branded merchandise collections. This role involves creating value through an on-brand, on-goal product selection and contributing to program revenue targets, vendor placement KPIs, and customer retention.

What you’ll be doing:

• Collaborating with Account Services Leads & Sales Teams to create merchandise strategies for key strategic accounts.
• Sourcing products for ad-hoc (“Special”) orders and online branded merchandise collections.
• Mentoring Merchandising Specialists in line with organizational focus areas and goals.
• Working closely with vendor partners to craft product solutions based on project scope and secure/negotiate pricing and proofs.
• Engaging with multiple departments and roles including Account Service Leads, Program Specialists, Account Service Coordinators, Graphics, Purchasing Analysts, and Sales Teams.
• Attending strategy meetings, tradeshows, and related customer meetings to present merchandise assortment or provide direction.
• Developing and executing a strategic merchandising plan to achieve budgeted goals in sales and maintain margin in a competitive digital ecosystem.
• Analyzing performance and informing decisions for merchant strategy for both client opportunities and vertical product suggestions.
• Providing guidance for orders requiring Licensing Requirements (MLB, NHL, etc.) and assisting in sourcing for complex quote orders for the Sales Team.
• Supporting Business Development with creative requests for new or retention clients.
  
  

What you bring to the table:

• Strong “business” communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of internal and external stakeholders and support functions.
• Strong professional acumen and skills in salesmanship and managing difficult relationships.
• Self-motivated and energetic personality.
• Solid PC skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated project management and collaboration skills.
• Teamwork and flexibility are essential.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize under pressure.
• Good judgment in all aspects.
• Demonstrated ability to provide product recommendations that support the overarching strategy of a business.
• Strong knowledge of product merchandising, industry trends, and regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize projects based on business needs and timelines.
  
  

What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience in product marketing, merchandising, or a related field.
• Experience in planning, managing, and executing successful product ideas that impact business goals.
  
  

What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications:

• Highly proficient business written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of trends for every industry that impacts the promotional product business.
• Promotional products merchandising or purchasing skills an asset.