June 2026 Merchant Academy - Merchandising Specialist (Hybrid)

Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together.

What you’ll be doing :

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.

This position is a part of a hybrid work model, 3 days in the office and 2 days remote, and based in Framingham, MA.

Program Start Date : June 15, 2026

What you bring to the table :

• Responsible for managing the SKU throughout its lifecycle : item set up, maintenance, inactivations, and RTVs / destroy. Partner with content and inventory throughout the process.
• Manage the Master Assortment tracker for all items to be utilized across all BUs; provide SKU needs : adds, deletes, and maintenance, so all channels know their active assortment
• Facilitate communication of new items and forecasts across all BU Counterparts (.com, SBA, Quill, Essendant, HiTouch, and other acquisitions), Inventory & Planning, own brand, Vendor Management, etc.
• Identify, track, and provide matches to the merch ops team that can be used to ALT products when needed
• Become a system expert and be responsible for running reporting covering sales and margin performance, vendor purchases, BU performance, and ad hoc reporting
• Responsible for financial analysis of vendor and assortment and recommending opportunities to improve performance
• Process and communicate any cost increases via PCW Process with the vendors or own brand team
• Ability to handle a high volume of Field inquiries daily, and provide support by utilizing problem-solving skills quickly and efficiently
• Communicate effectively and proactively with the Distribution network and Wholesaler team to identify assortment gaps, and add new items at the best cost to the Master assortment as necessary
• Support Merchandising teams as well as Generalist salesforce with RFPs and Proposals.
• Support merchant on the execution of activities to deliver vendor and category strategies

What’s needed - Basic Qualifications :

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or a related field; upcoming May 2026 graduate

1–2 years of relevant experience in business or a related field preferred

Ability to convey thoughts and ideas both verbally and in writing

Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)

Previous experience working independently and executing across multiple groups

We Offer :

Base Salary

Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups and resources such as the Social Justice Resource Center

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 benefits and perks

#LI-DNI

At Staples, “inclusion” is an action word. It represents what we do to ensure that all employees feel valued and supported to contribute to their fullest potential. When we operate inclusively, diversity naturally follows. This is why we work hard to foster an inclusive culture, as we seek employees with unique and varied perspectives and areas of expertise. The result is a better workplace and innovative thinking that helps us exceed our customers’ expectations – through the power of the people behind our iconic brand. Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.