Overview
*This role will be a hybrid position based at our headquarters in Boca Raton, FL. Relocation assistance is available for candidates who are willing to move to South FL.
The Sr. Category Solutions Merchant will be responsible for the development and the execution of the strategic category plan for multiple departments. They will oversee the channel strategy, vertical engagement, store optimization, offer development and the go to market strategy. They must understand customer needs, enabling them to provide solutions by segment including vertical execution to maximize customer spend. They will also develop new products, services and solutions to fill gaps within the assortment. In partnership with the Senior Director, Product & Service Solutions (Sr. Director) they will develop 1-3 year strategy plans for categories by customer type for assigned categories. Strategies will have meaningful impact the company income and profitability streams.
The Sr. Category Solutions Merchant will work with the Sr. Director in the establishment and execution of the necessary category plans, strategies and tactics to deliver the sales, margin and inventory objectives supporting the solution strategy. Promotes the objectives to which the Assortment Optimization Specialist, Private Brand, Finance, Solution Insights and Product Optimization Specialist operate.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- This role requires a comprehensive understanding all current and future paths to purchase.
- Retail store format optimization and brick & mortar shopping experience
- Web dynamics, digital marketing impacts, and mobile experience
- Contract B2B sales motion, pricing strategies and vertical / customer segmentation.
- Responsible for people management, leadership and development of team and has significant influence in the mentoring and coaching across merchandising professional staff.
- Interacts extensively with executive C-suite level professionals both internally and externally.
- Identifies new vendors and new products/services that support targeted customer needs and aligns with the strategic category plan.
- Establishes, plans and implements all programs to achieve sales, gross margin and grow market share.
- In partnership with Sr. Director, develops and executes strategic category plan. Leads the communication of the category plan cross-functionally.
- Reviews and utilizes vendor scorecards to manage vendor relationships.
- Works with Financial Forecasting and Solution Analyst to gauge the effectiveness of the category strategy in relation to goals.
- Creates and implements sound vertical and channel strategy in line with the overall solution strategy.
- Hands off vendor strategy to Assortment Management to build out micro and vertical assortments as well as overall assortment.
- Hands off to Product Optimization to ensure effective pricing and promotion across all channels leveraging best price and placement.
- Develops one or more direct reports, including preparation for increased responsibilities, coaching, performance management, and long-term career planning.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.A. / B.S.);in Business, Merchandising, Operations, Finance
- Minimum 7 + experience (4+ years progressive merchandising experience and 4 years managerial)
- Preferred 4+ years of hands-on experience negotiating contractual agreements in an international business environment; 3+ years marketing/product development. Financial evaluation experience required
- Follow market trends. Use this knowledge to support internal customers, reduce costs and develop sourcing strategies.
- Evaluate the financial aspects and key cost drivers of global markets using published industry data and internal ODP; spend data, develop analysis and apply procurement strategy development.
- Conduct benchmarking and industry assessments to identify best practices and implement successfully within ODP; and culture
- Advanced negotiating skills
About The ODP Corporation: The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) is a leading provider of products and services through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omnichannel presence, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, a B2B digital procurement solution, online presence, and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores. Through its operating companies Office Depot, LLC; ODP Business Solutions, LLC; Veyer, LLC; and Varis, LLC, The ODP Corporation empowers every business, professional, and consumer to achieve more every day.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified. Other duties may be assigned.
Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule: The company offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunity to move and grow within our organization! For immediate consideration for this exciting position, please click the Apply Now button.
How to Apply: Click the Apply Now button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the submit button.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
At Office Depot, we offer our benefits around the 5 facets of Total Well-Being: Physical, Emotional, Work-Life, Financial, and Community. Here’s a look into what we offer:
Physical:
- Medical Insurance/Prescription Drugs
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flu shots
Emotional:
- Mental Health Benefits
- Support Programs
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Work-Life:
- Location Events & Activities
- Onboarding Plan & 'Buddy'
- Recognition & Rewards Programs
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Paid Holidays (as applicable by business unit)
- Paid Time Off (Full-Time Associates are eligible to receive up to 128 hours on a prorated basis in their first year of employment)
Financial:
- 401(k) and Roth Savings Plans
- Savings Plan Employer Match
- Commuter Benefits
- FSA/HSA Pre-Tax Benefits
- HSA Employer Match
- Discount Center
- Employee & Dependent Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Short & Long-Term Disability
Community:
- Charitable Giving
- Volunteering & Mentorship
- Associate Resource Groups focused on Diversity and Inclusion
At Office Depot, we offer our benefits around the 5 facets of Total Well-Being: Physical, Emotional, Work-Life, Financial, and Community. Here’s a look into what we offer:
Emotional:
- Employee Assistance Programs
Community:
- Associate Resource Groups focused on Diversity and Inclusion
Physical:
- Flu Shots
Work-Life:
- Part-Time Associates are eligible to receive up to 24 hours of paid time off on a prorated basis after their first year of employment
Financial:
- 401 (k) and Roth Savings Plans
- Savings Plan Employer Match
- Discount Center
As the working world continues to evolve, so are we. Shifting from an office supplies retailer to a business services platform is not a simple task, nor is it one we take lightly. It requires the diverse talents and contributions from each and every associate – all driven by our 5C culture of Customer, Commitment, Change, Caring and Creativity. We’re working together to make a difference, challenge the status quo, and be the trusted experts that help our customers manage their businesses. We’ve got 40,000+ associates to date – and we’re always looking to add great talent to our team. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help transform our company to fuel the businesses and communities around us is knocking. Start your #LifeAtDepot and discover how you can be a part of the transformation.
