Strategic Merchandiser, Staples Promotional Products

Staples Promotional Products Strategic Merchandiser

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

While you may know Staples as the world's leading office supply company, Staples Promotional Products – a division of Staples – is a national leader in the promotional products industry. At Staples Promotional Products, we help customers build love for their brands with customized merchandise solutions. Whatever story they want to tell, connection they want to make, or goal they need to deliver, Staples Promo makes it easy to design promo experiences that create lasting impact. Join our winning team!

The Strategic Merchandiser collaborates with Account Services Leads and Sales Teams to develop merchandise strategies for key accounts, sourcing products for ad-hoc ("Special") orders and online branded merchandise collections. They create value through on-brand, goal-driven product selection and mentor Merchandising Specialists. The role involves working closely with vendors to brief opportunities, craft product solutions, and negotiate pricing and proofs. Cross-functional collaboration includes Account Service Leads, Program Specialists, Account Service Coordinators, Graphics, Purchasing Analysts, and Sales Teams.

What you'll be doing:

• Develop merchandising strategies and source products to achieve program revenue targets.
• Drive vendor rebate growth by meeting placement KPIs.
• Ensure product collections meet client requirements and support business strategy.
• Manage complex quote orders for high-profile or brand-sensitive accounts.
• Coordinate international shipments and provide guidance on licensing requirements.
• Act as liaison between Account Service, Business Development, and Sales Teams to meet timelines and expectations.
• Attend strategy meetings, tradeshows, and client meetings to present assortments and recommend strategic product ideas.
• Analyze performance data to guide assortment, pricing, and promotional opportunities.
• Produce trend reports and idea-generating collateral; share relevant retail and industry insights.
• Mentor Merchandising Specialists on trends, key dates, and account-specific best practices.
• Assist in account reviews and forecasting using product sourcing expertise.

What you bring to the table:

• Experience planning, managing, and executing merchandising strategies that drive business growth.
• Ability to analyze performance data and apply industry trends to develop effective merchandising strategies.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with cross-functional teams and vendor partners.
• Expertise in guiding and mentoring team members on brand standards and trends.
• Skilled in managing complex orders and providing strategic solutions.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize under pressure, and demonstrate good judgment.
• Knowledge of product merchandising, industry trends, and regulations.
• Ability to leverage internal resources to drive projects to completion independently.

What's needed – Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of relevant experience in product marketing, merchandising, or related field.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; strong project management skills.

What's needed – Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience in promotional products merchandising or purchasing.
• Bilingual in English and French – written and verbal proficiency.

We Offer:

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
• Vacation Allotment and Holiday Schedule
• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match RRSP, Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!