Senior Manager, Category Strategy

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

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

The Senior Manager, Category Development serves as a strategic business leader responsible for driving sustainable category growth, portfolio strategy, and merchant partnerships across key businesses. This role leads the development of multi-year category growth strategies, portfolio roadmaps, and investment priorities while partnering closely with Merchandising and cross-functional teams to deliver differentiated growth, incremental margin, and enhanced customer value.

This position plays a critical role in shaping the future direction of assigned categories by leveraging data-driven insights, influencing senior leadership decisions, and aligning enterprise priorities with actionable strategies.

What you will be doing:

• Develop and execute multi-year category growth strategies and actionable roadmaps.

• Identify growth platforms, innovation opportunities, and emerging market trends.

• Evaluate portfolio performance and prioritize investments.

• Lead category strategy discussions with merchandising leaders and stakeholders.

• Align cross-functional teams to execute strategic priorities.

• Analyze customer behavior, market trends, and financial performance.

• Build business cases and support ROI-focused decisions.

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Strategic thinking with strong business acumen.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Executive presence and influencing capabilities.

• Strong communication and storytelling skills.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive change.

• Collaborative leadership and stakeholder management.

What’s needed: Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Economics, or equivalent work experience.

• 8+ years of experience in category management, strategy, merchandising, consulting, or analytics.

• Experience developing and executing growth strategies and business plans.

• Experience influencing cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.

• Strong financial acumen and business case development experience.

• Proficiency with Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or related tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

• 8+ years of experience in retail, CPG or related industry.

• 3+ years of people leadership experience.

• Experience managing complex category portfolios.

• Private brand, product development, and category management experience.

We Offer:

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups

• Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays)

• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), wellness programs, and more!

The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate's experience, skill set, education, geography, business considerations, and internal equity. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for bonuses, or other forms of variable compensation.

Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.