Senior Category Merchant - Packaging

• Atlanta, GA
• Chicago, IL

The Sr. Category Merchant - Packaging sets broader strategy, and drives enterprise-level initiatives including innovation, transformation, and long-term vendor partnerships. This role provides strategic direction for the packaging category within all channels of distribution. This role is responsible for managing and developing direct-report merchandising staff such that they become students of the industry and, in so doing, achieve their departments’ strategic objectives and financial goals. The major function of this role is to achieve sales, gross margin, and market share goals by leveraging ODP Business Solution's competitive advantage—its ability to reach customers through a variety of channels including store, catalog, web, phone, and direct sales. The Sr. Category Merchant supports the creation of Merchandise Financial Plans and is responsible for understanding marketplace variances across all channels. Additionally, the incumbent participates in the development of the area’s Space Plans and Adjacencies Design.

• →Develop and execute category strategies including assortment, pricing, promotions, and vendor strategy to drive sales, margin, and market share.
• →Lead and develop Category Assistant(s), providing direction, coaching, and performance management to ensure execution excellence.
• →Own long- term vendor relationships including negotiations, funding, performance management, and long-term strategic partnerships.
• →Drive pricing and promotional strategy including competitive positioning and margin optimization
• →Own assortment planning and SKU lifecycle management including optimization and rationalization.
• →Lead forecasting and inventory strategy including demand planning and inventory productivity
• →Drive cross-functional execution across Marketing, Ecommerce, Supply Chain, and Sales.

• Level of Formal Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Area of Study: Merchandising, Business Administration
• Minimum Years of Experience: 8
• Type of Experience: Experience in merchandising, category management, or retail strategy within packaging categories 
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Strategic and commercial acumen 
  • Strong leadership and team development 
  • Advanced analytical and financial skills 
  • Vendor negotiation expertise 
  • Cross-functional leadership 
  • Execution discipline 

About The ODP Group: The ODP Group 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, online presence, and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores. Through its operating companies Office Depot, LLC and ODP Business Solutions, LLC; The ODP Group 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! You will be eligible to participate in an incentive program, paid in accordance with the Incentive Plan terms and conditions. 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. 

Application Deadline: The job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 days and will expire once the position has been filled. 

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.