The Category Assistant works with the Category Merchant in the management and execution of daily merchandising tasks ensuring that implementation of category initiatives runs smoothly through defined administration process across functions and with vendors; this is an integral part of this role. Through the management of vendor funding, with a close eye on the market behavior and a clear understanding of category performance, the Category Assistant provides the foundation for the Category Merchant. The incumbent is responsible for operational merchandising activities within the assigned Category. The Category Assistant works with the Merchant in analyzing, planning, and executing processes necessary to achieve sales and margin goals within the assigned category. The Category Assistant works on promotional cadence, what is working/not working, with vendor at sku level to determine what changes need to be made to best promote the product. The role also provides current business trends and adjustments to overall business. The Category Assistant provides forecasting, based on previous sales trends, for securing inventory at a sku level. The role supports assortment and promotional planning, vendor negotiation, managing assortment inventory sell through and the respective financials. The Category Assistant attends meetings with vendors providing business updates and communicates business asks as needed.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assortment and promotional planning, independent negotiation with vendor(s) for offers, adjustments, and promotions at a sku level. Managing assortment inventory sell thru and financials. Attending meetings with vendors providing business updates and communicating asks for the business when needed. 
• Analyze past promotional and product data and provide to the Merchant, Associate Merchants, Category Manager, for their use in forecasting, budgeting, managing assortments, conducting line reviews, score-carding vendors, setting price points consistent with established pricing strategies, as well as ad hoc reporting. Analyzes business trends and provides forecasting to our Supply Chain partners for securing inventory at a sku level.
• Communication of new items for set-up, prepare for promotional items, and discontinued items. Learn category management planning process including category assortment, knowledge of products, vendor base, and industry innovation. Works with cross functional partners in Marketing and Ecommerce to execute strategy at a sku level. 
• Build strong vendor relationships by self-education on products and industry pricing. Support the Merchandising team with additional tasks as needed.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

• Area of Study: Business Administration, Marketing, Merchandising

• Minimum Years of Experience: 2

• Type of Experience: 

  • Retail Experience 

  • Merchandising Support 

  • Data Management 

  • Administrative Support

  • Vendor Coordination 

  • Inventory Management 

  • Sales and Performance Analysis 

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration 

  • Customer Service · Promotional Support

• Technical Competencies & Information Systems: Intermediate PC software skills using Excel, Word and PowerPoint

• Skills & Abilities: 

  • Organizational Skills 

  • Attention to Detail 

  • Analytical Skills 

  • Communication Skills 

  • Time Management 

  • Problem-Solving Skills 

  • Technical Proficiency

  • Teamwork and Collaboration 

  • Adaptability 

  • Customer Service Orientation

• Personal Attributes & Other/Preferred: 

  • Proactivity 

  • Reliability 

  • Integrity 

  • Curiosity 

  • Flexibility 

  • Empathy 

  • Patience 

  • Resilience 

  • Enthusiasm 

  • Cooperation

About The ODP Corporation: The ODP Corporation 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 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! 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.