Manager, Retail Operations & Programs

Team Summary

The Retail Operations & Programs team serves as a strategic partner to Staples Retail, driving initiatives that improve execution, simplify operations, and enhance the experience for customers and associates. The team works cross-functionally across Field Leadership, Merchandising, Omni-Channel, Vendor Partnerships, Communications, and Store Operations to support key business priorities and operational excellence across the retail organization.

This is a highly visible team that influences business priorities, operational excellence, and long-term retail strategy while partnering directly with senior leaders, business owners, and field leadership across the organization.

Role Summary

This is an opportunity to join a highly visible team with broad exposure across Staples Retail. The role offers strategic project ownership, cross-functional leadership opportunities, and direct partnership with senior leaders, business owners, Merchandising, Omni-Channel, Vendor Management, Communications, and Field Leadership. You will help identify opportunities, simplify processes, and drive initiatives that deliver meaningful business impact while building a strong foundation for future growth within Staples.

As the Manager, Retail Operations & Programs, you will lead strategic operational initiatives that support Staples' retail organization. Serving as a key business partner across multiple functions, this role is responsible for driving operational excellence, implementing business programs, improving processes, and ensuring successful execution across stores and field leadership teams.

What You'll Be Doing

Strategic Program Leadership

• Lead strategic operational programs, including ownership of Staples' Travel Services program, while supporting key retail initiatives that drive execution across the business.
• Manage multiple operational programs while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and execution.
• Develop and implement business processes, tools, and resources that support stores and field teams.
• Drive end-to-end execution of projects and programs from concept through implementation and adoption.
• Monitor operational performance and leverage business insights to recommend improvements and drive results.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner closely with Merchandising, Omni-Channel, Store Operations, Communications, Vendor Management, and Field Leadership teams to operationalize business strategies.
• Collaborate with business owners to develop solutions that improve execution and support organizational goals.
• Build trusted relationships with District Managers, Regional Leaders, and Home Office partners to identify business needs and opportunities.
• Influence stakeholders across multiple departments to drive alignment and successful program delivery.
• Present recommendations, business cases, and program updates to senior leaders while influencing decision-making across multiple functions.

Operational Excellence

• Lead efforts to simplify processes, reduce operational complexity, and improve the associate experience.
• Establish and maintain operational standards, governance, controls, and support structures.
• Utilize feedback from stores and field leaders to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support change management efforts and ensure successful adoption of new programs and initiatives.

Team Leadership & Communication

• Lead and develop a team responsible for supporting operational programs and retail execution.
• Create clear, impactful communications, training materials, and operational resources that support field adoption.
• Partner with Communications teams to ensure messaging is concise, effective, and aligned with business priorities.
• Present updates, recommendations, and business insights to leadership audiences.

Vendor & Business Relationship Management

• Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers to ensure performance expectations are met.
• Collaborate with strategic partners to identify enhancements that improve operational effectiveness and service delivery.
• Support contract execution, issue resolution, and ongoing vendor performance management.

What You Bring to the Table

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives within a complex retail or customer-focused environment.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect operational decisions to business outcomes.
• Skilled at building relationships and influencing stakeholders across multiple levels of an organization.
• Exceptional project and program management capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical mindset with a passion for process improvement and operational excellence.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and develop talent.

What's Needed - Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in Retail Operations, Business Operations, Program Management, Project Management, Merchandising, Field Operations, or related business functions.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and operational initiatives.
• Experience developing and implementing business processes, programs, or operational improvements.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and business reporting tools.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders across business functions.

What's Needed - Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting large-scale retail operations, store operations, or field organizations.
• Experience partnering with Merchandising, Omni-Channel, Vendor Management, Supply Chain, or Field Leadership teams.
• Demonstrated success leading transformational initiatives, operational improvements, or change management efforts.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and external business partnerships.
• Proven ability to influence and present recommendations to senior leaders.
• PMP, Lean, Six Sigma, or related project management certifications.
• Experience leading high-impact strategic initiatives with enterprise-wide visibility.

Get great perks. 

• Bonus plan and generous amount of paid time off, including one Floating Holiday each year 
• Flexible work arrangements, including flexible work hours  
• 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance with many more optional benefits 
• Associate store discount and more perks (discounts on mobile plans, movie tickets, etc.) 

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.  

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