Category Support Specialist

Overview

The Category Sales Support Specialist serves as the go-to subject-matter resource — a "phone a friend" — for the inside sales and field sales teams within an assigned product category (Jan/San or Technology), fielding category-related questions that arise while reps are servicing customer needs. When a rep or customer has a question about product specifications, compatibility, configuration, or the right solution for a customer's business need, the Specialist provides that expertise directly — either answering it in real time or engaging the right internal or vendor resource to reach an answer. Beyond day-to-day product questions, the Specialist also supports the company's category-related expo and demo events, coordinating logistics such as event setup, vendor relations, and on-site product staging. This role reports to the Sales Support Manager for coaching, tools, and standards, and partners closely with the applicable Category/Product team and sales leadership across channels.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact ("phone a friend") for inside sales and field sales reps who need help answering customer questions about products within the assigned category (Jan/San or Technology).

• Provide solutioning support — assess a customer's requirements and recommend appropriate product configurations, bundles, or category-specific solutions.

• Research and interpret product specifications, compatibility requirements, and vendor/technical documentation to answer rep and customer inquiries accurately.

• Plan and support category-related expo and demo events: coordinate event setup and logistics, manage vendor relationships, and help stage product displays.

• Escalate complex questions to Product, Vendor, or other internal category/technical teams when they exceed the Specialist's scope and see them through to resolution.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the category's product catalog, new releases, and vendor partner offerings, and log/track support interactions per team standards.

Education and Experience:

• Level of Formal Education: High School diploma or equivalent, Bachelors preferred

• Area of Study: Merchandising, Marketing

• Minimum Years of Experience: 3

• Type of Experience: Sales, Sales Support

• Technical Competencies & Information Systems: Basic computer skills and the ability to use computers and technology for information, and to access information necessary to complete the job. Proficient in Microsoft Tools. Proficiency with CRM (Salesforce or equivalent). Familiarity with vendor product catalogs and technical specification sheets

• Skills & Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of the dynamics of cross-functional teams, with the ability to creatively problem solve

• Successful history of building and maintaining internal and external partner relationships at all levels.

• Demonstrated time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.

• Event-coordination skills, including vendor management and on-site logistics for expos or product demonstrations

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tech questions and event-planning tasks with sound prioritization

• Personal Attributes & Other/Preferred:

• Self-starter who is comfortable researching and troubleshooting without a rigid script

• Team-oriented and adaptable to shifting sales-team and vendor priorities

• Comfortable engaging directly with vendors and representing the company at events

• Prior experience with technology product demos, trade shows, or expo events is a plus

About The ODP Group: The ODP Group, through its business entities ODP Business Solutions and Office Depot, is a leading provider of products, services, and technology solutions 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.

Commitment to Safety: We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for our Coworkers and our customers. All Coworkers are expected to support our operational safety culture by working safely and addressing potential hazards or concerns.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Coworkers assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of Coworkers so classified. Other duties may be assigned.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule: The salary range for this role is $18.75/hour to $25.00/hour, however all state and local minimum wages will be complied with, resulting in a possible adjustment to the salary range displayed. The company offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunities to move and grow within our organization! You may be eligible to participate in an incentive program, paid in accordance with the Incentive Plan terms and conditions.

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 pursuant to the City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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

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.

Benefits Full-TimeAt ODP Business Solutions, we offer our benefits around the 5 facets of Total Well-Being: Physical, Emotional, Work-Life, Financial, and Community. Here’s a look into what we offer:

Physical:

• Medical Insurance/Prescription Drugs
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flu shots

Emotional:

• Mental Health Benefits
• Support Programs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Work-Life:

• Location Events & Activities
• Recognition & Rewards Programs
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Holidays (as applicable by business unit)
• Paid Time Off (Full-Time Associates are eligible to receive up to 128 hours on a prorated basis in their first year of employment)
• Paid Parental Bonding
• Adoption Reimbursement
• Fertility Treatment Discounts

Financial:

• 401(k) and Roth Savings Plans
• Savings Plan Employer Match
• Commuter Benefits
• FSA/HSA Pre-Tax Benefits
• HSA Employer Match
• Discount Center
• Employee & Dependent Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• Medicare Concierge Services
• Enjoy more control over your pay schedule with DailyPay

Community:

• Charitable Giving
• Volunteering & Mentorship

For more details on the Benefits we offer, please see our US Benefits Guide / Guía de Beneficios

Benefits Part-TimeAt ODP Business Solutions, we offer our benefits around the 5 facets of Total Well-Being: Physical, Emotional, Work-Life, Financial, and Community. Here’s a look into what we offer:

Emotional:

• Employee Assistance Programs

Community:

• Volunteering & Mentorship

Physical:

• Flu Shots

Work-Life:

• Part-Time Associates are eligible to receive up to 24 hours of paid time off on a prorated basis after their first year of employment

Financial:

• 401 (k) and Roth Savings Plans
• Savings Plan Employer Match
• Discount Center
• Medicare Concierge Services
• Enjoy more control over your pay schedule with DailyPay