Category Analyst

Position Summary

We are recruiting for a best-in-class individual with fresh ideas, new perspectives and a desire to make a real difference in their career to fill a great role as a Category Analyst. The Category Analyst will play an important role on the Category Management team managing many of the day-to-day operational activities as well as supporting longer term strategic initiatives. The ultimate goal of this role is to support category level decision making to drive sales and profitability and establish clear market superiority.

The Category Analyst is responsible for providing detailed business analysis to the Category Management Team(s) across various product categories. Analysis will include sales, margin, retail pricing, promotional markdowns and trending of both internal and market level data. This position is also responsible for performing root cause analysis, problem resolution, category research and identifying potential strategic opportunities. The person in this position will coordinate work streams related to item selection and setup; promotional, seasonal and off-shelf activities; vendor communication; strategic insight development; and reporting.

Primary Role and Responsibilities

• Quantitative Analysis: Collaborate with the Category Management Team(s) to scope and plan any and all financial and quantitative analyses that will aid in day-to-day management of the business and yield critical answers to longer-term strategic questions. Understand the required data sets to complete the analyses and procure them accordingly. Manage the delivery of timely, zero-defect analyses to support insight development. Run ad hoc analysis upon request and provide actionable insights with recommendations for next steps.
• Product Management: Run Daily sales, seasonal reporting, weekly vendor reporting and analyze market data to assist in decision making. In addition:
  • Partner with Category Management teams to build promotional plans and activities related to everyday and seasonal businesses. Attend proofing meetings.
  • Attend seasonal meetings and work with Category Management teams to assist with item selection and coordinate all billing and end of cycle disposition.
  • New item setup and maintenance for planogram and mid year terms.
  • Off-shelf coordination of off-shelf programs with key suppliers, setting up programs and running off-shelf reporting.
• Communication Development and Business Reporting: Communicate effectively, both written and verbally, to Merchandising and Cross-Functional teams throughout the organization. Partner with outside partners. Assist with communication and reporting on sales performance, seasonal sales and sell thru and ad planning. Distill findings and craft a succinct and powerful business case that effectively communicates actionable recommendations. Support the development of presentations for mid-level and senior executives.

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Finance or similar.
• A minimum of 3 – 5 years business analytical experience in a business environment.
• Ability to multi task several concurrent requests and quickly pull together data.
• Structured and Logical thinking – ability to dissect a problem into an organized approach, structure analysis, and develop recommended solutions providing actionable insights.
• Strong problem solving abilities.
• The ability to run and manage quantitative analysis in a defect-free manner. Mastery of Microsoft Excel is expected in this role.
• Passion for retail: A history of work and/or passion for the retail/consumer industry.
• Powerful communication: Ability to communicate effectively, succinctly and professionally.
• Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Motivated team player who is able to effectively collaborate with many individuals including the Category Merchandising team(s), functional and divisional leaders, Cross-functional Support Teams, Field Management and Vendor Partners.