Position Purpose:
The Senior Analyst Assortment Planning (Private Brands) will provide subject matter expertise, project management and analytical support to assortment decisions made by the merchandising organization during category reviews for key departments. This position is responsible for supporting Product Development Merchants through category Business Reviews (BR) and Product Line Reviews (PLR) and should be seen by Product Development Merchants as a thought leader on category and assortment strategy. The Manager should be able to identify and evaluate market demands and customer segments and recommend strategies targeting opportunities. The Manager should advocate for developing and implementing assortment planning best practices.
Key Responsibilities:
90% Work in collaboration with Merchants to determine category review goals and objectives, conduct standard and ad hoc analysis to identify key drivers of performance, recommend assortment decisions that will improve category performance and develop financial plans that reflect category changes. Typical analysis will include: (a) marketplace and macroeconomic trends impacting the category including competitive assessment, (b) vendor portfolio strengths and weaknesses including private brand, (c) line structure, (d) store clustering, (e) customer and store feedback, (f) identifying key product attributes and (g) regional performance. Develop executive-level presentations that summarize analysis including historical category performance, strategic rationale underpinning assortment decisions and expected financial impact. Report out to all levels of management. Accountable for accuracy, thoroughness, thought process, timeliness and viability of recommendations.10% Own Merchant/Associate Merchant relationship for designated department. Special projects. Ad hoc analysis and reporting.
Direct Manager/Direct Reports:
This position reports to the Senior Manager, Assortment Planning.This position has no direct responsibility for supervising others.
Travel Requirements:
Typically requires overnight travel less than 10% of the time.
Physical Requirements:
Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions there may be a need to move or lift light articles.
Working Conditions:
Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
Minimum Qualifications:
Must be eighteen years of age or older.Must be legally permitted to work in the United States.Experience communicating to leadership.
Preferred Qualifications:
MBAPrior experience in category managementPrior experience in merchandising, planning and analysisPrior experience in product development or the product development processProficient with Tableau, Excel and PowerPointStrong analytical skills including demonstrated aptitude with financial analysis and ability to generate insight from large and complex data setsStrong communication skills including the ability to effectively articulate viewpoint to executive leadership and ability to write compelling executive level presentationsStrong project management skills and ability to effectively handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneouslyStrong financial acumen including experience with the retail and cost methods of accountingStrong analytical and communication skills
Minimum Education:
The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job.
Preferred Education:
No additional education
Minimum Years of Work Experience:
2
Preferred Years of Work Experience:
No additional years of experience
Minimum Leadership Experience:
None
Preferred Leadership Experience:
None
Certifications:
None
Competencies:
Ability to partner with cross-functional teams at all levels across a complex organizationAbility to get results despite a large workload, competing demands and working in a fast paced environmentAbility to effectively prioritize multiple demands, adjust to change quickly and work constructively under pressureAbility to structure nebulous projects and to work constructively under tight deadlinesAbility to influence peers and business partners without authority