JOB SUMMARY
Category Analyst supports the Category Manager by providing data-driven insights, performance tracking, and execution support across assigned product categories.
This role is responsible for analyzing sales, margin, inventory, and promotional performance to identify opportunities, improve decision-making, and support the delivery of category objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Data Analysis & Insights
- Analyze sales, gross profit, inventory levels, and stock turn to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within assigned categories.
- Produce weekly and monthly performance reports with clear insights and actionable recommendations.
- Monitor category performance against targets and highlight variances with proposed actions.
- Support forecasting and demand planning through data analysis and historical trends.
2. Category Performance Support
- Coordinates with vendors for the success of the brand divisions through campaign partnerships and consistent communication.
- Assist the Category Manager in developing category reviews, range analysis, and assortment recommendations.
- Analyze product performance to support decisions on item listing, delisting, and range optimization.
- Maintain accurate product and pricing data to support effective decision-making.
- Track key metrics such as sales growth, margin, stock availability, and promotional performance.
- Visits retail stores and competitor stores to support analyses on market trends to capture any category growth opportunities and drive consistent market visibility.
3. Promotions & Pricing Support
- Support the planning and execution of promotional activities through data analysis and reporting.
- Evaluate promotional effectiveness by comparing forecasts to actual results and identifying learnings.
- Assist in monitoring competitor pricing and market trends to support pricing decisions.
4. Vendor & Supply Chain Coordination
- Support the Category Manager in monitoring vendor performance (e.g., fill rate, lead time, cost accuracy).
- Assist in resolving data discrepancies related to product cost, pricing, and supplier information.
- Coordinate with internal teams to ensure smooth product flow from supplier to store.
5. Store & Market Insights
- Conduct periodic store visits to assess product availability, pricing accuracy, and merchandising execution.
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends to identify risks and opportunities.
- Provide feedback and insights to support continuous improvement across categories.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, and Store Operations to support category initiatives.
- Share insights and data to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
7. Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve reporting, data accuracy, and workflow efficiency.
- Support the development of standardized reports and tools to enhance productivity.
- Proactive approach to any issues that can be mitigated by collaborating with the leadership ecosystem.
8. General
- Perform any other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives.
Education/Training/Experience:
- Undergraduate degree in Business Management or a related field.
- Minimum of 2-3 years’ work experience in retail, marketing, analytics, pricing, consumer packaged goods, inventory, category management and/or business analysis.
- Intermediate to advanced skills with Microsoft office products.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics NAV (LS Retail) or any other retail software would be an asset.
Technical Skills
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with retail systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics NAV / LS Retail) is an asset
- Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) is an advantage
Additional Requirements
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- High level of integrity and professionalism
- Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
Key Performance Indicators
- Report Accuracy & Timeliness - deliver 100% of scheduled weekly and monthly reports on time, with ≥98% data accuracy, as validated by the Category Manager.
- Quality of Insights & Recommendations - provide actionable insights in 100% of reports, with at least 2–3 data-backed recommendations per reporting cycle and achieve ≥70% adoption rate of recommendations by the Category Manager.
- Category Sales & Margin Support - contribute to achieving category sales and gross margin targets (as defined annually) by identifying opportunities that support at least 2–5% improvement in underperforming categories. Forecast Accuracy - maintain forecast accuracy within ±10% variance at category level on a monthly basis. Inventory Efficiency - support improvement of stock turn by 5–10% annually and maintain on-shelf availability ≥95% for core items.
- Promotional Performance & ROI Tracking - ensure 100% of promotions are evaluated post-event, with variance analysis completed within 2 weeks, and provide insights to improve ROI or sales uplift by ≥5% over time.
- Data Accuracy & Integrity - maintain ≥98% accuracy in product, pricing, and vendor data, with all discrepancies resolved within 3–5 working days.
Education/Training/Experience: - Undergraduate degree in Business Management or a related field.
- Minimum of 2-3 years’ work experience in retail, marketing, analytics, pricing, consumer packaged goods, inventory, category management and/or business analysis.
- Intermediate to advanced skills with Microsoft office products.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics NAV (LS Retail) or any other retail software would be an asset.
Technical Skills - Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with retail systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics NAV / LS Retail) is an asset
- Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) is an advantage
Additional Requirements - Strong organizational and prioritization skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- High level of integrity and professionalism
- Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
Key Performance Indicators - Report Accuracy & Timeliness - deliver 100% of scheduled weekly and monthly reports on time, with ≥98% data accuracy, as validated by the Category Manager.
- Quality of Insights & Recommendations - provide actionable insights in 100% of reports, with at least 2–3 data-backed recommendations per reporting cycle and achieve ≥70% adoption rate of recommendations by the Category Manager.
- Category Sales & Margin Support - contribute to achieving category sales and gross margin targets (as defined annually) by identifying opportunities that support at least 2–5% improvement in underperforming categories. Forecast Accuracy - maintain forecast accuracy within ±10% variance at category level on a monthly basis. Inventory Efficiency - support improvement of stock turn by 5–10% annually and maintain on-shelf availability ≥95% for core items.
- Promotional Performance & ROI Tracking - ensure 100% of promotions are evaluated post-event, with variance analysis completed within 2 weeks, and provide insights to improve ROI or sales uplift by ≥5% over time.
- Data Accuracy & Integrity - maintain ≥98% accuracy in product, pricing, and vendor data, with all discrepancies resolved within 3–5 working days.
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