Analyst, Category Strategy & Analytics

Support and execute the development of a portfolio of strategy and profit improvement initiatives

Execute analyses to identify sales, cost, and profit opportunities across divisions, brands, and classifications through rigorous analysis and research, including: assessment of SKU/Brand/Promotional incrementality, competitive benchmarking (space, brands, SKUs), market and trend insights for divisions and brands, customer insights (e.g. surveys, customer analytics), brand partner insight (cost structures, motivations, history within NMG), and extensive SKU/brand/class-level analysis (relative productivity, profitability, brand loyalty, transferability, etc.)

Create analytical materials to be shared internally during category reviews and assortment discussions with the Merchandising, Planning, and Marketing teams

Create brand partner discussion materials to be shared during negotiations

Document and archive agreements with brand partners

Track profitability improvements to ensure necessary follow up actions are completed and that financial results are realized

Support and execute the development of annual plans and budgets for category strategy & profit improvement, working with the Merchandising, Planning, and Marketing leadership teams

Work on special projects, ad hoc analysis, and initiatives related to assortment performance/optimization and cost reduction/management

Outstanding analytical and problem solving skills

Ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, both verbally and in writing via email and Microsoft PowerPoint

Ability to conduct complex quantitative analysis and build analytical models using Microsoft Excel

Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments and meet tight deadlines

Ability to develop effective working relationships with Merchandising, Planning, and Marketing stakeholders

Ability to work independently and adapt to changing work priorities

An open and honest, collaborative communication style that quickly builds trust and respect

The candidate selected for this position will be a creative, out-of-the-box thinker who is intellectually curious with a demonstrated interest in learning. This person will also need to be a self-motivated, entrepreneurial, high-energy individual who can easily function in a high demand, performance-driven environment.

Merchandising expertise - strong understanding of retail merchandising basics (i.e. category management) and merchandising organizational structures and processes

Mastery of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint