Category Management Analyst *Hybrid Model*
This role is designed to work in a hybrid model which would have individuals in the office on average 3 days per week. All applicants must live or be willing and able to relocate to a commutable distance to the corporate campus in Richfield, Minnesota.
This position has a start date of mid-June 2022.
The Category Management Analyst will support the Category Lead and peer Analysts in execution of the category strategy. This role is responsible for the curation of all product categories across our omnichannel business (E-commerce, Retail, and In-Home.) The Category Management Analyst works with peers and leaders to deliver business results. Collaboratively, the Analyst team performs a wide variety of functions.
Analysts are assigned to work in one of the following disciplines:
Demand Planning – The Analyst is responsible for alignment and execution of inventory purchasing and placement with focus on forecasting, vendor collaboration and inventory investment based on the category strategy. This role has direct responsibility for purchasing decisions supporting all channels in partnership with Category Lead.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provides technical and strategic input around financial forecasts, pricing, and assortment planning to deliver business results and ensure on time right quantity delivery of inventory placement
- Optimizes inventory health through accurate forecast & inventory planning
- Drives forward-looking analysis and leverage set best practices
- Manages forecasting and demand planning system tools to maximize efficiency and delivery
- Acts as a key contact with vendor partners regarding sales forecast, current trends, purchase orders/inventory management, and supply chain solutions
Merchandising – The Analyst provides support to the Category Lead in everyday operations of their category. They are responsible for conducting analysis of category performance and industry trends, and providing business recommendations on assortment, pricing, promotional planning, customer experience, and vendor management. This individual is also responsible for the execution of the category strategy initiatives in support of the Category Lead.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversees vendor reporting, vendor funding collection, and vendor set up and exit activities
- Collaborates with vendors on products, pricing and promotional plans based on category strategy
- Understands, analyzes, and provides recommendations and support for category assortment management processes
- Collaborates on promotions and pricing management
- Generates and analyzes reporting and provides business recommendations to the Category Lead
- Tracks and provides updates on supplier support for financial planning purposes.
- Creates and prioritizes key offers and messages
- Executes in-store signage, combos, and bundles
Basic Requirements:
- Basic data proficiency with an eye toward problem solving and optimization
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Attention to detail and highly organized
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship, now or in the future, for employment-based work authorization (F-1 students with practical training and candidates requiring H-1Bs, TNs, etc. will not be considered)
Preferred Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 1 year of experience in merchandising or related business team experience