Category Analyst Job at ORS Nasco, LLC. in Montevallo

Job Summary:

The Category Analyst is responsible for supporting the Category Manager in managing and optimizing the performance of a product category. This role involves analyzing sales trends, customer behavior, inventory data, and competitive performance to develop actionable insights that drive strategic decisions. The Category Analyst plays a critical role in maximizing profitability, improving inventory turnover, and contributing to the overall growth of the category.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Data Analysis & Reporting:
• Analyze sales, market trends, and customer data to identify patterns and opportunities for category growth.
• Develop and maintain regular performance reports for category performance (e.g., sales trends, margin analysis, stock levels, etc.).
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs)
2. Category Performance & Strategy:
• Assist in category planning by providing data-driven insights into category performance.
• Identify underperforming areas and recommend strategies to improve sales, margins, and inventory turnover.
• Work with Category Manager to optimize product assortment, ensuring alignment with customer demand and business goals.
• Collaborate with merchandising teams to ensure optimal pricing, promotional strategies, and product positioning.
3. Inventory Management:
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend adjustments to prevent stockouts or overstock situations.
• Collaborate with inventory planners to ensure proper stock levels, minimizing stockouts while avoiding excess inventory.
• Analyze product lifecycle and make recommendations for product discontinuation or replenishment.
4. Market and Competitor Analysis:
• Monitor competitive pricing and product assortment to identify trends and market gaps.
• Conduct regular competitor analysis to provide insights into the competitive landscape, helping to inform pricing and promotional strategies.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to align on category goals and strategies.
• Provide support in the development and execution of promotional plans, analyzing their effectiveness after implementation.
• Communicate category insights and strategies to stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment and execution.
6. Forecasting & Demand Planning:
• Assist in sales forecasting and demand planning for the category.
• Provide insights on future trends and consumer preferences, helping to inform forecasting models.
7. Vendor and Supplier Management:
• Assist in managing relationships with key suppliers and vendors to optimize the performance of the category.
• Help identify opportunities for cost reductions or better terms through data-driven insights.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or related field.
• Experience: 2+ years in retail, merchandising, or category analysis (experience in the relevant industry is a plus).
• Skills:
• Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel (advanced), SQL, or other reporting tools.
• Knowledge of category management KPIs.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to distill complex data into actionable insights.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of ERP and retail management software is preferred.

• Knowledge of consumer behavior and market research methodologies.

Key Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex data and translate it into actionable insights.
• Attention to Detail: Accuracy in reporting and understanding of key metrics and trends.
• Problem Solving: Identify issues and opportunities and come up with data-driven solutions.
• Communication: Strong ability to communicate insights clearly and effectively to various stakeholders.

Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams to implement strategies.

Notice to all applicants: ORS Nasco is a drug-free workplace. Alcohol and drug misuse poses a threat to the health and safety of ORS Nasco employees and to the security of the company's equipment and facilities. For these reasons, ORS Nasco is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and misuse in the workplace. Employees may be subject to drug screening if safety concerns arise or if reasonable suspicion is warranted.

Notice to third-party agencies: ORS Nasco does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruiting Agreement, ORS Nasco will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fees. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, ORS Nasco explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of ORS Nasco.

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