Description
Job Overview
The Category Analyst provides analysis and assisting in the introduction of new products and reviews, supporting all aspects of the administration of marketing / promotional activities and preparing store communications.
The Category Analyst provides strong & effective exchange of information between Vendors, Marketing, Inventory Management, Visual Merchandising, all support groups and the stores.
Success in this role will require a highly organized, detail-oriented (accurate and thorough), excellent communicator who can effectively collaborate cross-departmentally, who is solutions-oriented and who thrives in a high-tempo, dynamic and changing environment.
Essential Duties
- Manage all aspects of new item setup and item maintenance. This includes vendor data, life cycle and listing types, item descriptions, web info and appropriate duty classification & import permits are in place.
- Generates and analyzes data concerning item performance and provides recommendations to manager and Vendors concerning possible changes or improvements.
- Collaborate with Marketing to execute marketing / promotional activities e.g., promotional schedule, samples, fulfilment of vendor support agreements, shelf talkers and product imagery
- Assist manager with evaluation of cost changes with additional analysis and review of cost change templates
- Coordinate all levels of pricing with the Pricing Team, preparing cost change templates, promotional pricing and clearance pricing.
- In collaboration with Inventory Management, support manager with analytics to support inventory initiatives, including new product and promotional forecasting and solutions to service level / fill rate issues / short dated product
- Prepare store communications for new products, promotions, sales information, etc.
- Coordinate product samples and content for the Call-to-Action
- Assist in design and communication of planograms to store teams
- Maintain image data base
- Complete and archive Purchase Agreements
- Produce new product launch and product knowledge training presentations
- Work cross functionally with web site team to ensure correct product content, copy and images
- Handles vendor questions / issues / problems on an as needed basis
- Perform general administration and other duties and projects as assigned
- Review Monthly Obsolete, Write off, Red Sticker and Excess reports
Experience & Education
- 2-5 years supporting a purchasing / buying department
- Post-Secondary education with a focus in Business / Retail (preferable) or Marketing and Communications
Competencies
- Very customer service oriented
- Strong organizational skills
- Works well interdepartmentally
- Attention to detail
- Sense of urgency
- Excellent follow up skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to adapt to constant changes in priorities
- Solid critical thinking skills (confirmed in a test)
- Professional manner, tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with vendors and colleagues, including Senior Management.
Skills
Demonstrated strong knowledge and experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
CORPHIRE