Merchandise Analyst

Merchandise Analyst

This position will work to cultivate a solid knowledge of replenishment practices, alignment with merchandising strategies and analytical skill sets to ensure that the right product is at the right stores at the right time. Develop and implement store distribution strategies to support sales and inventory objectives and to ensure department financial goals are met. Partner with buying and planning teams in executing item/program/category strategies to support financial plans.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Build, develop, execute, and maintain allocation strategies to ensure maximum sell through and profitability on product while minimizing markdowns.
2. Analyze sales trends to ensure stores are in stock on core items, promotional product, new programs, and seasonal merchandise.
3. Identify and rectify stock imbalances in individual stores through the allocation of new receipts and replenishment inventory to maximize the ability of each store to generate sales and margin.
4. Analyze SKU and program productivity to ensure store turn and weeks of supply goals are met; create and develop tiered assortment strategies.
5. Review and analyze distribution center stock position and decide upon action as needed.
6. Ensure all stores have appropriate inventory levels to support presentation and sales while collaborating with cross functional team.
7. Develop optimal store ranking to ensure proper distribution of merchandise
8. Develop knowledge of geographic and store-attribute performance and trends through analysis and drive results by transferring knowledge into allocation strategies
9. Manage E-Commerce inventory and allocation needs.
10. Analyze merchandise performance at the department, team, vendor, item and location level; including analyzing store performance and stock-to-sales ratios on a weekly basis to identify location-specific opportunities and bottlenecks.
11. Communicate / make recommendations regarding store needs, distribution concerns, sizing, team and new store opportunities.
12. Ensure new stores have appropriate inventory levels to support presentation and sales.
13. Other duties as assigned.

Additional Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business, Fashion Merchandising or other related field and/or 1-3 years of applicable retail work experience; prior allocation experience is preferred.
2. Strong Retail Math skills and Analytical skills.
3. Ability to research and analyze large amounts of data.
4. Computer skills to include navigational ability in a networked environment and proficiency in Microsoft Word and email applications; intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
5. JDA Allocation experience preferred.
6. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
7. Results-oriented, willingness to follow through, make informed decisions, complete tasks and problem-solve.
8. Uses rigorous logic and thoughtful thinking to effectively identify, address and resolve challenges.
9. Demonstrated abilities in learning new skills, change/variety in work and creativity; exhibit attention to detail with high degree of accuracy.

Preferred Job Required Knowledge & Skills:

Bachelor's Level Degree in Business or Marketing

Reports To: Sr. Merchandise Analyst