Experienced Remote Data Analyst for Merchandise Planning and Analytics – Retail Industry Expertise Required

Introduction to blithequark

At blithequark, a global leader in retail pharmacy, we are committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences through our innovative approach to merchandise planning and analytics. Our team is dedicated to optimizing the performance of our front-end businesses, and we are seeking a highly skilled Remote Analyst to join our Merchandise Planning Analytics team. As a Remote Analyst, you will play a critical role in supporting our team of merchants and planners in making data-driven decisions to drive business growth.

Job Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Remote Analyst to work on a 6-month contract with the potential for extension or conversion. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for managing reporting, analysis, and tool building to optimize the performance of our front-end businesses. Your expertise in data analysis, retail merchandising, and Excel will be essential in driving business growth and improving our operations.

Work Environment

At blithequark, we offer a flexible and remote work environment that allows you to work from the comfort of your own home. As a Remote Analyst, you will be required to work 100% remotely in the Central Standard Time (CST) zone, with a standard schedule of 8am-5pm (9 hour day with one hour lunch break from 12pm-1pm). However, we understand the importance of work-life balance, and our flexible scheduling allows you to adjust your hours to meet your needs, with a minimum requirement of 30 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

As a Remote Analyst, your key responsibilities will include:

• Own Brand (private label) reporting, recapping, tracking, and analysis, including ad-hoc analysis based on business needs
• Item level historical analysis and recapping
• Item level future looking forecast
• Managing and analyzing large datasets for thousands of Own Brand items (at item level)
• Utilizing Excel to build complex models, conduct quantitative analysis, and create executive recaps
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Merchandising, Planning, Finance, and other stakeholders to drive business growth

Essential Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A Bachelor's degree and at least 3-5 years of experience in one or more of the following: analytics, data science, finance, financial analysis, assortment planning, retail, procurement/purchasing, merchandising
• Minimum 3 years of experience in data analytics or a related field, with a strong understanding of retail merchandising basics (i.e., category management) and merchandising organization structures and processes
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, partnered with storytelling finesse
• Ability to conduct complex quantitative analysis and build analytical models using Microsoft Excel
• Ability to communicate effectively and succinctly both verbally and in writing via Microsoft PowerPoint
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with Merchandising, Planning, Finance, and other stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing work priorities
• Retail math background, with skills such as item level forecasting based on demand patterns or sell-through/sales/profit goals, knowledge of sales by type and AUR impacts, and all inventory and sales metrics
• Intermediate/Advanced level skill in Microsoft Excel (for example: using SUM/SUMIFS, Subtotals, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, Macros, Pivot tables) - CRITICAL SKILL NEEDED FOR ROLE, most work will be done in Excel
• Intermediate level skill in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following skills and qualifications are preferred:

• MBA preferred; Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and/or other quantitative analytical degree a plus
• Data science experience
• Retail experience
• SQL Coding, Microsoft Access, Macro building

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At blithequark, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees. As a Remote Analyst, you will have access to a range of training and development opportunities, including:

• Ongoing training and support to enhance your skills in data analysis, retail merchandising, and Excel
• Opportunities to work on complex and challenging projects that will help you grow professionally and personally
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and creativity
• Regular feedback and coaching to help you achieve your career goals

Work Environment and Company Culture

At blithequark, we pride ourselves on our positive and inclusive company culture. As a Remote Analyst, you will be part of a team that values:

• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and creativity
• Diversity and inclusion
• Work-life balance and flexibility
• Continuous learning and growth

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

At blithequark, we offer a competitive compensation package that includes:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• A flexible and remote work environment
• Access to a range of training and development opportunities
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and experienced data analyst with a passion for retail merchandising and analytics, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join our team at blithequark. As a Remote Analyst, you will play a critical role in driving business growth and improving our operations. With a competitive compensation package, opportunities for professional growth and development, and a flexible and remote work environment, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Apply now to take the first step in your career with blithequark!