Category Analyst

Position Scope: Our client is searching for a Category Analyst to lead category‑level analytics and reporting, delivering insights that support category strategy, pricing, assortment decisions, and customer engagement. This role sits at the intersection of sales, marketing, and merchandising, and will appeal to someone who enjoys owning complex data sets, building compelling insights, and partnering closely with cross‑functional stakeholders. The Category Analyst will act as a subject‑matter expert for category analytics, supporting both retail and distribution‑based channels.

The role involves translating large volumes of sales, POS, and market data into clear insights and recommendations that influence assortment planning, promotional strategy, and shelf performance. This individual will independently manage analytical projects and continuously enhance reporting through automation and advanced analytics tools. Responsibilities: Prepare monthly category performance reporting (scorecards, business reviews) with clear insights and recommendations.

Analyze sales, POS, and channel data to identify trends, risks, and growth opportunities at the category and brand level. Monitor product assortment, listings, distribution, and mix performance. Evaluate promotional effectiveness, pricing actions, and brand/category performance.

Develop custom analysis and ad‑hoc reporting to support category, sales, and marketing leadership. Support customer presentations, including line reviews, assortment rationalization discussions, and annual planning meetings. Contribute to category strategy development, including recommendations around pricing, promotion, and merchandising tactics.

Support competitive analysis and market benchmarking initiatives. Maintain and manage category‑related documentation, item setup details, and data accuracy. Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and IT to resolve data issues and enhance reporting capabilities.

Maintain, optimize, and automate reporting systems, data flows, and distribution lists. Champion continuous improvement through dashboarding, automation, and process enhancements. Provide training and support to commercial teams on category reports, dashboards, and analytics tools.

Required Skills and Knowledge: Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; strong data manipulation and presentation skills. Proven ability to independently manage complex analytical projects and deliver actionable, business‑focused insights. Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate data into clear, compelling category narratives.

Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities. Experience working cross‑functionally with sales, marketing, and merchandising teams. Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Analytics, Finance, or a related discipline. 5+ years of experience in sales analytics, commercial analytics, or business intelligence.

Strong experience with ERP systems and BI / visualization tools. Application Instructions: To apply, please send a resume to Jessica Alcock at [email protected] Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. #J-18808-Ljbffr