Category Analyst, Consumables

at  Pet Valu

Location: Markham, Ontario
Job 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

• 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 report