Location: Markham, Ontario

Job Description:

What is the role?

The Category Analyst provides analysis and assists 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.

What will you do?

• 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.

• Generate and analyze data concerning item performance and provide 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

What will you need to succeed?

Education and Experience

• 2-5 years supporting a purchasing/buying department

• Post-Secondary education with a focus in Business/Retail (preferable) or Marketing and Communications

• Demonstrated strong knowledge and experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint

Knowledge and Skills

• Very customer service oriented

• Strong organizational skills

• Works well inter-departmentally

• High 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

• Professional manner, tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with vendors and colleagues, including Senior Management

#INDS