Job Information
Essendant Merchandise Analyst II-Hybrid in Deerfield, Illinois
Description
Analyst II - Merchandise Analytics
Essendant is a purpose-driven company that reaches beyond business goals to define its success within commerce today. We support our associates, customers and communities – our core values and guiding principles shape what we aspire to do. Integrity, Collaboration, Customer-Centric, Embrace and Drive Change are our core values that serve as the foundation of our pathway to success. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Giving Back, Associate Safety, and Accountability are our guiding principles that motivate us to focus on creating a safe and rewarding experience. Essendant is a leader in supporting the supply chain industry and has been in business for 100 years to deliver the best practices for our customers and associates. Join us at Essendant, the better way to commerce.
Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday-Thursday in office
Major Responsibilities:
Analytics:
Analyze supplier and item level performance within a set of merchandise categories. Includes, but is not limited to category trends, key supplier dynamics, EBITDA economics at SKU level, historical evolution of cost and margins
Provide market and industry insights on top performing items purchased in the market and by customers
Perform competitive benchmarking (assortment, SKU distribution) in specific product categories
Identify cost and margin opportunities across SKUs and suppliers (e.g., cost gaps, profit gaps, productivity gaps) and guide Merchants in prioritizing for impact
Execute "what if" scenarios on proposed assortment changes or share shifts before completing assortment decisions, partnering with Inventory, Pricing, Sales & Marketing
Craft analytical materials to be shared with suppliers during supplier negotiations, category reviews and assortment discussions
Provide oversight of Item lifecycle management process, including develop criteria for adding new items
Reporting on new item performance and monthly / quarterly discontinuation review process (ongoing “tail trimming”). Provide project management to ensure execution of process
Work special projects, ad hoc analysis, and actions related to assortment performance and COGS management
Understands and demonstrates Essendant's Core Values
Performs other duties as assigned
Skills/Knowledge:
Understanding of Merchandising business processes and their influence on organizational performance and profitability is preferred
Solid analytical and problem-solving skills required
Strong Financial skills required, including the ability to gather, analyze and organize complex data, and draw conclusions
Proficient verbal and written communication skills required (effectiveness with PowerPoint a plus)
Strong project management skills preferred
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments and meet tight deadlines required
Ability to work cross-functionally and build & maintain effective relationships with Merchant teams required
Strong attention to detail required
Expert abilities in Microsoft Office Suite software including MS Excel and PowerPoint, and Word.
Expert knowledge of business intelligence tools and languages required, preferably SQL, Power BI, OLAP, Power Pivot
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Finance, Mathematics, or related quantitative discipline.
2 – 5 years of applicable work experience preferred.
Financial or Merchandising analysis experience preferred.
Experience presenting to groups and senior management.
Benefits:
Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
401k with matching
Company Holidays
Overtime Pay for hourly employees
Paid Vacation, Floating Holidays, and Sick Time
Maternity and Parental leave benefits
Employee discount
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program
Essendant drives to be inclusive and celebrates diversity by starting with our associates. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment. We strongly encourage candidates to apply for opportunities, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. At Essendant we are building an elevated community by creating a safe and supportive work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, including or based on age, race, color, disability, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. People are what drives our company. We are one team with endless possibilities. We are Essendant.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)