<p>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.</p> <p>Merchandising Category Insights Analyst</p> <p>Major Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Analyze SKU-level and supplier-level performance within a set of merchandise categories. This includes, but is not limited to category trends, key supplier dynamics, EBITDA economics at the SKU level, historical evolution of cost and margins </li><li>Provide market and industry insights on top performing items purchased in the market and by customers </li><li>Perform competitive benchmarking (assortment, SKU distribution) in specific product categories </li><li>Identify cost and margin opportunities across SKUs and suppliers (e.g., cost gaps, profit gaps, productivity gaps) and guide Merchants in prioritizing for impact </li><li>Execute "what if" scenarios on proposed assortment changes or share shifts before completing assortment decisions, partnering with Inventory, Pricing, Sales & Marketing </li><li>Craft analytical materials for supplier negotiations, category reviews and assortment discussions </li><li>Measuring the effectiveness of Marketing campaigns </li><li>Identifying Marketing targets from historical purchase behaviors </li><li>Support Life Cycle Management: </li><li>Develop criteria for adding new items; Provide oversight for execution of process </li><li>Reporting on new item performance and monthly / quarterly discontinuation review process (ongoing "tail trimming"). Provide project management to ensure execution of process </li><li>Work on special projects, ad hoc analysis, and initiatives related to assortment performance and COGS management </li><li>Understands and demonstrates Essendant's Core Values </li><li>Performs other duties as assigned </li></ul> <p>Skills/Knowledge</p> <ul> <li>Understanding of Merchandising business processes and their influence on organizational performance and profitability is preferred </li><li>Solid analytical and problem-solving skills required </li><li>Strong Financial skills required, including ability to gather, analyze and organize complex data, and draw conclusions </li><li>Proficient verbal and written communication skills required (effectiveness with PowerPoint a plus) </li><li>Strong project management skills preferred </li><li>Ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments and meet tight deadlines required </li><li>Ability to work cross-functionally and build & maintain effective relationships particularly with Merchant teams required </li><li>Strong attention to detail required </li><li>Moderate understanding of business intelligence tools and languages required, preferably SQL, Power BI, OLAP, and Power Pivot. </li><li>Expert abilities in Microsoft Office Suite software including MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. </li></ul> <p>Education and Experience</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in Finance, Mathematics, or related quantitative discipline. </li><li>1 - 3 years of applicable work experience preferred. </li><li>Marketing or Merchandising analysis experience preferred. </li><li>Experience presenting to groups and senior management preferred. </li></ul> <p>Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000</p> <p>Benefits:</p> <ul> <li>Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) </li><li>401k with matching </li><li>Company Holidays </li><li>Overtime Pay for hourly employees </li><li>Paid Vacation, Floating Holidays, and Sick Time </li><li>Maternity and Parental leave benefits </li><li>Employee discount </li><li>Tuition Reimbursement </li><li>Employee Assistance Program </li></ul> <p>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.</p>