Purpose: 

The Assortment and Data Analyst provides strategic and tactical support to Corporate, Banner, Regional Merchants, and Independent Retailers in developing merchandising strategies and tools, with a focus on optimizing assortment decisions. This role leverages internal data and custom analytical tools to support efficient and accurate item acceptance and discontinuation processes. The Analyst maintains open and proactive communication with Merchants across all UNFI business units, primarily through virtual meetings and email. The position also works closely with the Corporate Schematics Team to ensure that assortment decisions are accurately implemented in schematics. This role requires a strong blend of analytical skills, merchandising knowledge, data integration capabilities, and an understanding of the unique go-to-market strategies across business units.

Job Responsibilities:

·       Analyze assortment using consumer, category, and competitive insights to provide recommendations aligned with local market relevance and natural/organic/specialty trends.

·       Plan and execute data mining, integration, trend analysis, report development, and custom analytics for retailers with diverse point-of-sale systems.

·       Collaborate with Schematic Analysts to determine space allocation by schematic and by store.

·       Provide analytical insights during new item acceptance and item discontinuation processes, including ranked recommendations for assortment changes.

·       Develop and maintain tracking and reporting tools to assess sales and margin impacts of assortment decisions, serving as the enterprise-wide source of truth for assortment and space data.

·       Support localized SKU assortment decisions and manage localized schematics in coordination with local banner merchants.

·       Deliver category performance analysis and insights to identify trends and recommend improvement strategies.

·       Conduct detailed data analysis to support key business initiatives and promote data-driven decision-making.

·       Develop a deep understanding of each business unit’s go-to-market strategies and the assortment philosophies of merchants across the organization.

·       Design and integrate data warehouse solutions that consolidate multiple data sources into unified models for business analysis.

·       Apply data visualization and storytelling techniques to communicate insights effectively.

·       Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and drive for process improvement, automation, and advanced reporting solutions.

·       Influence and guide stakeholders without direct authority through strong analytical insights and collaboration.

·       Lead consultative conversations with merchants and partners to establish and support new analytical workstreams.

Additional Responsibilities

·       Understand the behaviors and needs of customers, merchants, and corporate partners beyond the data.

·       Operate effectively in autonomous and ambiguous environments while collaborating to deliver innovative solutions.

·       Exhibit strong attention to detail, accuracy, and creativity in connecting data points to craft meaningful narratives.

·       Partner with Pro Services, Technical Services, and cross-functional teams to execute key projects and initiatives.

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree in a related field or a minimum of five years of relevant work experience

Experience:

·       Minimum of three years of experience in analytical merchandising and/or assortment analysis

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Proficient in common reporting and database tools, including Microsoft Excel and SQL is a plus

·       Proficiency in Microsoft 365

·       Understanding of syndicated data sources preferred (i.e. Nielsen, IRI, SPINS)

·       Strong relationship management and collaboration skills

·       Can work effectively as part of a team, including being remote from the team

·       Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently in a high energy and optimistic manner

·       Comfort with extreme ambiguity

·       Ability to break down multiple data sources to draw conclusions and provide recommendations

·       Understands business drivers and is commercially aware

·       Ability to work across vast amounts of data from different data sources

·       Strong innovation and creative skills

·       Strong basis for action

·       Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

·       This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

·       This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons, up to 10%.

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

·       Incumbents may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  

·       Incumbents may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during a normal workday.

·       Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.