Retail Analyst

General Summary
The Retail Analyst's primary role is to help build customer alliances within the account operational hierarchy and to develop incremental merchandising and distribution opportunities at the regional level. The Retail Analyst also is the primary liaison with field sales (Team Retail) to ensure plan execution at store level.Principal Accountabilities
Business Planning and Plan Execution - 50%
Development of customized local merchandising programs to drive incremental sales volume at the local level
Analyze local trends to create programs specific to the targeted Wal-Mart region, incorporating Wal-Mart "Store of the Community" strategy
Monitor store level activity to identify opportunity areas/markets
Work jointly with BDM/CatMan to determine brand specific regional opportunities
Customization of National Marketing programs for execution at the local level, adhering to Wal-Mart guidelines and store restrictions
Manage execution and tracking of LFE programs (e.g.: store contests, local school participation, etc.)
Monitors and evaluates trade spend efficiencies and P&L requirements associated with operational merchandising programs in conjunction with Finance/Marketing
Conducts Post Event Analysis of all regional merchandising activities
Analyze and communicate incremental volume, trade spend and program effectiveness
Incorporate learning into development of future programs
Manages communication process of account activity and plans to CPB field sales (Team Retail)
Team Retail liaison, provide store level sales reporting and support to RBMs and ROMs to ensure execution of plans
Utilizing internal Wal-Mart data system, monitor shelf voids/distribution gaps and communicate to RBMs
Distribution of quarterly "Wins at Wal-Mart" newsletter highlighting local success stories
Participate in the Wal-Mart account training of Team Retail
Assists the Retail Ops Director with management of Broker activity and budgetary controlsTeam Reporting - 20%
Visual Basic understanding
Use properties and controls
Create Visual Basic procedures functions statements and variables by using the important programming language concepts
Implement Menus
Implement Dialog boxes
Creating and saving a new project
Working with the project window
Changing properties
Adding controls to a form
Attaching code to objects
Executing a program
Creating an executable fileStructured Query Language
Office Automation of reports
Database management
Standardizing and consolidation of reports
Create and manipulate databases on all major platformsCustomer Development - 15%
Build professional customer alliances within account operational hierarchy
Assist the Retail Operations Director in development of regional Quarterly Business Planning template and content
Prepare and deliver fact based sales presentations at account regional level (District Manager, Regional VP)
Assist in the development of annual joint business plan/strategy with WM OperationsCompetitive Assessment - 15%
Development of standardized Competitive Assessment tools and reporting
Track, evaluate and report on competitive account tactics and trends in the marketplace utilizing syndicated data (Nielsen HomeScan), regional surveys and market visits
Conduct Ad Hoc analyses
Identify and analyze competitive environmental factors affecting regiona
REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications:Ability to develop, foster, and manage customer relationships
Comfort level to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to "multi-task" and handle multiple projects/reporting while maintaining deadlines within a fast paced, evolving customer team
Has the functional / technical skills to perform the job at a high level of accomplishment
Ability to learn on the fly
Action Orientated
Operates with integrity and trust
Time Management and priority setting skills
Demonstrated leadership
Team PlayerJob Specifications (Knowledge, skills and abilities normally required for competent performance in job)Expertise with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Access
Knowledge of Visual Basic and SQL "Structured Query Language"
Knowledge of Wal-Mart Retail Link
Working knowledge of syndicated data systems (IRI , HomeScan)
Understanding of fundamental sales principles (DSMP) and current marketplace trends
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
2 to 4 years of account management or sales experience
Undergraduate (4 yr.) Degree or equivalent work experienceWorking ConditionsRegional sales office in Bentonville, Arkansas
Travel is required (Approx. 2x per month)