Category Insights Analyst (Hybrid) - Topco Associates

Topco Associates is currently seeking a Category Insights Analyst for the Insights team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three times per week and virtual twice per week.

Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers, and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results, and the value Topco provides to its membership.

Who We Are Looking For

As a Category Insights Analyst, you'll be more than just a data expert, you'll be an analytic and category management advisor. Your insights will shape decisions on category strategy, assortment, distribution, merchandising, pricing, and promotional mix. You'll be instrumental in providing data-driven, customer-focused insights that not only meet, but exceed our sales and own brand performance, and market share objectives.

What You'll Do

Drive Category Success: Develop data-driven, customer-focused category business plans in collaboration with Category Managers. Craft narratives, analyze performance, and create strategies to enhance assortment, pricing, and promotions.

Transform Data into Stories: Leverage syndicated and internal data to deliver actionable insights. Convert complex data into clear, impactful stories that influence product development, pricing, and promotional strategies.

Shape Pricing and Promotion Strategies: Identify best-in-class promotions, recommend impactful activities, and analyze pricing to ensure market competitiveness. Support retailers in activating pricing and promotion strategies to maximize ROI.

Become a Strategic Advisor: Serve as a trusted advisor, offering insights and guidance to category managers. Influence key decisions on assortment, pricing, and promotions to drive category growth.

Understand the Consumer: Analyze shopper behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs within your categories. Educate stakeholders on these insights to craft strategies that engage target audiences.

Monitor Performance: Track category performance against KPIs (sales, units, margin, loyalty, etc.) to identify trends and opportunities for optimization.

Stay Ahead of Trends: Conduct research on industry trends and retailer strategies to enhance category planning, ensuring we lead in innovation, pricing, and promotions.

Who You Are

Curious Innovator:  You have a natural curiosity about how things work and thrive in the search for answers to complex questions. As a continuous learner, you stay updated on industry trends, consumer behaviors, and best practices in product management, pricing, and promotions.

Analytical Storyteller:  You're proficient in turning raw data into actionable insights and excel at crafting and presenting compelling stories that influence product, price, and promotion strategies.

Strategic Thinker:  You think beyond the numbers, understanding the broader business context. You're able to connect consumer insights with business strategies to drive category growth and profitability.

Detail-Oriented Professional:  With attention to detail, you understand that small nuances can make a big difference. You're organized and efficient, with excellent time management skills to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Analytics, or a related field.

Experience

• 2+ years as an Analyst and/or 1+ year in retail/CPG promotions, marketing, retail analytics, insights, consumer research, or business analysis.

Technical Skills

• Data Platforms: Proficiency with Circana/Nielsen, Numerator, SPINS, Mintel, SymphonyAI, 84.51° and other syndicated data sources.
• Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills, including creating spreadsheets and pivot tables to manage large datasets.
• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with SQL and Tableau is a significant plus.
• Presentation Skills: Ability to create impactful PowerPoint presentations that translate data into compelling stories.
• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO and HDHP offered)
• Health Savings Account
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Annual flexible spending accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive 401(k) match
• Generous PTO offered