Category Insights Analyst

Description

Empire Marketing Strategies has been a leader in delivering exceptional in-store execution for over 40 years, enhancing the customer experience in grocery retail. Operating in all 18 Kroger divisions across the U.S., we partner with some of the world's top brands to optimize their presence in over 2,500 store locations. Our team thrives on tackling diverse challenges in the fast-paced retail industry. We value dedication, talent, and a passion for excellence.

The Category & Supplier Insights Analyst provides analytical support across category management, supplier performance, business reporting, pricing, and operational initiatives. This role transforms retailer, supplier, shopper, and operational data into actionable insights that drive business growth, improve performance, and support strategic decision-making. The analyst partners with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and business stakeholders to identify opportunities, solve problems, and improve operational efficiency.

• Analyze sales, margin, pricing, inventory, and category performance to identify trends and opportunities.

• Develop insights related to assortment, pricing, promotions, and category growth.

• Create dashboards, scorecards, reports, and presentations for business partners and leadership.

• Translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Support business reviews, category reviews, and strategic initiatives.

• Monitor supplier performance, service levels, fill rates, and key performance metrics.

• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards and KPI reporting.

• Support forecasting, inventory planning, and supply chain initiatives.

• Investigate and resolve operational, pricing, and costing discrepancies.

• Validate data accuracy and maintain reporting integrity.

• Review sales, margin, and cost performance against budgets and forecasts.

• Conduct pricing reviews and identify cost or invoicing discrepancies.

• Track the impact of promotions, pricing changes, and supplier costs.

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.

• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Category Management, and vendor partners.

• Support cross-functional projects and communicate analytical findings to stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Analytics, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of experience in analytics, CPG, retail, or a data-driven business environment.
• Experience working with Kroger or similar retail accounts is a plus.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Advanced Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, and Power Query.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with reporting and visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or      similar platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience with syndicated, POS, loyalty, or retailer data sources.
• Experience with Nielsen, Circana/IRI, 84.51, Numerator, KCMS, or similar platforms.
• Experience with ERP systems, inventory planning, forecasting, and category      management.
• CPCA certification is a plus.

• Based in the Greater Cincinnati area, with a requirement of 5 days in the office.
• Collaborative and dynamic team environment with cross-functional engagement.