Experienced Full Stack Business Analyst – Merchandise Planning and Analytics for Retail Operations at Blithequark

Join Blithequark as a Remote Business Analyst and Drive Retail Excellence

Blithequark, a global leader in retail pharmacy, is seeking an experienced Business Analyst to join our Merchandise Planning Analytics team on a 6-month contract with the opportunity for extension or conversion. As a key member of our team, you will play a crucial role in supporting our Merchandising team to optimize performance across our Front End (non-Pharmacy) businesses. If you have a passion for data analysis, retail operations, and business growth, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

About Blithequark and Our Industry

Blithequark is a renowned retail pharmacy company that has been serving communities for years. Our Merchandise Planning Analytics team is responsible for managing reporting, analysis, and tool building to support a team of 100+ merchants and 40+ planners. We are committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving business growth through data-driven insights.

Work Environment

We offer a 100% remote work arrangement for this role, allowing you to work from the comfort of your own home. To ensure seamless collaboration, you must be available to work in Central Standard Time (CST). Our working hours are 8am-5pm, with a one-hour lunch break from 12pm-1pm. While we offer flexible scheduling, you must be available for at least 30 hours per week to meet business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive reporting, tracking, and analysis for Own Brand (private label) products, including ad-hoc analysis based on business needs
• Conduct item-level historical analysis and recapping to inform business decisions
• Build item-level future-looking forecasts to drive business growth
• Work with thousands of Own Brand items at the item level, utilizing Excel as the primary system/tool
• Develop complex Excel formulas and synthesize large data sets into meaningful executive recaps
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Planning, Finance, and other stakeholders to drive business outcomes
• Manage and prioritize multiple assignments, meeting tight deadlines and delivering high-quality results

Essential Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (analytics, data science, finance, financial analysis, assortment planning, retail, procurement/purchasing, merchandising)
• At least 3-5 years of experience in analytics, data science, or a related field, with a strong understanding of retail merchandising basics and organization structures and processes

Skills and Competencies

• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex insights effectively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with intermediate to advanced skills in formulas (SUM/SUMIFS, Subtotals, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, Macros, Pivot tables)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to develop effective working relationships with stakeholders
• Ability to work independently, adapt to changing priorities, and manage multiple assignments
• Retail math background, with skills in item-level forecasting, demand patterns, sell-through/sales/profit goals, and inventory and sales metrics

Preferred Qualifications

Education and Experience

• MBA or a quantitative analytical degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Data science experience, with a focus on retail operations

Skills and Competencies

• SQL coding, Microsoft Access, and macro building
• Experience with retail operations, merchandising, and planning

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At Blithequark, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees. As a Business Analyst, you will have the opportunity to:

• Develop your analytical and problem-solving skills, working with complex data sets and business stakeholders
• Enhance your communication and presentation skills, presenting insights to senior leadership and driving business outcomes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Merchandising, Planning, and Finance
• Contribute to the development of new tools and processes, driving business growth and excellence

Work Environment and Company Culture

At Blithequark, we pride ourselves on a dynamic and inclusive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our company culture is built on:

• Collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on driving business outcomes
• Continuous learning and development, with opportunities for growth and advancement
• Innovation and creativity, with a focus on solving complex business problems
• Recognition and rewards, with a focus on employee engagement and satisfaction

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a comprehensive compensation package, including:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Opportunities for bonuses and performance-based rewards
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and analytical professional looking to drive business growth and excellence in the retail industry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity at Blithequark. As a Business Analyst, you will play a critical role in supporting our Merchandising team and driving business outcomes. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how you can contribute to our team.