Category Analyst

Main Purpose of Job To work with the Commercial manager(s) / Head of Commercial to ensure EBITDA delivery to budget targets by Weekly review of trading performance and recommend actions to improve performance Perform analysis to design and measure local pricing and commercial trials using a mix of controlled experiment techniques, market research and ad hoc analysis Post-trial analysis of impact The identification of key commercial opportunities and priorities for testing Develop analytical tools and templates What you'll be Doing: Planning Commercial / category plan support the Head of Commercial to create the commercial / category plan for each of the specified brand or brands Focused on ensure plans will drive sufficient value to deliver corporate stretch targets Work closely with finance to ensure budget and Quartey forecast capture planned impacts ensure budgets are realistic and deliverable based on pipeline commercial activity Sign off - submit proposed sales and gross margin improvement activities to weekly trade / monthly commercial activity meetings for approval (background, financial value and suggested next steps) Modelling Ensure activities are modelled with clear assumptions and rational to support the assumptions Test and learn activity is designed with robust control groups and expectations of success are clear before activities are live New openings, modelling of forecast sales mix at product level working alongside Commercial managers Support Category manager (or) Commercial manager in preparing proposals for trading or commercial forum sign off Implementation / Analysis Work with Commercial executive / manager to ensure consistent implementation of the agreed strategy at brand level. E.g. Tracking compliance of activities prior to detailed reviews Reviewing data pre to post or year on year, normalisation of data to ensure seasonal and external factors driving performance are mitigated within reason Ensure that the true cost to the business of product decisions is considered, within analysis Post completion review of new openings Pricing trial and elasticity reviews Look for optimisation opportunities either in other brands or in other product categories where similar principles can be applied Support Category manager (or) Commercial manager in preparing proposals for trading or commercial forum sign off To be successful in this role you will need: Track record of analysing commercial data to drive insights and change in businesses Good grasp of commercial issues in a consumer/retail environment Evidence of building effective working relationship with commercial teams Good communication skills Ability to self-manage and to work under pressure and deliver within deadlines Must be able to develop innovative ideas to drive top and bottom line, testing, learning and refining and then operationalising them Exceptional attention to detail Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at SSP. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to engaging all of our people, so they feel valued and motivated we champion diversity, promote inclusion, and ensure equality. We respect and protect human rights and prevent discrimination and we positively impact our communities. We encourage and welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, gender, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual identity and orientation or age