Product Merchandising Analyst II

Here at Discount Tire, we celebrate the spirit of our people with extraordinary pride and enthusiasm. Our business has been growing for more than 60 years and now is the best time in our history to join us. We are opening more locations every year and we are always looking for qualified individuals to join us in our growth. We are a company that promotes from within, both in our retail and corporate operations.

Under general supervision, the Product Merchandising Analyst II manages the marketing plan and pricing strategy for a given product category and sales territory; resolves complex product/ price inquiries; advises regional sales teams and provides product strategy recommendations to support the Company's marketing plan/ pricing strategy and maintain Discount Tire's competitive edge.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts competitive market analysis; provides competitor price comparison analysis and retail price reports; provides recommendations for pricing strategies based on industry trends and competitive benchmarks for product category/region/ sales territory; summarizes findings to key partners.
• Ensures that suggested retail prices, open price points and special pricing are implemented accordingly. Audits/ validates price lists; provides feedback/ recommendations to Analyst I to improve process.
• Creates and analyzes product cost studies, vendor profit and sales reports, sales and retail price deviations; provides pricing strategy recommendations.
• Collaborates with sales territories to develop marketing plan/ pricing strategy recommendations, acts as a liaison between the corporate office and sales territories to communicate Company marketing initiatives and pricing strategy. Assists in vendor communications/ inquiries, such as product launch and article creation.
• Conducts retail pricing analysis for new store locations / sales territories; provides recommendations and implements approved pricing strategy.
• Maintains market price lists, customer competitor profiles, tax, freight and retail adjustments in SAP.
• Analyzes product category trends/ dynamics, risk / loss and product marketing performance; collaborates with stakeholders to recommend cost targets and product assortment; identifies gaps/ opportunities and provides recommendations to optimize marketing plan/ pricing strategy based on market conditions.
• Provides product research, pricing/costing and market strategy; provides recommendations to support buying decisions, identifies gaps in future strategy, and utilizes market trends to identify opportunities for product expansion/consolidation. Collaborates with stakeholders to provide recommendations for the development of new products, including fitment and technical specifications required to meet business objectives.
• Verifies accuracy of New Article Data, Purchase Price Data and Retail Price Management (RPM) Margin checks, and Employee cost calls. Leads monthly update calls with region/ sales territories and obtains feedback.
• Drives due diligence process in support of pre-product launch or advertising campaign, including, but not limited to requesting assets from stakeholders; reviews product pricing/ position within market and provides recommendations concerning pricing strategy. Provides pre-roll out regional communications/ informational materials.
• Researches and analyzes new and aging vehicle registry data; provides product forecast models and recommendations that impact regional/ store specific product development, assortment and inventory.
• Manages products throughout their lifecycle; implements exit strategy of a given product line.
• Creates and validates product articles; performs routine audit of system data.
• Trains and provides guidance to Sales & Marketing Analyst I.
• Stays current on the latest industry technologies, trends and strategies.
• Assists employees, vendors or other customers by answering questions related to Product Marketing & Market Research processes, procedures and services.
• Completes work in a timely and accurate manner while providing exceptional customer service.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• This position requires a minimum of three years product marketing, inventory management, financial analysis or related experience.
• Tire industry experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in SAP with the ability to manage and implement competitor pricing and new pricing markets within SAP and make recommendations on competitor/ retail strategies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft SQL, MicroStrategy & BeX Analyzer is required. Microsoft Visio is preferred.
• Proficient in analyzing and interpreting complex data sets; ability to model various scenarios/options and provide marketing strategy recommendations.
• Experience developing, managing and enhancing professional relationships with product and service vendors is necessary.
• Strong presentation skills are required.
• Strong attention to detail balanced by ability to see big picture is key.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint are required.
• Ability to use pivot tables, v-lookups, index match, formulas and statistical functions are strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate across all levels of the organization, present complex ideas concisely and clearly articulate ideas verbally and in writing is necessary.
• The ability to work efficiently and accurately under pressure, meet deadlines, present a professional demeanor and work well independently is essential.
• Customer service skills including the ability to manage and respond to different customer situations while maintaining a positive and friendly attitude is essential.
• In addition, troubleshooting, organizational and problem solving skills with a can-do attitude and the ability to adjust to changing requirements are essential. Treating others with respect and upholding Company values is key.

Educational Requirements:

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Statistics, Marketing, Advertising, Communications or related field, or equivalent work experience.

Work Days:

Normal work days are Monday through Friday. Occasional Saturdays and Sundays may be necessary.

Work Hours:

Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be necessary.

Discount Tire provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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