Category Analyst

Weis Markets•Sunbury, PA

About The Position

The Category Analyst manages and analyzes data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with category objectives. The role uses data and other tools to evaluate vendor performance, pricing, assortment, and related metrics; develops category strategies from competitor analysis and store visits; and collaborates with teams on growth opportunities and actionable vendor plans. The analyst supports vendor negotiations, prepares and responds to vendor inquiries, models alternative category scenarios, finalizes vendor offers with leadership, and helps close contracts through email negotiations and follow-up. The role also onboards vendors to the negotiation process and maintains records of offers, negotiations, and communications. This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but may collaborate with and provide guidance to cross-functional teams, including Merchandising and Operations. Occasional travel may be required to vendors, suppliers, or retail locations. The position requires the ability to work weekends and extended days, and to work day or evening hours. A valid driver's license is required for business travel. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; sponsorship of employment visas is not available at this time.

Requirements

At least 3–5 years of experience in category management, procurement, data analysis, or a related field.
Strong understanding of vendor negotiations and retail analytics.
Proficiency in data cleaning, analysis, and categorization.
Understanding of competitive analysis, including pricing, assortment, and vendor performance.
Experience preparing vendor offers, assessing terms, and ensuring alignment with business goals.
Ability to work with large data sets and interpret complex information to drive strategy.
Familiarity with negotiation tools, category management systems, and performance benchmarking.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and concisely.
Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, and draw meaningful insights.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and ability to adapt to changing business needs.
Ability to calculate percentages, margins, and other financial metrics relevant to category management and vendor negotiations.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business documents, including vendor contracts, financial reports, and performance data.
Minimum age of 21 years old.
Ability to pass a drug test.
Deep knowledge of category management principles in small-format retail; convenience retail channel experience is identified as ideal.
Thorough understanding of retail consumers and how they engage with and shop for retail food offers.
Data-driven analytical approach to decision-making.
Commitment to customer service for internal and external customers.
Ability to preserve confidentiality of information.
Ability and willingness to work with purpose and urgency.
Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of tasks and projects.
Familiarity with industry and technical terms and processes.
Ability to work within strict time frames and deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, and Windows 7.
Ability to work weekends, extended days, and day or evening hours.
Typing speed of 40 WPM.
Valid driver's license for business travel.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; the employer is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Data Science, or a related field preferred.
Experience in the convenience retail channel.

Responsibilities

Manage and analyze data for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with category objectives.
Analyze vendor performance, pricing, assortment, and other metrics using data sources and tools.
Develop category strategies using competitor data, pricing, and store visits to identify growth opportunities.
Collaborate with teams to identify growth levers and develop vendor plans that support category goals.
Support vendor negotiations to establish favorable terms aligned with financial and strategic objectives.
Prepare and respond to vendor inquiries and manage communications to maintain strong vendor relationships.
Model alternative category strategy scenarios and assess their impact on category performance.
Finalize vendor offers and work with leadership to ensure alignment with business objectives.
Support email negotiations by calculating vendor requests and customizing communications to help close contracts.
Onboard vendors to the negotiation process by hosting informational sessions and sharing materials.
Evaluate incoming vendor offers, negotiate responses, and follow up to ensure timely contract closure.
Maintain an archive of vendor offers, negotiations, and communications for future reference and analysis.
Collaborate with and provide guidance to cross-functional teams, including Merchandising and Operations, to support category strategy execution.
Travel occasionally to vendors, suppliers, or retail locations as required.