Category Analyst

Weis Markets • Sunbury, PA

3d

About The Position

The Category Analyst manages and analyzes data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with category objectives. The role uses data sources and tools to assess vendor performance, pricing, assortment, and other key metrics, and develops category strategies through competitor analysis, pricing review, and store visits to identify growth opportunities. The analyst collaborates with internal teams on growth levers and vendor plans, supports vendor negotiations, models alternative category scenarios, and works with leadership to finalize offers aligned with business objectives.

The position also supports email negotiations by calculating vendor asks and tailoring communications, onboards vendors to the negotiation process, evaluates incoming offers, negotiates responses, follows up on contract closure, and maintains records of offers, negotiations, and communications. There are no direct supervisory responsibilities, though the role may collaborate with and guide cross-functional teams such as Merchandising and Operations. Occasional travel may be required to visit vendors, suppliers, or retail locations. Candidates must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Data Science, or a related field preferred.
• 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.
• Strong 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 derive meaningful insights.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with adaptability 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.
• Ability to pass a drug test.
• Deep knowledge of category management principles in small-format retail; convenience retail channel experience is described as ideal.
• Thorough understanding of retail consumers and how they shop for retail food offers.
• Customer-service orientation that makes internal and external customers feel welcome, important, and appreciated.
• Ability to preserve confidential information.
• Ability and willingness to move with purpose and urgency.
• Ability to organize and prioritize varied tasks and projects, work within strict time frames, and meet resolute deadlines.
• Familiarity with industry and technical terms and processes.
• 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.
• Authorization 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 is preferred.
• Experience in the convenience retail channel is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Manage and analyze data for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with category objectives.
• Analyze vendor performance, pricing, assortment, and other metrics using relevant data sources and tools.
• Develop category strategies using competitor data, pricing analysis, and store visits to identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with teams to identify growth levers and develop actionable vendor plans supporting 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 performance.
• Finalize vendor offers and work with leadership to align them with business objectives.
• Support email negotiations by calculating vendor asks and customizing communications to support contract closure.
• Onboard vendors to the negotiation process through informational sessions and necessary materials.
• Evaluate vendor offers, negotiate responses, and follow up for timely contract closure.
• Maintain an archive of vendor offers, negotiations, and communications.
• 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 needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level