Manager - Retail Planning & Analytics - Individual Contributor

CVS Health•Woonsocket, RI

2d•$66,330 - $145,860•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Retail Planning & Analytics independently owns complex, high-impact analytical and operational workstreams supporting front store merchandising categories. This role is responsible for vendor funding management and financial planning, including execution of vendor funding agreements, forecasting, billing accuracy, and variance management. This position serves as a trusted advisor to Category Managers and leadership, delivering accurate, compliant, and executive-ready insights that inform business decisions, identify risks and opportunities, and improve financial outcomes. This is an individual contributor role that exercises manager-level judgment, autonomy, and influence. The role is expected to lead work across analysts, coordinate deliverables, and support talent development while elevating analytical quality, governance, and process improvement, ensuring adherence to financial controls and enterprise standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Analytics, Economics, Mathematics, or related field (Required)
5+ years of experience in retail analytics, finance, FP&A, merchandising, or related field (Required)
Demonstrated ability to independently own complex financial and operational workstreams
Strong understanding of retail merchandising financials, vendor funding, and category P&Ls
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into business recommendations
Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders through clear, data-driven communication (written and verbal)
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in financial analysis and execution
Ability to operate with limited oversight and manage competing priorities across deadlines
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
Working knowledge of financial controls, compliance, and audit considerations
Ability to adapt to changing business needs and deliver results in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree (MBA, Finance, Analytics, or related discipline) (Preferred)
Experience supporting complex retail or financial portfolios (Preferred)
Experience supporting Retail Planning, Vendor Funding Management, or Category Finance
Advanced experience using SQL, Access, or similar query tools to analyze large datasets
Experience building or improving forecasting models, dashboards, or automation
Prior experience working in a large, matrixed retail or healthcare organization
Experience designing scalable automation, dashboards, or reporting frameworks
Demonstrated history of leading process improvement initiatives with measurable impact
Master’s Degree (MBA or equivalent)

Responsibilities

Lead category-level funding forecasting and P&L support, including funding rate analysis, scenario modeling, and risk assessment
Own development of forecast assumptions and methodologies, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment across stakeholders
Deliver variance analysis and performance insights, identifying key drivers of results, risks, and opportunities
Develop annual funding plans and budgets in partnership with Category Management and Finance
Analyze funding performance, rate changes, vendor gaps, and repayment activity to inform forecast updates and business decisions
Coordinate BU forecast submissions across categories, integrating inputs across analysts into a consolidated outlook
Own execution of vendor funding agreements, including ensuring accurate setup, documentation, and alignment to contractual terms
Ensure timely and accurate billing in partnership with cross-functional teams
Investigate and resolve discrepancies across agreements, billing activity, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and completeness of funding activity
Ensure funding activity is compliant with financial controls, audit requirements, and enterprise standards
Coordinate directly with suppliers to support funding execution, including resolving disputes, validating deal terms, and ensuring required documentation and approvals
Serve as a key financial partner to Category Managers, providing insights that influence strategy, funding decisions, and category performance
Build strong, trusted relationships across Merchandising, Finance, leadership, and suppliers
Lead analytical support for funding reviews and forecast discussions, delivering insights that inform leadership decisions
Translate complex analysis into clear, executive-ready narratives with actionable recommendations
Anticipate business needs and proactively deliver insights to guide decision-making
Ensure SOX-compliant documentation, controls, and audit readiness related to vendor funding agreements and billing activity
Act as an escalation point for complex operational or compliance-related issues
Provide guidance, coaching, and informal oversight to analysts, helping coordinate work, prioritize deliverables, and maintain high standards of accuracy and execution