Markdown Optimization Analyst

Maurices•Duluth, MN

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Markdown Optimization Analyst is responsible for analysis and execution support of markdown strategies based on merchandise lifecycle strategy in conjunction with in-season results, driving maximized margin and customer experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required
3+ years related experience required
Prior retail experience, with a thorough understanding of operations/dynamics to provide insight preferred
Ability to take initiative
Strong understanding of retail calculations and formulas
Proficient with Excel & Microstrategy
Organizational and analytical skills
Detail oriented
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to quickly adapt to changing business priorities
Ability to synthesize data in an easily digestible way.
Ability to collaborate with others to maximize business process and drive financial results

Responsibilities

Drives maximized sales, margin & inventory through optimized markdowns via the following: Lifecycle & Pricing
Identifies and supports maintenance of systemic changes of styles as they pertain to retail pricing and product lifecycle. This includes but is not limited to identifying needed changes in business-relevant UDA’s, supporting price adjustments, supporting store pricing IT requests, and supporting maintenance of lifecycle strategy notes on all styles between systems
Identifies needed change in MDO business rules and settings when necessary
Evaluates current markdown policies and procedures to identify improvement opportunities to profitability, sell through, and processes
Implements MDO target strategies
Troubleshoots systemic issues as they arise
Strategy Support Partners with cross functional team members, both internally and externally, to create optimal clearance markdown strategies to maximize margin and inventory management
Implements a top-down markdown process and ensures process is fully operationalized across MP&A
Provides reporting and insights that aid in strategic development and actions that result in increased sales, profit, and/or unit liquidation. This includes but is not limited to analysis of the MD Planner Review File, Weekly Clearance Reports, Pre/Post MD Recaps, MD Calendars, and any additional needs
Attends or reviews strategic product meetings, like OTB and PLC milestone meetings to gain understanding of liabilities and pre-season markdown strategies
Mines and translates data into meaningful insights and recommendations
Promotion Support Supports maintenance of promotional inputs into the markdown tool
Provides product and location level clearance analysis to drive profits and/or unit liquidation
Collaborates with Pricing & Promotions Team, Visual, and Marketing on markdown promotional events
Supports cross-category and clearance promotional analysis

Benefits

Choice of three medical plans, including a PPO plan or High-Deductible plans.
High-Deductible plans offer the option of a Health Savings Account, with employer contribution.
Dental, and Vision coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care)
Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage
Voluntary Life, Spouse, and Child Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability coverage
Basic Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability coverage (at no cost)
Wellbeing platform with Personify Health
Employee Assistance Program available for associates and their families
401(k) with an immediately vested Safe Harbor matching contribution (eligible after 6 months)
Tuition Assistance program (available after 1 year)
PTO benefits, including vacation (with accrual or flexible options based on role)
Annual sick time awards
Holiday pay
Two weeks of New Parent Leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement
Continuous opportunities for learning
Connection building through Associate Resource Groups
Free access to a state-of-the-art onsite Fitness Facility (for Duluth based associates)