Category Insights Analyst bei Empire Marketing Strategies, Inc.

Description

About Us: 

Empire Marketing Strategies has been a leader in delivering exceptional in-store execution for over 40 years, enhancing the customer experience in grocery retail. Operating in all 18 Kroger divisions across the U.S., we partner with some of the world's top brands to optimize their presence in over 2,500 store locations. Our team thrives on tackling diverse challenges in the fast-paced retail industry. We value dedication, talent, and a passion for excellence.

Why Join Us?

• We offer competitive time off packages including 9 paid holidays.
• Earn a competitive salary plus 80% employer-covered benefits.
• Up to 10% annual performance bonus potential.
• Our Educational Assistance Program empowers associates to enhance their business-related skills through continued learning and development.
• A dynamic work environment where you’ll make a real impact.
• Full-Time Associates are eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability coverage, a retirement program, mental health support, paid time off, and 9 paid holidays annually.
• Part-Time Associates are eligible for our retirement program and access to mental health support resources.

Job Summary:

Empire Marketing Strategies is seeking a detail-oriented and analytically driven Category Analyst to join our Category Insights team in the Greater Cincinnati area. In this hybrid role, you will analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources to support strategic selling initiatives and uncover actionable insights that drive growth for both our clients and Kroger. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure data integrity, performance tracking, and the development of compelling, insight-led stories that enhance category performance across the omnichannel landscape.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Strategic Category Analysis
• Insight Development & Communication
• Client & Team Support

Core Functions:

• Strategic Category Analysis
• Analyze complex data sets to generate insights related to assortment, pricing, shelving, and promotional effectiveness.
• Leverage retailer POS, loyalty data, and syndicated sources (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, 84.51, Numerator) to identify business opportunities and category growth strategies.
• Support topline sales reporting, business reviews, category line reviews, and assortment optimization projects..

• Insight Development & Communication
• Create and deliver compelling presentations and dashboards that communicate clear, data-driven stories for internal teams and retail partners.
• Assist in storyline development and reporting for both routine business meetings and special projects.
• Monitor and evaluate category trends, shopper behavior, and competitive landscape to support strategic recommendations.

• Client & Team Support
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales, Shopper Marketing, Brand, and Category Managers to ensure seamless execution of initiatives.
• Support the Category Manager with vendor relationships and data partnerships to maximize effectiveness and efficiency in insight generation

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Analytics, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in analytics, CPG, retail, or a data-driven business environment.
• Experience working with Kroger or similar retail accounts is a plus.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP, Index Match, Macros, VBA), PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience with syndicated, POS, and panel data tools: Nielsen, Circana/IRI, Numerator, 84.51, dunnhumby, SPINS, Spectra/demographics.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills; ability to distill complex data into concise insights.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Experience with BI and visualization platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, EYC, or Microsoft Access preferred.
• CPCA (Certified Professional Category Analyst) certification is a plus

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Tools and Equipment:

• Proficiency in analytical tools and data sources (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, NPD, Numerator, 84.51, dunnhumby, SPINS, Spectra).
• Familiarity with Space Planning software and additional analytical platforms (e.g., IRI Panel, Stratum, Symphony Retail AI/EYC, Tableau, Microsoft Access).

Work Environment:

• Based in the Greater Cincinnati area, with a requirement of 4 days in the office.
• Collaborative and dynamic team environment with cross-functional engagement.

Benefits and Additional Compensation Statement: At Empire Marketing Strategies, we prioritize the well-being and support of our team members by offering comprehensive benefits packages tailored to different employment types:

• Full-Time Associates: Eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability coverage, a retirement program, mental health support, paid time off, and 9 paid holidays annually.
• Part-Time Associates: Eligible for our retirement program and access to mental health support resources.