Remote Data Analytics and Merchandise Planning Associate – Retail Front End Insights

About arenaflex

arenaflex stands at the forefront of innovation in the retail pharmacy industry, partnering with globally recognized brands to transform how data shapes business strategy. As a trusted name in retail merchandise planning, arenaflex empowers its clients with deep analytical insights, intuitive forecasting tools, and the strategic foresight needed to thrive in a fast-paced, consumer-driven market. Our commitment to excellence is matched only by our dedication to fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous growth.

Joining arenaflex means becoming part of a dynamic, remote-first organization that believes great talent knows no geographic boundaries. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Remote Data Analytics and Merchandise Planning Associate to support our flagship retail merchandising engagement. This is a 6-month contract role with the potential for extension or permanent conversion, offering a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in retail analytics, assortment planning, and financial modeling.

Position Overview

The Remote Data Analytics and Merchandise Planning Associate will be embedded within the arenaflex Merchandise Planning Analytics team, supporting a leading retail pharmacy client. This team is responsible for reporting, analysis, and tool development that drives the merchandising strategy for the client's Front End business — encompassing thousands of products across multiple categories. In this role, you will collaborate closely with 100+ merchants and 40+ planners, helping to optimize performance, uncover trends, and deliver executive-ready insights that shape category and assortment decisions.

This is a fully remote position requiring candidates to work within the Central Standard Time (CST) zone. The standard schedule is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. While flexibility is offered, a minimum of 30 hours per week is required to meet business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Own Brand Reporting and Analysis: Lead the development of recurring and ad-hoc reports, recaps, and tracking tools for the client's private label (Own Brand) portfolio. Analyze item-level performance and communicate findings to stakeholders across the organization.
• Item-Level Historical Recapping: Conduct deep-dive historical analysis of thousands of Own Brand items, identifying trends, anomalies, and opportunities to inform future planning cycles.
• Forecasting and Predictive Modeling: Build item-level future-looking forecasts based on demand patterns, sales trends, and sell-through goals. Translate quantitative findings into actionable recommendations.
• Ad-Hoc Analytical Support: Respond to evolving business needs with rapid, well-structured analyses that synthesize large datasets into meaningful executive recaps.
• Tool Building in Microsoft Excel: Develop, maintain, and enhance complex Excel-based tools that automate reporting, track key metrics, and support decision-making for merchandising leaders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build strong working relationships with Merchandising, Planning, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on objectives, deliverables, and timelines.
• Project and Time Management: Prioritize multiple assignments, manage tight deadlines, and adapt quickly to changing business priorities while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.
• Executive Communication: Prepare clear, concise, and visually compelling presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, translating complex data into stories that resonate with senior leadership.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

To thrive in this role, candidates should bring a strong analytical foundation combined with hands-on experience in retail, merchandising, or financial analysis. Specifically, we are looking for:

• Educational Background: A Bachelor's degree is required, with a concentration in Analytics, Data Science, Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: analytics, data science, finance, financial analysis, assortment planning, retail, procurement/purchasing, or merchandising.
• Retail Merchandising Knowledge: At least 3 years of dedicated experience in data analytics or a related field, with a solid understanding of retail merchandising fundamentals, including category management, assortment planning, and merchandising organizational structures.
• Advanced Excel Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced skill in Microsoft Excel is critical. You should be comfortable using functions such as SUM, SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, subtotals, pivot tables, and macros. Most of the work in this role will be performed in Excel.
• Quantitative and Storytelling Skills: Outstanding analytical and problem-solving capabilities paired with the ability to tell a compelling story with data — both verbally and in writing.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to create polished, executive-level presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Retail Math Acumen: A strong background in retail math, including item-level forecasting based on demand patterns, sell-through, sales, and profit goals, as well as knowledge of sales by type, average unit retail (AUR) impacts, and key inventory and sales metrics.
• Independence and Adaptability: The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt to evolving business needs in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Intermediate-level proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint in addition to Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following qualifications will set candidates apart:

• Advanced Degree: An MBA or a graduate-level degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or another quantitative analytical field.
• Data Science Experience: Hands-on experience with data science methodologies, statistical modeling, or machine learning techniques.
• Retail Industry Experience: Prior experience working in retail, particularly within pharmacy, grocery, or consumer goods sectors.
• Technical Skills: Working knowledge of SQL coding, Microsoft Access, or advanced macro building within Excel.

Skills and Competencies for Success

Success in this role requires a blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and interpersonal savvy. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Analytical Rigor: The ability to conduct complex quantitative analyses and build robust analytical models that drive business decisions.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to data integrity, accuracy, and consistency across all deliverables.
• Storytelling with Data: The finesse to translate numbers into narratives that inspire action and inform strategy.
• Collaboration: A natural ability to develop effective working relationships with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
• Resilience: The capacity to thrive under pressure, manage ambiguity, and deliver high-quality work within tight timelines.
• Initiative: A proactive mindset with a willingness to take ownership of projects and drive them to completion independently.

Career Growth and Learning Opportunities

At arenaflex, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop deep expertise in retail merchandise planning, assortment strategy, and data-driven decision-making. You will work alongside seasoned analytics professionals and merchandising leaders, gaining exposure to the full lifecycle of category management — from item-level forecasting to executive-level recaps. Whether you are looking to sharpen your technical skills, expand your business acumen, or build a long-term career in retail analytics, arenaflex provides the platform, mentorship, and resources to help you grow.

Successful contractors may be considered for contract extensions or permanent conversion based on performance and business need, offering a clear pathway to long-term career advancement within the organization.

Work Environment and Company Culture at arenaflex

arenaflex is proud to be a remote-first organization that values flexibility, trust, and results. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients. We foster an inclusive environment where every team member's voice is heard, ideas are celebrated, and professional growth is actively supported.

• Fully Remote: Work from anywhere within the CST zone with the flexibility to structure your day around core business hours.
• Supportive Leadership: Our leaders are approachable, hands-on, and deeply invested in the success of every team member.
• Team-Oriented Culture: Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. You'll be part of a tight-knit team that values open communication, mutual respect, and shared achievement.
• Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of flexibility and offer scheduling accommodations to help you balance work with personal commitments.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

arenaflex offers competitive compensation packages that reflect the skills, experience, and value each team member brings to the organization. While specifics are tailored to individual circumstances, our contractors typically enjoy:

• Competitive hourly or project-based pay rates aligned with market standards.
• Flexible remote work arrangements within the CST zone.
• Access to ongoing professional development resources and learning opportunities.
• A collaborative, supportive team environment that values your contributions.
• Potential for contract extension or conversion to a permanent role based on performance.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate, data-driven professional with a knack for turning numbers into strategy, we want to hear from you. This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking organization, work on high-impact retail analytics projects, and grow your career in a supportive, remote-first environment.

Don’t miss your chance to become part of the arenaflex team. Apply today and take the next step in your analytics career.