Remote Merchandise Planning Analyst – Retail Pharmacy Analytics & Own Brand Forecasting (6-Month Contract, Potential for Extension or Conversion)

About arenaflex and the Opportunity

arenaflex is proud to partner with a global leader in retail pharmacy to recruit a Remote Merchandise Planning Analyst for a dynamic, high-impact engagement. This is a fully remote, six-month contract role offering the potential for extension or direct conversion based on performance and business need. If you are an analytically driven professional who thrives on turning complex data into compelling business stories, this is your chance to make a measurable difference at one of the most recognized names in the industry.

The Merchandise Planning Analytics team at our client operates at the heart of the retail pharmacy business. The team supports more than 100 merchants and 40+ planners across the organization, delivering reporting, in-depth analysis, and purpose-built tools that drive the strategic direction of the Front End (non-Pharmacy) business. As an Own Brand (private label) subject matter contributor, you will work with thousands of item-level SKUs, shaping forecasts, recaps, and insights that influence real decisions every single day. This isn’t just a data job — it’s a chance to influence the future of a billion-dollar retail portfolio from your home office.

Work Environment and Schedule

• Location: 100% remote — you must reside within the Central Standard Time (CST) zone.
• Core Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST, with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
• Flexibility: Hours are flexible within reason; however, a minimum of 30 hours per week is required to meet business needs.
• Setup: You will work primarily through Microsoft Excel, with supporting tools in PowerPoint and Word, collaborating virtually with cross-functional partners.

Key Responsibilities

As a Remote Merchandise Planning Analyst at arenaflex, you will own critical reporting and analytical workflows that guide the Own Brand business. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Leading Own Brand (private label) reporting, recapping, tracking, and ad-hoc analysis aligned to evolving business priorities.
• Conducting item-level historical analysis and recaps to surface performance trends, anomalies, and opportunities.
• Developing item-level future-looking forecasts that support buying, planning, and inventory decisions.
• Managing analytical scope across thousands of Own Brand items at the SKU level, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Building and maintaining complex Excel models, dashboards, and templates used by merchants and planners.
• Synthesizing large data sets into clear, executive-ready recaps that tell a story and drive action.
• Partnering with Merchandising, Planning, Finance, and other key stakeholders to validate findings and align on recommendations.
• Adapting quickly to shifting priorities, managing multiple assignments, and consistently meeting tight deadlines.

Top Must-Have Skills and Qualifications

To excel in this role, you will bring a blend of analytical horsepower, retail intuition, and communication finesse. The following are required:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required, with 3–5 years of experience in one or more of the following disciplines: analytics, data science, finance, financial analysis, assortment planning, retail, procurement/purchasing, or merchandising.
• Industry Experience: Minimum of 3 years in data analytics or a closely related field, with a strong working understanding of retail merchandising fundamentals — including category management concepts and merchandising organization structures.
• Analytical Acumen: Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills paired with the ability to translate findings into compelling narratives for executive audiences.
• Quantitative Modeling: Demonstrated ability to conduct complex quantitative analysis and build robust analytical models using Microsoft Excel.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present succinctly through Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Prioritization: Proven ability to manage multiple assignments, balance competing priorities, and deliver against tight deadlines.
• Stakeholder Management: Comfortable building effective working relationships with Merchandising, Planning, Finance, and cross-functional partners.
• Independence: Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and adapt to changing work priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Retail Math Mastery: Strong grasp of retail math, including item-level forecasting based on demand patterns, sell-through, sales/profit goals, AUR impacts, and inventory/sales metrics.
• Excel Expertise (Critical): Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel — including SUM/SUMIFS, Subtotals, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, Macros, and Pivot Tables. The majority of work will be performed in Excel.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Intermediate-level skills in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Nice-to-Have Skills

Candidates who bring the following will stand out from the crowd:

• MBA or advanced degree in a quantitative field such as Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
• Prior data science experience, including exposure to predictive modeling or machine learning techniques.
• Direct retail experience, particularly in merchandising, buying, or planning environments.
• Working knowledge of SQL coding, Microsoft Access, or advanced macro building within Excel.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required; MBA or quantitative graduate degree preferred.
• Experience: 3–5 years of professional experience in Analytics, Data Science, or Merchandising, with a retail merchandising background strongly preferred.

Career Growth and Learning Opportunities

This isn’t just a contract — it’s a launchpad. At arenaflex, we believe great talent deserves opportunities to grow. As a Remote Merchandise Planning Analyst, you will:

• Gain deep exposure to retail pharmacy merchandising at scale, working alongside seasoned planners and merchants.
• Sharpen advanced Excel, forecasting, and data storytelling skills that translate directly to long-term career growth in analytics, merchandising, or planning leadership.
• Build a portfolio of executive-facing deliverables that demonstrates your ability to influence senior decision-makers.
• Position yourself for extension or full-time conversion based on performance, with pathways into senior analyst, planner, or category management roles.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional network of professionals across merchandising, finance, and supply chain — relationships that pay dividends throughout your career.

Work Environment and Company Culture at arenaflex

arenaflex is more than a staffing partner — we are a community built on trust, performance, and mutual respect. When you join this engagement, you become part of a culture that values:

• Flexibility and Autonomy: Work 100% remotely with scheduling flexibility, while owning your outcomes.
• Impact-Driven Work: Every analysis you deliver influences real buying decisions for thousands of SKUs.
• Collaboration: Partner with engaged, high-performing merchants and planners who value analytical rigor.
• Inclusion: arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and contractors.
• Support: Our talent team is with you from onboarding through contract completion, ensuring you have the resources, clarity, and support you need to thrive.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

While specific compensation will be discussed during the interview process based on experience and fit, arenaflex engagements typically offer:

• Competitive hourly or salaried contract rates aligned with market benchmarks for senior retail analytics professionals.
• Remote work flexibility with all the autonomy that comes with a results-oriented culture.
• Potential for contract extension or direct conversion to a permanent role with the client.
• Access to arenaflex talent network resources, including resume support, interview prep, and career coaching.
• Opportunities to work with Fortune-caliber retail leaders that strengthen your professional brand.

Benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions vary based on engagement structure and will be detailed during the offer stage.

How to Apply

If you’re a data-driven professional with a passion for retail analytics, a mastery of Excel, and the storytelling skills to make numbers come alive, arenaflex wants to hear from you. This is your opportunity to step into a high-visibility role with one of the most recognized names in retail pharmacy — all from the comfort of your home office.

Don’t wait. The strongest candidates are reviewing this posting right now. Apply today through arenaflex and let’s build the future of retail merchandising analytics together.