Category Analyst

Category analysts work with internal teams of category management employees to coordinate efforts with merchandising departments and business partners. Basic daily responsibilities include assisting in negotiations with vendors, balancing and optimizing product selection, auditing inventory systems and distribution policies, and helping minimize costs. Performing these tasks effectively requires excellent communication with internal departments, partners, vendors, and customers to determine all parties' needs and coordinate a strong relationship among all parties.

The category analyst generally reports directly to a category manager, but they frequently work directly with vendor partners, promotional teams, and sales teams to execute projects such as displays and advertisements. It is also necessary to work with these teams to determine inventory flow plans for product distribution, seasonal inventory requirements, and specific location requirements. After planning and executing these strategies, the category analyst is required to analyze and evaluate the strengths and shortcomings of each initiative. Category analysts generally work indoors during regular business hours, but travel and teleconferencing to communicate with partners are extremely common.

A bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, retail, or a related field is usually required for this position. Additionally, at least one year of experience in a related area is usually required as well. Basic abilities needed in this position include negotiation, analytical thinking, organizational, and planning skills. In most companies, knowledge of common stocking systems such as DPR, SAP, E3, or Retek are preferred.

As a Category Analyst with 0-3 years of experience in Singapore, your main responsibilities are:

• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer behavior to identify opportunities and make recommendations for category growth.
• Assist in developing category strategies and plans, including assortment optimization and pricing initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute category initiatives, such as promotional activities and product launches.
• Monitor category performance, track key performance indicators, and provide regular reports and insights to stakeholders for informed decision-making.

For a Category Analyst job role, the following qualifications are required:

• Proficiency in data analysis tools and software (eg, Excel, SQL, Tableau) to effectively analyze and interpret large datasets related to product categories and consumer behavior.
• Strong knowledge of market trends and competitive landscapes to identify opportunities and recommend strategies for optimizing product assortment, pricing, and promotions.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to generate actionable insights from complex data and present findings to cross-functional teams, enabling informed decision-making.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with stakeholders such as suppliers, sales teams, and marketing departments, fostering strong relationships and driving category growth.

The Category Analyst job role in Singapore, with 0-3 years of work experience, offers a range of alternative career paths to consider. Here are following options:

• Market Research Analyst: This role involves gathering and analyzing market data, consumer trends, and competitor insights to provide valuable market research findings and recommendations.
• Business Development Executive: This position focuses on identifying new business opportunities, building client relationships, and developing strategies to drive sales and revenue growth.
• Supply Chain Coordinator: A role that involves managing the end-to-end supply chain process, including demand planning, inventory management, and coordinating logistics activities.
• E-commerce Specialist: This position entails managing online platforms, optimizing product listings, analyzing customer data, and implementing digital marketing strategies to drive online sales.

According to recent data, the Category Analyst role in Singapore is expected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, this job role has shown consistent expansion. Projections indicate a further increase in employment opportunities for Category Analysts in the future. With rising demand for data analysis and strategic decision-making across industries, this position is anticipated to be highly sought after. Considering the latest data points available, the Category Analyst role in Singapore is set to offer promising career prospects and ample opportunities for professional development.