Category Analyst

Main Purpose of JobTo work with the Commercial manager(s) / Head of Commercial to ensure EBITDA delivery to budget targets by; * Weekly review of trading performance and recommend actions to improve performance * Perform analysis to design and measure local pricing and commercial trials using a mix of controlled experiment techniques, market research and ‘ad hoc’ analysis * Post-trial analysis of impact * The identification of key commercial opportunities and priorities for testing * Develop analytical tools and templatesWhat you'll be Doing:Planning * Commercial / category plan – support the Head of Commercial to create the commercial / category plan for each of the specified brand or brands – Focused on ensure plans will drive sufficient value to deliver corporate stretch targets * Work closely with finance to ensure budget and Quartey forecast capture planned impacts ensure budgets are realistic and deliverable based on pipeline commercial activity * Sign off - submit proposed sales and gross margin improvement activities to weekly trade / monthly commercial activity meetings for approval (background, financial value and suggested next steps)Modelling * Ensure activities are modelled with clear assumptions and rational to support the assumptions * Test and learn activity is designed with robust control groups and expectations of success are clear before activities are live * New openings, modelling of forecast sales mix at product level working alongside Commercial managers * Support Category manager (or) Commercial manager in preparing proposals for trading or commercial forum sign offImplementation / Analysis * Work with Commercial executive / manager to ensure consistent implementation of the agreed strategy at brand level. E.g. Tracking compliance of activities prior to detailed reviews * Reviewing data pre to post or year on year, normalisation of data to ensure seasonal and external factors driving performance are mitigated within reason * Ensure that the true cost to the business of product decisions is considered, within analysis * Post completion review of new openings * Pricing trial and elasticity reviews * Look for optimisation opportunities either in other brands or in other product categories where similar principles can be applied * Support Category manager (or) Commercial manager in preparing proposals for trading or commercial forum sign offTo be successful in this role you will need: * Track record of analysing commercial data to drive insights and change in businesses * Good grasp of commercial issues in a consumer/retail environment * Evidence of building effective working relationship with commercial teams * Good communication skills * Ability to self-manage and to work under pressure and deliver within deadlines * Must be able to develop innovative ideas to drive top and bottom line, testing, learning and refining and then operationalising them * Exceptional attention to detailDiversity and Inclusion is a priority at SSP. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to engaging all of our people, so they feel valued and motivated; we champion diversity, promote inclusion, and ensure equality. We respect and protect human rights and prevent discrimination; and we positively impact our communities. We encourage and welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, gender, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual identity and orientation or age