Analyst III Location Research

About the role

This analyst has a documented track record of 5+ years of accurate store sales forecasts using analogues and gravity models for new, expanded, remodeled, and acquired stores. They design, conduct, and analyze a wide range of primary market research projects including acquisition studies and detailed network optimization strategies in new and existing markets.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive market evaluations from start to finish with minimal oversight, including a keen understanding of the competitive, demographic, and economic factors.
• Quantify the potential of site(s) and select the best strategy for entering or expanding the market by building/using complex metropolitan gravity models.
• Prepare a concise, written analysis recommending appropriate corporate strategy for senior executives.
• Aid Senior Location Analysts and Managers in identifying and evaluating potential supermarket and pharmacy acquisition candidates.
• Develop and incorporate new research tools including GIS to further automate forecasting process.
• Cook up the market strategy assessment process through multiple departments culminating with the real estate committee meeting(s).
• Serve as a market resource and consultant to Real Estate partners.
• Participate in strategic regional projects, as needed (i.e. new formats, merchandising rollout projects, competitive field research, etc.).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Real Estate, Legal, Investment Analysis and Retail leadership to execute corporate development plans.
• Support M&A activity and participate in and support Company store portfolio optimization efforts.
• Research and report on a wide variety of ad-hoc projects including e-commerce, new formats, and changes in the marketplace.
• Help mentor/train less experienced analysts in site location functions.
• Be a resource for peer review and thought partnership in regard to new systems, methodologies and processes.
• Prepare post-mortem analysis on all forecasts to continuously improve forecasting accuracy and approach.
• Forecast sales on ad-hoc requests beyond typical store analysis, such as stand-alone liquor stores, new department or new service offerings.
• Contribute to Budgeting and Three-Year Plan, including sales projections, competitive activity assumptions, close and transfers analysis, sister store transfers, population growth and other store trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Finance, Geography, Economics, or related fields or comparable experience.
• Minimum 5 years Location Research experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Gravity Models such as Sites Plus.
• Working knowledge of ESRI, MapInfo, Kalibrate or other GIS Mapping software.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Able to travel overnight.
• Strong math, analytical and conceptual skills with a resolve for accuracy.
• Proven experience in utilizing data to support the various initiatives of the Location Research department.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and manage medium to large scale projects.
• Detail-oriented and deadline-driven.
• Experience working with Vendors.
• Experience with statistics and data analysis for building analogues.
• Advanced problem-solving skills.
• Experience in understanding of social economic, environmental, and cultural issues.
• Experience in influencing without direct authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Alteryx, Power BI, Tableau, or other BI analytics tools.
• Working knowledge of Project Management Principles and Software (Tasks by Planner, Microsoft Project, etc.).
• Advanced understanding of Market Dynamics: Supermarket Strategies, Demographics and Economic Factors.
• Working knowledge of statistics or other quantitative techniques or disciplines.
• Understanding of Finance and Economic Principles.
• Experience/knowledge of retail commercial real estate functions and terminology.