Entry-Level Remote Data Analyst – arenaflex Retail Merchandise Planning & Brand Reporting

About arenaflex – Pioneering the Future of Retail Pharmacy

arenaflex is a global leader in retail pharmacy, renowned for its innovative approach to merchandising, data‑driven decision making, and customer‑centric solutions. With a footprint that spans dozens of countries and a commitment to digital transformation, arenaflex empowers its teams to turn raw data into actionable insights that shape the shopping experience for millions of consumers every day. As part of arenaflex’s Merchandise Planning Analytics division, you will join a high‑performing group that fuels the strategic direction of the company’s non‑pharmacy (front‑end) business, ensuring that product assortments, pricing, and promotions are optimized for maximum impact.

Why This Role Matters

In today’s fast‑moving retail environment, the ability to analyze, forecast, and communicate brand performance is a competitive advantage. This 6‑month contract (with potential extension or conversion) offers a unique opportunity for an ambitious analyst to own the end‑to‑end reporting lifecycle for arenaflex’s private‑label (Own Brand) portfolio. You will work directly with a cross‑functional team of merchants, planners, finance professionals, and senior leaders, translating complex data sets into clear, executive‑level narratives that drive strategic decisions.

Role Overview – Remote Analyst (Fully Remote, CST Time Zone)

As a Remote Analyst on the arenaflex Merchandise Planning Analytics team, you will be the analytical backbone for the Own Brand segment. Your primary focus will be on building, maintaining, and delivering high‑quality reports, recaps, and forecasts that support a team of 100+ merchants and 40+ planners. The role is 100 % remote, with a flexible schedule anchored in Central Standard Time (CST). You will be expected to contribute a minimum of 30 hours per week, with a typical workday running from 8 am to 5 pm (including a one‑hour lunch break).

Key Responsibilities

• Own Brand Reporting & Analysis: Design, generate, and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly reports that track the performance of thousands of private‑label SKUs across the arenaflex front‑end business.
• Ad‑hoc Business Requests: Respond quickly to stakeholder inquiries, providing deep‑dive analysis and actionable recommendations on short notice.
• Historical Item‑Level Recapping: Conduct thorough retrospective analyses of sales, inventory, and profitability metrics to identify trends and opportunities.
• Future‑Facing Forecasting: Build quantitative models that project demand, sell‑through, and profit potential for upcoming seasons and promotional events.
• Data Synthesis & Storytelling: Transform large, complex Excel data sets into concise executive summaries, visual dashboards, and PowerPoint decks that tell a compelling story.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Partner with Merchandising, Planning, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to ensure alignment on assumptions, data definitions, and business objectives.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to automate repetitive tasks, streamline reporting workflows, and enhance data quality across the organization.
• Tool Development: Leverage advanced Excel functionalities—including macros, pivot tables, and array formulas—to create reusable analytical tools that empower non‑technical users.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in data analytics, financial analysis, retail merchandising, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in retail merchandising fundamentals, such as category management, assortment planning, and inventory economics.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (SUM/SUMIFS, VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP, pivot tables, macros, array formulas) – this is a critical skill for the role.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to conduct complex quantitative analyses, develop forecasting models, and interpret large data sets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of creating clear, persuasive PowerPoint presentations for senior leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and thrive in a fast‑paced, remote work environment.
• Experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams and building effective working relationships across merchandising, planning, and finance.

Preferred (Nice‑to‑Have) Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree in a quantitative field (e.g., Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics).
• Hands‑on experience with data‑science tools or programming languages such as SQL, Python, or R.
• Background in retail operations, especially within a large‑scale merchandising organization.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Access, macro development, or other automation platforms.
• Exposure to retail math concepts including sell‑through rates, average unit retail (AUR), gross margin analysis, and inventory turnover.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Analytical Rigor: Ability to dissect complex data, identify root causes, and propose data‑driven solutions.
• Storytelling Ability: Translate numbers into narratives that resonate with both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Technical Acumen: Mastery of Excel; comfortable with PowerPoint and Word for documentation and presentation.
• Collaboration: Proactive communicator who can influence without authority and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating shifting priorities, ambiguous requirements, and evolving business needs.
• Time Management: Proven ability to structure work, set realistic timelines, and deliver high‑quality output on schedule.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

arenaflex invests heavily in the professional development of its people. As a Remote Analyst, you will have access to:

• Mentorship from senior analytics leaders who have shaped the retail analytics function at a global scale.
• Training resources covering advanced Excel techniques, data visualization, and introductory SQL or Python.
• Opportunities to participate in cross‑functional projects that broaden your exposure to merchandising strategy, supply chain optimization, and financial planning.
• A clear pathway to permanent roles within arenaflex’s analytics, finance, or merchandising teams, should the contract be extended or converted.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

arenaflex champions a flexible, inclusive, and results‑oriented culture. Even though the role is fully remote, you will be part of a vibrant virtual community that values:

• Collaboration: Regular virtual stand‑ups, brainstorming sessions, and cross‑team workshops to keep ideas flowing.
• Transparency: Open communication channels with leadership, ensuring you understand how your work impacts broader business goals.
• Diversity & Inclusion: A workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated and every voice is heard.
• Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling within the CST window, allowing you to align work commitments with personal responsibilities.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits (General Overview)

While specific compensation details will be discussed during the interview process, candidates can expect a competitive hourly rate commensurate with experience, along with the following benefits:

• Fully remote work setup – no commute, and a home‑office stipend to support your productivity.
• Access to arenaflex’s employee assistance program, health and wellness resources, and optional health insurance plans.
• Professional development budget for courses, certifications, or conferences.
• Opportunities to earn performance‑based bonuses based on the impact of your analytical contributions.
• Inclusive virtual events, networking groups, and community outreach initiatives.

How to Apply

If you are a data‑driven problem‑solver with a passion for retail merchandising and a knack for turning spreadsheets into strategic stories, we want to hear from you. Click the link below to submit your application, attach your resume, and provide a brief cover letter highlighting your most relevant experience.

Apply Job!

Join arenaflex – Shape the Future of Retail

At arenaflex, every insight you generate helps shape the shopping experience of millions. This is more than a data entry role; it is a chance to influence product strategy, drive profitability, and grow your career within a world‑class organization. Take the next step in your analytics journey—apply today and become a catalyst for change at arenaflex.