Remote Entry-Level Data Analyst – arenaflex Retail Merchandise Planning & Brand Reporting (6‑Month Contract)

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a global leader in retail pharmacy, renowned for its innovative approach to merchandising, data‑driven decision making, and customer‑centric product offerings. With a footprint that spans dozens of countries and a workforce of thousands, arenaflex continuously redefines the standards of retail excellence. Our Merchandise Planning Analytics team sits at the heart of this transformation, turning raw data into strategic insights that power the growth of our non‑pharmacy (front‑end) businesses. As a forward‑thinking organization, arenaflex invests heavily in technology, talent development, and a culture that celebrates curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Why This Role Matters

In today’s hyper‑competitive retail landscape, the ability to quickly analyze brand performance, forecast demand, and communicate findings to senior leadership is a decisive advantage. As a Remote Analyst on the arenaflex Merchandise Planning Analytics team, you will be the analytical engine behind the company’s private‑label (Own Brand) strategy. Your work will directly influence purchasing decisions, promotional planning, and inventory optimization for thousands of SKUs, helping arenaflex maintain its market leadership and deliver value to both shareholders and customers.

Position Overview

This is a six‑month contract opportunity with the potential for extension or conversion to a permanent role. The position is 100 % remote, operating on Central Standard Time (CST). You will work a flexible schedule that totals a minimum of 30 hours per week, with a typical day running from 8 am to 5 pm (including a one‑hour lunch break). The role is ideal for recent graduates or early‑career professionals who have a solid foundation in analytics, a passion for retail merchandising, and a desire to grow within a dynamic, data‑centric environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Own Brand reporting and analysis: Generate daily, weekly, and monthly performance recaps for arenaflex’s private‑label portfolio, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Item‑level historical analysis: Dive deep into past sales, inventory, and promotional data to uncover trends, seasonality, and growth opportunities.
• Future‑looking forecasting: Build and maintain quantitative models that predict demand for thousands of individual SKUs, supporting merchandising and supply‑chain planning.
• Complex Excel modeling: Design and maintain advanced spreadsheets that incorporate formulas such as SUMIFS, VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP, pivot tables, macros, and custom calculations.
• Executive storytelling: Translate raw data into concise, compelling PowerPoint decks that communicate insights to senior leaders across merchandising, planning, finance, and operations.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: Partner with merchandisers, planners, finance analysts, and technology teams to align data outputs with business objectives.
• Ad‑hoc analysis: Respond quickly to emerging business questions, providing data‑driven answers that influence tactical decisions.
• Data hygiene and governance: Ensure that all data sources, calculations, and reports adhere to arenaflex’s standards for accuracy, consistency, and security.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in data analytics, financial analysis, assortment planning, retail merchandising, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise with Microsoft Excel at an intermediate to advanced level, including the ability to create complex formulas, pivot tables, and macros.
• Strong understanding of retail merchandising fundamentals, such as category management, inventory turnover, sell‑through rates, and average unit retail (AUR) dynamics.
• Proven ability to conduct quantitative analysis, develop forecasting models, and synthesize large data sets into actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of producing clear, concise PowerPoint presentations for senior stakeholders.
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, remote environment.
• Ability to work independently while also thriving in collaborative, cross‑functional teams.

Preferred (Nice‑to‑Have) Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Data Science, Operations Research).
• Experience with data‑science tools or programming languages such as SQL, Python, R, or Microsoft Access.
• Background in retail or consumer‑goods environments, particularly with private‑label brands.
• Familiarity with data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and the ability to create interactive dashboards.
• Exposure to macro development or automation beyond Excel, such as VBA scripting or Power Query.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Analytical mindset: Ability to break down complex problems, identify root causes, and propose data‑backed solutions.
• Storytelling with data: Transform numbers into narratives that drive decision‑making and inspire confidence among executives.
• Time management: Prioritize tasks effectively, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to shifting business priorities.
• Collaboration: Build strong working relationships with merchandising, planning, finance, and technology partners.
• Technical proficiency: Mastery of Excel, solid working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint, and a willingness to learn additional tools.
• Retail math acumen: Comfort with concepts such as sell‑through, gross margin, inventory turns, and forecast accuracy metrics.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

arenaflex is committed to the professional development of its talent. As a Remote Analyst, you will have access to:

• Mentorship from senior analysts and merchandising leaders who have shaped industry best practices.
• Structured learning pathways, including internal courses on advanced analytics, data visualization, and retail strategy.
• Opportunities to work on high‑visibility projects that directly impact the company’s bottom line, positioning you for future roles in analytics leadership, category management, or supply‑chain optimization.
• Regular knowledge‑sharing sessions, webinars, and community forums that keep you abreast of emerging trends in retail analytics and technology.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

Our remote‑first philosophy is built on trust, flexibility, and results‑orientation. While you will be based wherever you choose, you will stay connected to a vibrant, collaborative community through:

• Weekly virtual team huddles that align goals, share wins, and surface challenges.
• Quarterly in‑person meet‑ups (when feasible) to foster deeper relationships and celebrate milestones.
• A culture that values curiosity, continuous improvement, and a growth mindset—encouraging you to ask questions, experiment, and innovate.
• Robust support for work‑life balance, including flexible scheduling, generous paid time off, and resources for mental‑wellness.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive compensation package that reflects your experience and the market. While specific salary details will be discussed during the interview process, candidates can expect:

• Base pay aligned with industry standards for remote analytics roles.
• Performance‑based bonuses tied to the impact of your analytical contributions.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plans with company matching contributions.
• Professional development stipend for certifications, courses, or conferences.
• Technology allowance to ensure you have a reliable home office setup.
• Employee assistance programs, wellness resources, and a supportive community network.

How to Apply

If you are ready to leverage your analytical expertise, love working with data, and want to make a tangible impact on a world‑class retail organization, we invite you to submit your application today. Please click the link below to begin the process, and be prepared to share a resume, a brief cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, and any work samples that demonstrate your Excel and analytical capabilities.

Apply Now – Join arenaflex’s Remote Analytics Team!

Closing Statement

arenaflex believes that great ideas come from diverse perspectives and that the best solutions are built by teams that challenge the status quo. By joining our Merchandise Planning Analytics team, you will become part of a forward‑thinking community that values data, creativity, and impact. We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring how your talents can help shape the future of retail at arenaflex.