Entry-Level Remote Data Analyst – Retail Merchandise Planning & Own Brand Reporting (6‑Month Contract with Extension Potential)

About arenaflex – Pioneering Retail Pharmacy Innovation

arenaflex is a world‑renowned leader in the retail pharmacy space, delivering millions of customers across the United States and beyond a seamless blend of health, convenience, and everyday essentials. With a heritage built on data‑driven decision making, arenaflex continuously invests in cutting‑edge analytics to keep its front‑end (non‑pharmacy) businesses ahead of market trends. As part of its commitment to nurturing fresh talent, arenaflex is expanding its Merchandise Planning Analytics team and is looking for a motivated, detail‑oriented Remote Analyst to join a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Why This Role Matters

In today’s fast‑moving retail landscape, the ability to translate massive data sets into actionable insights is a competitive advantage. As a Remote Analyst on the arenaflex Merchandise Planning Analytics team, you will be at the heart of the decision‑making engine that powers the company’s private‑label (Own Brand) strategy. Your analyses will directly influence product assortment, pricing, inventory allocation, and promotional planning for thousands of SKUs, helping the business maximize sales, profit, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Own Brand Reporting & Recap: Own end‑to‑end reporting for arenaflex’s private‑label portfolio, delivering daily, weekly, and monthly performance recaps that highlight sales, margin, and inventory health.
• Historical Item‑Level Analysis: Conduct deep‑dive analyses on historical sales, sell‑through, and profitability for each Own Brand item, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Future Forecasting: Build and maintain forward‑looking forecasts at the item level, incorporating demand patterns, promotional calendars, and seasonal effects.
• Data Synthesis & Storytelling: Transform large, complex Excel data sets into concise executive summaries, visual dashboards, and PowerPoint decks that tell a clear, compelling story.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Partner with Merchandising, Planning, Finance, and other cross‑functional teams to ensure analytical outputs align with business objectives.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to automate repetitive tasks, streamline reporting workflows, and enhance data quality across the analytics pipeline.
• Ad‑Hoc Analysis: Respond quickly to business requests for custom analyses, scenario modeling, and “what‑if” studies that support strategic initiatives.

Work Environment & Schedule

This is a 100% remote position. The role operates on Central Standard Time (CST) with core hours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, including a one‑hour lunch break (12:00 pm–1:00 pm). While the schedule is flexible, a minimum of 30 hours per week is required to meet business needs. The role is initially a six‑month contract, with strong potential for extension or conversion to a permanent position based on performance and business demand.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Business, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field).
• 3–5 years of professional experience in analytics, data science, financial analysis, assortment planning, retail merchandising, procurement, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated expertise in retail merchandising fundamentals, including category management, inventory turnover, and profit‑margin analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas (SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP), pivot tables, macros, and data modeling.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint and articulate findings verbally to senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work independently in a remote setting.
• Retail math acumen: experience with item‑level forecasting, sell‑through calculations, average unit retail (AUR) impact analysis, and other key performance indicators.

Preferred (Nice‑to‑Have) Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree in a quantitative field (STEM, Data Science, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience with data‑science tools or programming languages such as SQL, Python, R, or Microsoft Access.
• Prior retail experience, especially within a large, multi‑channel organization.
• Exposure to macro development, advanced data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), or statistical modeling techniques.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Analytical Rigor: Ability to dissect large data sets, identify patterns, and develop robust analytical models that drive business decisions.
• Storytelling & Presentation: Transform raw numbers into compelling narratives that resonate with both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Collaboration: Build strong working relationships across merchandising, planning, finance, and technology teams.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a fast‑changing environment, quickly pivoting priorities while maintaining high quality output.
• Self‑Management: Demonstrated discipline to stay focused, organized, and productive while working remotely.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of Excel; comfortable with Word and PowerPoint; familiarity with data‑query tools is a plus.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

arenaflex invests heavily in employee development. As a Remote Analyst, you will have access to:

• Mentorship from senior analytics leaders who have built award‑winning data platforms.
• Structured learning pathways covering advanced Excel, SQL, data visualization, and predictive analytics.
• Opportunities to work on cross‑functional projects that broaden exposure to merchandising strategy, supply chain optimization, and financial planning.
• Potential pathways to transition into permanent roles such as Merchandise Planner, Senior Data Analyst, or Analytics Manager, depending on performance and business needs.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits (General Overview)

arenaflex offers a competitive compensation package that reflects the expertise and impact of its analytics talent. While exact figures will be discussed during the interview process, candidates can expect:

• Base salary aligned with market rates for entry‑level analytics roles.
• Performance‑based bonuses tied to project milestones and business outcomes.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off, holidays, and flexible work‑from‑home arrangements.
• Professional development stipend for certifications, courses, or conferences.
• Access to a virtual employee assistance program, wellness resources, and community‑building events.

Culture & Work Environment at arenaflex

arenaflex prides itself on a culture that blends high performance with genuine care for its people. Remote employees are fully integrated into the broader team through regular virtual town halls, collaborative Slack channels, and quarterly in‑person meet‑ups (when feasible). The company values:

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem‑solving and the exploration of new analytical techniques.
• Inclusivity: Building a diverse workforce where every voice is heard and respected.
• Accountability: Empowering individuals to own their projects while providing the support needed to succeed.
• Work‑Life Balance: Recognizing the importance of personal time and offering flexible schedules to accommodate varied lifestyles.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about turning data into strategic advantage, thrive in a remote setting, and want to contribute to a market‑leading retailer, arenaflex wants to hear from you. Click the link below to submit your application, attach your resume, and share a brief cover letter outlining why you are the perfect fit for this role.

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Closing Statement

arenaflex is eager to welcome a talented Remote Analyst who will help shape the future of its Own Brand portfolio. This is more than a data entry job—it is an opportunity to influence real business outcomes, grow your analytical expertise, and become part of a forward‑thinking organization that values curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Take the next step in your career journey and apply today.