Remote Entry-Level Data Analyst – Retail Merchandising & Brand Reporting (6‑Month Contract, 100% Remote)

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 an integrated blend of health, wellness, and everyday consumer products. With a legacy of more than a century, arenaflex has continuously reinvented its business model to stay ahead of evolving consumer expectations, digital transformation, and data‑driven decision making. 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 data‑focused organization, arenaflex invests heavily in talent that can translate complex data sets into clear, actionable recommendations for senior leadership. Whether you are a recent graduate eager to apply your analytical training, or a professional with a few years of experience looking to deepen your retail analytics expertise, this remote analyst role offers a unique platform to accelerate your career while contributing to a company that touches the lives of millions every day.

Position Overview – Remote Analyst (6‑Month Contract)

This contract role is part of arenaflex’s Merchandise Planning Analytics team. You will be responsible for the end‑to‑end reporting, analysis, and tool development that supports a dynamic group of more than 100 merchants and 40 planners. Your primary focus will be the Own Brand (private‑label) portfolio, where you will own the creation of executive‑level recaps, deep‑dive analyses, and forward‑looking forecasts that directly influence product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.

The role is fully remote, operating on Central Standard Time (CST). A minimum commitment of 30 hours per week is required, with a typical schedule of 8 am – 5 pm (including a one‑hour lunch break). Flexibility is built into the schedule, but you must be able to meet the business’s cadence for timely deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Own Brand Reporting & Recap: Design, build, and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly reporting packages that summarize performance of thousands of private‑label SKUs.
• Item‑Level Historical Analysis: Conduct deep‑dive analyses on historical sales, inventory, and profitability metrics to uncover trends, seasonality, and growth opportunities.
Future‑Facing Forecasting: Develop item‑level demand forecasts using quantitative techniques, historical patterns, and promotional calendars.
• Executive Summaries: Synthesize large data sets into concise, visually compelling PowerPoint decks for senior leadership, highlighting key insights and actionable recommendations.
• Ad‑Hoc Business Requests: Respond quickly to urgent analytical needs from merchandising, planning, finance, and other cross‑functional partners.
• Tool Development in Excel: Build and maintain complex Excel models, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, macros, and VBA scripts to automate repetitive tasks.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Partner closely with Merchandising, Planning, Finance, and IT teams to ensure data integrity, alignment on assumptions, and shared ownership of outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline reporting processes, enhance data quality, and introduce new analytical techniques that drive efficiency.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Professional Experience: 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in data analytics, financial analysis, assortment planning, retail merchandising, or a closely related field.
• Retail Merchandising Acumen: Demonstrated understanding of category management, product lifecycle, and the structural dynamics of a merchandising organization.
• Advanced Excel Expertise: Proficiency with SUM/SUMIFS, VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP, pivot tables, array formulas, macros, and VBA—able to build robust, error‑free models that handle thousands of rows of data.
• Storytelling & Communication: Ability to translate quantitative findings into clear narratives, supported by compelling visualizations in PowerPoint and concise written summaries.
• Analytical Rigor: Strong problem‑solving skills, comfort with large data sets, and a track record of developing predictive models or forecasts.
• Time Management: Proven ability to juggle multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and deliver high‑quality work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Collaboration Skills: Experience building effective working relationships across functional teams, with a focus on influencing without authority.

Preferred (Nice‑to‑Have) Skills & Attributes

• Master’s degree (MBA) or advanced quantitative degree (e.g., Data Science, Statistics, Operations Research).
• Exposure to data‑science tools such as Python, R, or Tableau for advanced analytics.
• Retail experience beyond private‑label, including exposure to national brand performance or e‑commerce analytics.
• SQL or Microsoft Access proficiency for data extraction and manipulation.
• Experience building automated reporting solutions using Power Query or Power BI.

Core Competencies for Success

• Critical Thinking: Ability to question assumptions, identify root causes, and propose data‑driven solutions.
• Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to data accuracy, model validation, and documentation.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating shifting priorities, new data sources, and evolving business questions.
• Influence & Persuasion: Skillful at presenting insights to senior leaders, gaining buy‑in, and driving action.
• Self‑Motivation: Proactive in seeking out learning opportunities, staying current on industry trends, and continuously improving skill sets.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities at arenaflex

arenaflex is committed to developing its talent. As a Remote Analyst, you will have access to a robust learning ecosystem that includes:

• Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior analytics leaders who will guide your professional development.
• Technical Training: Sponsored courses in advanced Excel, SQL, data visualization, and emerging analytics platforms.
• Cross‑Functional Exposure: Opportunities to work on projects with merchandising, finance, supply chain, and digital teams, broadening your business acumen.
• Pathway to Full‑Time: High‑performing contractors are often considered for permanent roles within arenaflex’s analytics organization.
• Industry Conferences: Attendance at retail and analytics conferences to stay ahead of market trends.

Work Environment & Culture

arenaflex embraces a flexible, inclusive, and collaborative culture. Even though this role is fully remote, you will be part of a vibrant virtual community that values:

• Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling within CST hours, with a focus on results rather than clock‑watching.
• Diversity & Inclusion: A workplace where varied perspectives are celebrated and every voice matters.
• Innovation Mindset: Encouragement to experiment with new analytical techniques and share learnings across the organization.
• Recognition & Rewards: Regular acknowledgment of achievements through internal awards, shout‑outs, and performance bonuses.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits (General Overview)

While specific compensation details for this contract role will be discussed during the interview process, candidates can expect a competitive hourly rate commensurate with experience, plus the following typical arenaflex benefits for contract staff:

• Flexible remote work setup with a stipend for home office equipment.
• Access to arenaflex’s employee assistance program (EAP) for health and wellness support.
• Opportunities for professional development and tuition reimbursement for relevant courses.
• Paid time off (PTO) accrual based on contract length and local regulations.
• Potential for conversion to a full‑time position with full benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, and stock purchase plans.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about turning data into strategic advantage, thrive in a remote environment, and are eager to contribute to a market‑leading retailer, we want to hear from you. Click the link below to submit your application and join arenaflex’s analytics community.

Apply Job!

Closing Statement

arenaflex is more than a retailer—it’s a catalyst for healthier, happier communities. By joining our Merchandise Planning Analytics team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of private‑label offerings, influencing product decisions that reach millions of customers, and advancing your own career in a data‑centric, forward‑thinking organization. Take the next step in your professional journey—apply today and help us turn insight into impact.