Operations Demand Analyst

As Operations Demand Analyst at The North West Company (NWC), you will be responsible for providing NWC with efficient and effective multi-level, multi-channel forecast management. 

Gibraltar House

The North West Company

<p><strong>The North West Company Inc., though its subsidiaries is a leading retailer of food and everyday products and services to rural communities and urban neighbourhoods in Canada, Alaska, the South Pacific and the Caribbean. North West employees approximately 8,200 associates, the majority within the communities it serves. It operates 241 stores under the trading names Northern, NorthMart, Giant Tiger, Alaska Commercial Company, Cost-U-Less and RiteWay Food Markets and has annualized sales of approximately CDN $2.0 billion.</strong></p> https://careers.northwest.ca/

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Analyst

Overview: <p><strong>Position Status: Up to 1 Year Term</strong></p> <p><br />As Operations Demand Analyst at The North West Company (NWC), you will be responsible for providing NWC with efficient and effective multi-level, multi-channel forecast management, demand classification and statistical forecasting algorithms for continuous improvement in forecasting accuracy and improved inventory. You will optimize the buying of and movement of food, productively manage the SKU portfolio, and plan and execute systems that increase service while driving down the cost to the business.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Joining NWC gives you the opportunity for growth and development throughout the company, a competitive salary and benefits package, and to be part of a dynamic and diverse culture.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>NWC is a leading retailer to under-served rural communities and urban neighbourhood markets in the following regions: Northern Canada, Western Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific islands, and the Caribbean. Our stores offer a broad range of products and services with an emphasis on food. Our value offer is to be the best local shopping choice for everyday household and local lifestyle needs. Check out northwest.ca for more information.</p>
Responsibilities: <ul> <li>Analyze&nbsp;historical data and define key assumptions to generate, manage, and calibrate a statistical baseline forecast for all SKUs, categories for each store;</li> <li>Capture&nbsp;sales forecasts and identify market trends to adjust demand based on SKU selection, pricing and consumer behaviour;</li> <li>Maintain&nbsp;required business and system parameters in the forecasting environment for preparing accurate and timely projections in units, dollars and equivalent size units;</li> <li>Choose&nbsp;appropriate forecast models, measure accuracy and update as necessary;</li> <li>Revise&nbsp;key assumptions and adjust demand plan based on past events, progressive quantitative analysis and inputs from vendors, customers and stores;</li> <li>Exchange information with the Procurement and Marketing team on new product launches and product phase-outs to select comparable product proxy for increased forecast accuracy;</li> <li>Make&nbsp;recommendations regarding process improvements contributing to a reduction of forecast error and bias;</li> <li>Analyze&nbsp;historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare pre-season and in-season forecast data, develop statistical forecast models and evaluate forecast results;</li> <li>Develop&nbsp;demand forecasts for the business at multiple levels of aggregation and for multiple time horizons, incorporating business intelligence and forecast information gathered from sales, marketing, finance, and other relevant sources that support the business plans; and</li> <li>Complete&nbsp;ad hoc reporting and data analysis as required.</li> </ul>
Requirements: <ul> <li>Minimum 3 years of experience in a high SKU seasonal&nbsp;business, including forecasting and S&amp;OP experience;</li> <li>Practical knowledge&nbsp;of stats packages (i.e. SAS, APS, SPSS, R, Python or similar) and/or forecasting tools;</li> <li>Proven&nbsp;track record of highly effective analysis and communication;</li> <li>Proficient skills using Microsoft Office Suite, strong computer data management skills; advanced knowledge of Excel considered an asset;</li> <li>Experience with Business Intelligence&nbsp;tools, Power BI and/or Tableau considered an asset;</li> <li>Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;</li> <li>Ability to quickly&nbsp;learn and apply new concepts, systems and industry best practices to the continued development of the team;</li> <li>Strong&nbsp;interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral;</li> <li>Ability to&nbsp;prioritize and accomplish work independently and within a team to meet deadlines; and</li> <li>Exceptional organizational and time management skills;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>You may include your resume and cover letter together as a single document. A competitive salary is being offered along with opportunities to learn, develop and advance throughout the organization. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.</strong></p>