Associate Data Analyst - Central Merchandise Operations

The Associate Data Analyst, Central Merchandise Operations supports inventory productivity initiatives by ensuring the accuracy and integrity of merchandise data used in inventory valuation, lifecycle management, reporting, and operational processes. This role owns and maintains key product information, including lifecycle and cost-related attributes, and plays an important part in ensuring inventory-related data is accurate, up to date, and aligned across systems to support operational and business decisions. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and eager to learn. This is an excellent opportunity for someone beginning their career in business analytics, merchandising operations, inventory management, or data administration. The Associate Data Analyst will work closely with Merchandising, Inventory Planning, Finance, and Technology partners to support reporting, data governance, and process improvement initiatives. ## Responsibilities: Merchandise Data Management (35%) - Maintain and update SKU lifecycle status, season codes, ownership attributes, tariff information, and other inventory-related data elements. - Ensure merchandise data is accurate, complete, and consistently maintained across systems. - Support ongoing data governance processes and follow established standards.Reporting & Analysis (25%) - Prepare recurring reports and manage inventory productivity metrics. - Assist in identifying trends, variances, and opportunities for operational improvement. - Support ad hoc reporting requests and help communicate findings to business partners.Data Governance & Quality (20%) - Monitor merchandise and inventory data for accuracy and completeness. - Research and resolve data discrepancies in partnership with cross-functional teams. - Support audits and validation efforts to maintain data integrity.Cross-Functional Support (10%) - Partner with Merchandising, Finance, Supply Chain, and IT teams to support business initiatives and resolve issues. - Participate in inventory-related projects and process improvement efforts.Systems & Database Support (10%) - Assist with data entry, validation, and maintenance activities. - Utilize Excel and reporting tools to organize, analyze, and maintain data. - Learn and apply database concepts and reporting tools; SQL experience is helpful but not required. ## Qualifications: Required - Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field. - Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy. - Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills. - Strong organizational and time management skills. - Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. - Effective written and verbal communication skills.Preferred - Internship, coursework, or project experience related to merchandising, inventory management, supply chain, business analytics, or data management. - Experience working with Excel, reporting tools, or large datasets. - Familiarity with retail, merchandising, or inventory concepts.