Category & Consumer Insights Analyst

UNFI; Providence (RI); Remote; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health insurance

401K Program

Remote work flexibility

Parental leave

Job summary

UNFI is seeking a Category & Consumer Insights Analyst in a remote-capable role based in the United States. You will transform syndicated data and shopper panel trends into actionable category stories that support Brands+ strategy and selling narratives for retail partners.

You'll partner with Category Management, Sales, and Merchandising to develop data-driven plans, present findings, and track performance of initiatives while staying current on industry trends and consumer preferences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a business-related field.
• Experience turning data into actionable insights for category growth.
• Proven ability to present complex data to internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Analyze syndicated and panel data to identify category trends and growth opportunities.
• Partner with Category Management, Sales, and Merchandising to develop data-driven strategies.
• Translate data into presentations and category stories for internal and retail audiences.
• Create selling decks that align insights with retail goals.
• Track performance of initiatives and provide post-implementation analysis.
• Stay current on industry trends and consumer preferences to support recommendations.
• Support ad-hoc analysis and special projects related to category performance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Storytelling

Cross-functional collaboration

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Economics, or related field

Tools

Nielsen data tools

IRI

SPINS

Numerator

Tableau

Job description

Job Overview

The Category & Consumer Insights Analyst role will support our fact based strategic decision making. This role will play a critical part in turning data into actionable insights that fuel our Brands+ strategy and build compelling selling stories for our retail customers. The position will leverage a strong analytical mindset, syndicate shopper panel data, and uncover data trends that drive category growth.

The Category & Consumer Insights Analyst role will support our fact based strategic decision making. This role will play a critical part in turning data into actionable insights that fuel our Brands+ strategy and build compelling selling stories for our retail customers. The position will leverage a strong analytical mindset, syndicate shopper panel data, and uncover data trends that drive category growth.

Job Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Analyze syndicated and panel data (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, Numerator, SPINS) to identify category trends, shopper behavior insights, and growth opportunities.
• Partner with Category Management, Sales, and Merchandising teams to develop data-driven strategies that support customer and supplier objectives.
• Translate complex data into easy-to-understand presentations and category stories tailored for both internal and retail customer audiences.
• Create compelling selling decks that align consumer insights with category opportunities and retail goals.
• Track performance of key initiatives and provide post-implementation analysis to measure success and inform future planning.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging categories, and consumer preferences to support innovation and strategic recommendations.
• Support ad-hoc analysis and special projects related to category performance, assortment, pricing, and promotions.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Economics, or related field.

Experience

• 2-4 years of experience in CPG, retail, category management, or data analytics.
• Working with both large and small customers in strategy development through consumer and category thought leadership.
• Working in fast paced CPG or Retail environment and has deep understanding of sales processes at both local and account level.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Proficiency in syndicated data tools (Nielsen, IRI, SPINS, etc.) and panel data (Numerator, Nielsen, etc.).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret large data sets and synthesize findings into actionable insights.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau) is a plus.
• Great category and consumer story teller, to influence customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A team player with a collaborative mindset and a drive for continuous learning and improvement.
• Ability to translate consumer and category insights into actionable sales strategies

Work Environment

Remote Role:

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (minor)

• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Compensation

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.