Analyst, Store Strategy and Method Improvements
GENERAL PURPOSE:
The Analyst for Store Strategy and Method Improvements will play a key role in analyzing all store technology, processes, and business model improvements for the chain. Responsible for analyzing significant amounts of data accurately and quickly to reveal results such as labor save, Return on Investment, budget impacts, and capital investment. As a subject matter expert on projects, conducting store visits to collect both qualitative and quantitative feedback and developing and presenting summaries of results. Utilize retail industry knowledge, engineered labor standards, corporate, and field input to identify productivity and cost saving opportunities throughout every area of the store in order to optimize store payroll spend and improve customer service. In addition, the Analyst will support the testing and implementation of the identified savings opportunities and will conduct ongoing evaluation of store processes and standards to ensure that they are reflective of the Ross business model.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Perform comprehensive data analysis
- Design and conduct financial and operational analysis to identify process improvement opportunities as well as track pilot performance
- Design (with limited guidance) and complete ad hoc analysis as requested
- Ensure alignment between labor standards, business objectives, and the labor management system
- Identify, Test, and Implement Process and Technology Improvements
- Identify industry best practices, competitor practices, and technology opportunities to improve store efficiency, execution, and reduce labor spend at both Ross and dd's
- Support cross-functional teams comprised of Analysts, Managers and Directors from Store Planning, Store Operations, Strategy, Loss Prevention, Shortage Control, IT, Finance, and the field to implement pilots and chain-wide initiatives to improve efficiency
- Prepare and present clear, fact-based presentations to illustrate findings and gain credibility based upon recommendations
- Create New Labor Standards and Maintain Labor Model
- Become an expert (if not already proficient) in the development of engineered labor standards through the use of the Maynard software suite
- Develop and conduct measurements for current and future processes. Estimate and later validate the reliability of method improvement labor saves
- Support Manager who serves as key point of contact for organization to understand impact of changes in the business on labor
- Troubleshoot issues if they arise, test and execute software upgrades and partner with the vendor support team to resolve issues on ad-hoc basis
- Partner with IT on timing for maintenance and maintain the planning calendar used for production and scheduling.
- Communicate changes to unplanned and planned payroll saves to Finance as needed
COMPETENCIES:
- Analysis and Judgment
- Drive Results
- Business Acumen
- Communication
- Organization
- Problem Solving
- Collaboration/Influence
- Teamwork
- Planning
- Time Management
QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Bachelor's degree required (preferably in an analytical field)
- Strong candidates will have a minimum of 1-2 years post college experience
- Outstanding analytical ability - must have a data driven approach to solving problems. Requires very strong quantitative skills, a good sense of how to dissect problems and a strong ability to "connect the dots"
- A detail-oriented approach: Must pay very close attention to details and have the drive to get things right
- High comfort level working in ambiguous, rapidly changing environments and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- High degree of reliability including accountability for daily, weekly, and long-term projects
- Advanced analytical and computer skills including Microsoft Access, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (proficiency of Excel and PowerPoint required)
- Six Sigma, Lean, or MOST labor standards experience preferred