Associate Manager, Merchandising Analytics
Company
KeHE Distributors
Location
Naperville, IL
Other
Marketing
Why Work for KeHE?
- Full-time
- Pay Range: $95,700.00/Yr. - $114,490.00/Yr.
- Shift Days: , Shift Time:
- Benefits on Day 1
- Health/Rx
- Dental
- Vision
- Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
- Supplemental life insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Paid sick time
- Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
- Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
- Holiday pay for company designated holidays
Overview
Good people, working with good people, for our common good.
Sound good?
KeHE-a natural, organic, specialty and fresh food distributor-is all about "good" and is growing, so there's never been a more exciting time to join our team. If you're enthusiastic about working in an environment with a people-first culture and an organization committed to good living, good food and good service, we'd love to talk to you!
Primary Responsibilities
The Associate Manager, Merchandising Analytics plays a pivotal role in transforming data into strategic insights that inform and influence merchandising decisions. This role bridges the gap between business strategy and analytics by developing advanced dashboards, automated reports, and data solutions that align with key business priorities. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with strong analytical and technical skills, has a keen eye for data visualization, and the ability to clearly communicate complex data to stakeholders at all levels. As with all positions at KeHE, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE's Mission, Vision, and Values.
This position sits in the Naperville office Tues, Wed, Thurs and is remote Mon and Fri
Essential Functions
DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Transform Business Needs into Technical Solutions: Work closely with stakeholders to translate business requirements into clear technical specifications and implement scalable, repeatable analytics solutions.
- Design & Deliver Actionable Dashboards: Build and maintain advanced Power BI dashboards and paginated reports that provide clear insights into merchandising, supplier, item, and promotional performance.
- Data Modeling & Optimization: Create and optimize semantic data models using star schemas and relationships that support efficient DAX calculations and self-service reporting.
- SQL-Based Data Analysis: Write and maintain complex SQL queries to extract, clean, and analyze data from multiple sources (including data marts, warehouse systems, and Excel) to support category, brand, and supplier reviews.
- Data Quality & Validation: Implement automated checks, exception reporting, and audit processes to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and trustworthiness in reporting.
- Automation & Process Improvement: Leverage Power Query, VBA, Python, and Report Builder to automate recurring reports and streamline manual workflows across the Merchandising organization.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams-Merchandising, Sales, Supply Chain, IT, and Leadership-to align on KPIs, improve data governance, and deliver timely analytics.
- Training & Adoption Support: Create documentation, job aids, and lead user training sessions to promote adoption of dashboards and self-service BI tools.
- End-to-End Project Ownership: Manage the full lifecycle of analytics projects, from discovery and prototyping through testing, deployment, and ongoing refinement based on user feedback.
- Continuous Learning: Stay up to date on Power BI features, Microsoft platform innovations, SQL performance tuning strategies, and best practices in CPG analytics.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:
- SQL, DAX & Power BI Expertise: Proven ability to build efficient SQL queries, write complex DAX measures, and develop robust Power BI dashboards with row-level security, dynamic visuals, and drill-through capabilities.
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Strong background in analyzing structured data, identifying trends, and translating insights into clear, actionable reports. Comfortable working with large datasets and multi-source integration.
- Advanced Excel & VBA: Skilled in Excel automation using formulas, macros, PivotTables, Power Query, XLOOKUP, and VBA scripting to streamline processes and enhance reporting efficiency.
- Microsoft Ecosystem Fluency: Hands-on experience using Microsoft tools such as Report Builder (SSRS), Excel, PowerPoint, Lists, Teams, and SharePoint to support cross-functional projects and data sharing.
- ETL & Data Modeling: Familiar with building and maintaining data models and pipelines. Understanding of modern data architecture concepts, including Snowflake, Redshift, and data lake structures.
- Python Proficiency: Working knowledge of Python for data wrangling, automation, and integration with SQL and BI tools.
- User-Centered Design: Solid grasp of UX/UI best practices as they apply to dashboards and report layout for optimal clarity and stakeholder engagement.
- CPG Domain Experience: Background working with consumer product data (e.g., sales, inventory, promotions), often across multiple retail and distribution systems.
- Clear Communicator: Able to break down technical insights for non-technical audiences, with strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels of leadership.
- Project & Stakeholder Management: Capable of juggling multiple priorities, aligning with cross-functional teams, and meeting deadlines in fast-paced environments.
- Detail-Oriented & Self-Directed: Meticulous with data accuracy, documentation, and follow-through; known for taking ownership and driving tasks to completion with minimal oversight.
Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in Data Analytics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Business, Economics, or a related field.
- Equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, particularly if paired with strong technical proficiency and demonstrated success in a similar analytics role.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in a data analyst, business intelligence, or reporting role, ideally within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), retail, or wholesale distribution industries.
- Proven experience working with SQL for querying and manipulating large datasets.
- 2+ years of Power BI development experience, including DAX, data modeling, row-level security, and visual design best practices.
- Experience building reports and dashboards for cross-functional business stakeholders, including Merchandising, Sales, or Supply Chain teams.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, VBA), and complementary tools such as Power Query, Report Builder (SSRS), or Python for automation or reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Requisition ID
2025-27412
Equal Employer Opportunity Statement
KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.