Trade Promotion Analyst

Job Description

The role is responsible for managing inventory and retail budgets, including Markdown Planning, Open-to-Buy (OTB), sales densities, inventory health, sell-through, and Gross Margin Return on Inventory Investment (GMROII). The role also leads brand and category planning, manages in-season inventory levels, and ensures optimal availability and profitability to drive overall business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive financial merchandise plans for all brands/categories based on analytics, customer preferences, historical performance, and future projections provided by the buying team.
• Define and manage high-level financial goals, including pre-season planning, in-season forecasting, Open-to-Buy (OTB) management, and new store budget planning.
• Plan and execute markdown strategies, including Mid-Season Offers (MSO) and End-of-Season Sales (EOSS), based on sell-through, inventory age, weeks of cover, and profitability to optimize stock liquidation while protecting margins.
• Prepare, analyze, and monitor brand/category MIS reports, tracking actual sales versus forecasts, inventory levels, order parameters, upcoming events, and replenishment requirements.
• Drive strategic planning and decision-making across key metrics such as financial performance, sales, stock levels, OTB, margins, and forward cover.
• Communicate approved plans to the buying team and ensure effective in-season execution across stores/regions, including stock balancing, markdown control, and stock-to-sales performance analysis.
• Conduct periodic reviews of merchandise plans to maximize profitability and ensure target performance levels are consistently achieved.
• Perform periodic gap analyses to prevent stock-outs and ensure optimal inventory availability.
• Identify slow-moving and obsolete inventory, obtain management approvals for markdowns and discounts, and ensure timely liquidation in line with brand/category guidelines.
• Prepare detailed variance analysis reports comparing budgeted versus actual sales and stock, and identify growth opportunities to reverse declining trends.
• Monitor, set, and track GMROII and sales density targets by brand/category to enhance overall profitability.
• Ensure timely and accurate execution of sales and promotional activities according to the approved Trade Calendar.

Skill & Experience

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in trade promotion analysis, sales analytics, or commercial finance.
• Proficient in Promotion Management Systems (ERP/TPM tools) such as SAP, S4, ECC, and POS systems.
• Strong understanding of pricing rules, markdowns, promotion mechanics, and system validations.
• Skilled in analyzing promotional performance, ROI, uplift, and trends using Excel and BI tools.
• Experienced in creating accurate reports, dashboards, and post-promotion reviews to support decision-making.
• Solid financial acumen, including knowledge of budgets, claims, accruals, and promotional profitability.
• Familiar with promotion SOPs, documentation standards, and audit readiness requirements.
• Capable of managing end-to-end promotion workflows and ensuring timely execution.
• Competent in identifying system issues, data discrepancies, and coordinating fixes with IT teams.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence in all trade promotion activities.