MARKET PLANNING ANALYST

General Summary:

The Market Planning Analyst is responsible for leading strategic market planning initiatives across a regional territory typically spanning four to five states. This role drives long-term growth by identifying, evaluating, and recommending optimal store locations while developing annual market plans that align with the company's growth objectives and real estate strategy.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead site selection and sales forecasting activities for new stores and relocation opportunities across a multi-state territory. Evaluate proposed locations using demographic, psychographic, competitive, and real estate data, leveraging proprietary forecasting models and market expertise to develop accurate sales projections and actionable recommendations. Ensure opportunities align with strategic growth objectives, competitive positioning requirements, and corporate financial performance thresholds.
• Develop and execute comprehensive market growth strategies for assigned territories by identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing new store and relocation opportunities. Build and maintain a robust pipeline of viable projects through market analysis, opportunity scoring, and strategic planning, while partnering with Real Estate Managers to successfully execute annual development plans.
• Provide analytical consulting and decision support for cross-functional initiatives requiring advanced spatial, financial, and market analysis. Conduct research and develop recommendations for projects including competitor impact assessments, store closure and transfer analyses, acquisition evaluations, market entry strategies, disaster recovery analyses, and regional optimization initiatives.
• Manage store asset optimization strategies throughout the assigned territory by evaluating relocation, remodel, and reinvestment opportunities. Analyze lease terms, store performance, profitability metrics, real estate characteristics, and competitive dynamics to maximize portfolio value and support long-term market growth objectives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to think analytically and spatially to develop sound, actionable, and strategic recommendations.
• Understanding of financial metrics, investment analysis, and accounting principles.
• Proven ability to gather, manage, manipulate, and analyze data from multiple sources to support decision-making.
• Experience utilizing GIS technologies (ESRI ArcMap/ArcPro specifically), mapping tools, and spatial analysis techniques.
• Working knowledge and use of Microsoft Office applications (Excel functions and formulas, Power BI, Smartsheet, etc.).

• Proven communication and presentation skills with the ability to confidently explain findings and address stakeholder questions.

   

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.

   

• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and influence business decisions through data-driven insights.

   

• Detail-oriented individual who can produce quality work with limited need for revisions.

Work Experience &/or Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Finance, GIS, or related field.
• At least 1 year of experience in strategic analysis/planning, business analytics, site selection, and financial analysis/forecasting preferred.