Retail Analyst: Industry Research and Analysis (October 2008)

TNS Retail Forward is an industry-leading research and consulting company that specializes in working with retailers and their suppliers.  Fact-based and forward thinking, TNS Retail Forward is a trusted advisor to hundreds of large consumer-facing companies.  We help clients grow their businesses by providing superior industry and shopper insights, strategy development, and tactical performance improvement programs.

Description:

TNS Retail Forward’s Retail Forward Intelligence System™ (RFIS) monitors, assesses and forecasts change in the global retail marketplace.  Our staff of industry analysts, consumer research specialists and economists produces newsletters, reports and executive briefing presentations that spotlight the most critical industry trends, their likely future direction, and implications for those involved in the retail industry.  Our Web site provides the ultimate retail database on leading retail companies, channels of distribution, shopper insights and merchandise category trends.

Retail Analysts conduct primary and secondary research in support of RFIS products and services.  Retail Analysts write, speak and advise clients about issues and trends most relevant to their retail sector. 

TNS Retail Forward currently has a position open for a Food, Drug, Mass (FDM) analyst who will focus on Wal-Mart, among other FDM retailers and channels.

Responsibilities:

The Retail Analyst must develop and maintain a very high level of market knowledge and expertise in his/her assigned retail markets/channels through the following activities:

• Write and/or otherwise contribute to multiple FDM reports over the course of the year, including writing the monthly FDM Retail Perspectives—based on assignments that are derived from team meetings and/or need to be developed based on master editorial calendar
• Analyze and interpret data and information (e.g., relevant news, industry statistics, retailer performance data, consumer research data) on assigned retailers/channels to develop reports, newsletters and presentations
• Perform additional secondary research and primary research (e.g., store audits, phone interviews) as necessary
• Draw implications that have meaning for Retail Forward client companies
• Monitor retail news on an ongoing basis
• Work with database team to ensure the right news/data/information for assigned sector/channels/retailers is being collected and maintained
• Participate in regular monthly meetings with RFIS Sector Leaders and other Analysts to identify key issues/trends/”breaking news”
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments and work in a fast-paced environment
• Help maintain client accounts through participation in Webinars and other client-service activities
  

Requirements:

TNS Retail Forward is looking for people who like to learn and share that learning.  Our executive clients demand sophisticated thinkers who can bring the outside world into focus for them.  Successful candidates will have demonstrated:

• The ability to gather information using a wide variety of research methods
• The ability to prepare critical analyses, identify trends, and communicate complex issues in a powerful and compelling way
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills
• Excellent computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint) are an absolute requirement
• Familiarity with standard financial statements and analyses
• The ability and desire to multi-task, prioritize assignments and work in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with FDM sector of the retail industry in general and Wal-Mart specifically is a definite plus

Candidates with 2–3 years of relevant experience are encouraged to apply.  Candidates with an undergraduate degree in business or a liberal arts degree with relevant analytical experience will be considered.  This position is located in Columbus, Ohio.  Relocation assistance is not provided.  TNS Retail Forward provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, short-term disability and life insurance; paid vacations and holidays; and a 401(k) plan.

To be considered for this opportunity, please send your resume to:

Ray.Barrante@tns-global.com

Mail:     TNS Retail Forward. Inc.
            Two Easton Oval, Suite 500
            Columbus, Ohio 43219
Fax:      614.355.4059

No phone calls.