Job Description

The Retail Trend Analyst is responsible for identifying, capturing, analyzing, and interpreting a combination of in-trade data, open-source and supplied research data, and general industry trends. The goal is to provide valuable insights and recommendations through a systematic and robust reporting program, enriching and bolstering creative efforts within the creative divisions.

The role requires cross-functional collaboration with creative and sales divisions, with the core purpose of enhancing customer relationships and design projects with usable data, tangible insights, and inspiration. These insights will contribute to high-level marketing and strategy-related design projects.

CORE DELIVERABLES OF THE ROLE

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

• Retail Industry Trends: Monitor and analyze trends in the South African retail industry, including both formal and informal sectors.
• Field Research: Conduct intensive field research across all retail channels in the South African commerce landscape.
• Online Research: Conduct daily online trend research around blended retail, including retail innovation, best practices, technological advancements, and digital retail integration both locally and abroad.
• Social Media Research & E-commerce: Conduct daily trend research from various social media platforms and e-commerce channels.
• Global Trends: Conduct targeted research into global trends, focusing on in-store, digital, and technology innovation.
• Consumer, Shopper, and Retail Trends: Identify overarching trends among consumers, shoppers, and retail outlets.
• Retail Trade Landscape: Develop a strong understanding of the South African retail trade landscape, including different channels and retailers.
• In-Store Environments: Analyze in-store environments, shopper behavior, and activities taking place.
• International Market Insights: Consolidate, analyze, and report on data streams from ongoing online research into best practices and relevant trends from global markets.

DATA ANALYSIS RESPONSIBILITIES

• Data Analysis: Analyze collected and supplied data to create credible and informed research reports.

DATABASE MANAGEMENT & REPORTING

• Database Management: Continuously tag photos and manage data to ensure immediate availability through standard search parameters. Ensure secure storage within a failsafe Digital Asset Management (DAM) system.
• Reporting Process: Utilize robust reporting templates and platforms to make general and project-specific data readily available and relevant.
• Monthly Trade and Innovation Reports: Distill and consolidate key findings from various research streams into a monthly trade report.

CAREER PATH

This position offers potential career growth opportunities within customer engagement and marketing divisions.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Drive & Passion

• Passion for research and the retail sector with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in an agile, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications

• Ideally studying or holding a degree/diploma in Business, Commerce, or Marketing.
• Experience in a marketing environment is preferable.
• A background in project management and marketing management would be advantageous.

Experience

• Previous exposure to creative design, marketing, and advertising environments is beneficial.
• Understanding of the retail market is advantageous.
• Ideally, at least 12 years of experience in a similar environment.

Travel Requirements

• Valid drivers license and own transport to conduct field research.

BEHAVIOURS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES

• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong critical thinking skills.
• Intuitive understanding of creative elements for presentation and layout development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of people management, processes, and customer needs.
• Customer-focused, flexible, and adept at relationship-building.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under strict deadlines.
• Creativity, imagination, and persistence, with strong written, visual, and verbal communication skills.
• Awareness of industry trends and openness to new ideas and influences.
• Strong business sense and sales ability with effective presentation skills.
• Collaborative, analytical, and highly creative.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Ability to develop and compile presentations based on pre-defined templates.
• Systematic approach to research and data usage.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize resources.
• Experience with data capture in Silo (DDS) is preferable.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, particularly for creating presentations and research reports