Data Analyst II, Area Research

Key Skills

Apache Hadoop, C Programming, C++, Data science techniques, Java Programming, Machine learning techniques, MapReduce, Python Programming, PyTorch, R Programming, Scala Programming, SQL, TensorFlow

Job Description

Macy’s is proudly America’s Department Store. For more than 160 years, Macy’s has served generations at every stage of their lives. Customers come to us for fashion, value and celebration. Our Finance team is responsible for maximizing profitability and delivering shareholder value at Macy's.

Area Research is a dynamic analytical team within the Finance organization that is responsible for forecasting sales for major capital investments, including new stores, remodels, and expansions. Applying a spatial perspective to the business, the team is actively engaged in market planning to drive the company’s omni-channel growth initiatives including site selection and market analysis for off-mall store formats across multiple banners. In this capacity, the team works closely with internal partners including Real Estate, Capital Planning, Store Environment, Enterprise Data & Analytics and the Stores/Merchant organization.

Job Overview:

Under the direction of the Senior, Area Research, this person will support the organization’s omni-channel strategies and help guide decision-making through the development of internal data capabilities, starting with data extraction from multiple systems and including the manipulation of data through rigorous analysis of large data sets. This role requires proficiency in research analytics, data science and methods, as well as an understanding of basic retail principles. The ideal candidate would have the ability to collect, analyze and disseminate data to make actionable recommendations to key stakeholders and senior leadership. The role would also leverage visualization tools such as GIS, Tableau and Power BI to enhance department reporting capabilities. Familiarity with GIS ArcPro or other mapping software is a plus.

Perform other duties as assigned. This position is based out Cincinnati, Ohio.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as team lead for processing, cleansing and verifying the integrity of data used for analyses. Actively engage with a broad range of quantitative and qualitative data including demographics, proprietary sales, financial metrics, foot traffic and competitor locations across geographic markets.
• Work with department colleagues and internal partners to refine and enhance current analytic methods and tools. Help develop predictive models to support department sales forecasting and site selection objectives. 
• Provide data and analytical support for store projects. Assist in the development of sales forecast for store remodels, expansions and downsizings. Work with partners in Capital Planning to conduct portfolio reviews of our existing store fleet, including development of sales retention and digital impact analysis.
• Navigate the organization to acquire the necessary data and business context for thoughtful, comprehensive analysis and recommendations.
• Participate in department’s on-going basic research efforts, including sales tracking, trade area assessment and development of store performance metrics for analog modeling.
• Prepare dashboards, reports, tables and maps that meet Area Research standards for accuracy, thoroughness, and clarity.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Undergraduate degree in data science, data analytics, geography, economics, business or related field. Master’s degree preferred. 
• 1-2 years related experience
• Experience with visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
• Knowledge and interest in programming languages such as Python, R, SQL.
• Practices open and continuous communication, values keeping others informed, effectively presenting information in a clear, concise manner.
• Excellent leadership, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across functional lines and at many levels.
• Ability to think creatively, strategically, and technically.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on department and Company needs.
• Knowledge of MS Office computer programs are required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have above average mathematical and statistical skills.