Merch Analyst

Position Purpose

The Merchandising Analyst serves as an operational partner within the Purchasing organization, supporting customer item setup, Request for Purchase (RP) execution, promotional inventory coordination, and ongoing analysis of customer purchasing and inventory needs.
This role acts as a liaison between Sales and Purchasing by developing a clear understanding of customer requirements, asking thoughtful questions, reviewing item performance after rollout, and identifying opportunities to improve inventory accuracy and purchasing decisions. The Merchandising Analyst works closely with Sales, Purchasing, Inventory Management, Suppliers, and other internal partners to support successful customer programs. The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, customer-focused, detail-oriented, and comfortable working across departments in a fast-paced environment.

Major Functional Responsibilities

• Act as a liaison between Sales and Purchasing to understand customer needs, clarify expectations, and support accurate execution of customer programs.
• Ask detailed questions to confirm item requirements, expected demand, timing, initial inventory needs, and other factors that may affect purchasing decisions.
• Coordinate customer item and promotional inventory activity initiated through the Request for Purchase (RP) process by partnering with Sales, Purchasing, Inventory Management, Suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Review customer items after rollout to evaluate purchasing patterns, inventory levels, and alignment with expected demand.
• Provide clear, data-supported observations and suggestions to improve inventory accuracy, purchasing quantities, replenishment decisions, and overall program execution.
• Monitor customer item activity and communicate timely updates regarding inventory status, potential risks, customer needs, and recommended next steps.
• Partner with the appropriate teams to research issues, gather information, and support resolution of customer, purchasing, or inventory concerns.
• Utilize reporting and data analysis to identify opportunities, support decision-making, and improve communication across departments.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of customer, item, inventory, and purchasing information used in analysis and communication.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external business partners while delivering a high level of customer service.
• Demonstrate flexibility, professionalism, sound judgment, and adaptability while managing changing priorities and business needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma/GED or Equivalent Experience

2+ years Merch, buying, category and/or closely related experience

Company description

Vistar customers are everywhere people work, play, and shop. Vistar is America’s leading candy, snack, and beverage distributor with more than 25 distribution centers delivering everything from popcorn to healthy meal replacements anywhere in the U.S. The company has thrived by innovating, exceeding customer expectations, and fostering a collaborative culture built on teamwork, doing what’s right, and giving back to the communities they serve.

Awards and Accolades

Performance Food Group and/or its subsidiaries (individually or collectively, the "Company") provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. Please click on the following links to review: (1) our EEO Policy; (2) the "EEO is the Law" poster and supplement; and (3) the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.