Data Analyst – Retail Sales Planning Platform (Contract, Remote) Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Data Analyst to support the development of a Retail Sales Planning Platform. This contract, remote role focuses on data validation, performance benchmarking, and analytical support for predictive planning models. The analyst will be embedded within a cross‑functional delivery team and collaborate closely with product, engineering, and business stakeholders to ensure planning outputs are accurate, explainable, and actionable. Key Responsibilities Data Validation & Quality Validate, profile, and monitor retail sales data feeds ingested via a cloud data warehouse Identify data quality issues, anomalies, or inconsistencies and recommend corrective actions Planning Metrics & Analytics Compute and maintain core retail planning metrics, including: Sales velocity Weeks of supply (WOS) Store coverage Sell‑through rates Create structured, repeatable reporting outputs for planning and performance review Reference Data & Sales Lift Modeling Build and maintain reference datasets for sales lift estimates by promotion type and category Support analysis of promotional effectiveness using historical and syndicated retail data Model Support & Calibration Support calibration and continuous improvement of the platform’s predictive planning models Flag performance anomalies, biases, or data gaps Replace proxy inputs with measured actuals as historical data becomes available Performance Evaluation & Market Insights Compile actuals vs. plan comparisons and document findings in a clear, standardized format Analyze market and competitor data to identify planning opportunities, risks, and timing implications Communication & Collaboration Work closely with product managers, data engineers, and planning stakeholders Translate complex analytical findings into clear, plain‑language insights for non‑technical audiences Required Skills & Experience 3+ years’ experience in retail analytics, trade marketing analytics, consumer goods analytics, or similar data‑centric roles Strong Excel skills, including large datasets, structured references, and tabular reporting Proficiency in SQL and Python Experience working with cloud data warehouses Familiarity with syndicated retail and market data Strong attention to data quality, accuracy, and analytical rigor Clear communicator with the ability to support planning and commercial teams Preferred Qualifications Experience with trade promotion analysis Exposure to sales forecasting, demand planning, or predictive analytics platforms Prior experience supporting retail, sales, or commercial planning teams Engagement Details Contract Role Work Timings: 1:00 PM IST – 10:00 PM IST (aligned to US business hours) Embedded within a cross‑functional platform delivery team