Commercial Planning Analyst

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

Pizza Hut Canada is seeking a Commercial Planning Analyst to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will play a critical role in supporting the business in making strategic commercial decisions supported by data analysis, forecasting, and market trend evaluation. Reporting to the Head of Commercial Finance, this position will support the development and execution of the annual operating plan (AOP) and quarterly forecast cycles, analyze sales performance, and work on enhancing franchisee profitability. Your insights will directly contribute to the growth and success of our franchise network.

The Commercial Planning Analyst contributes to shaping the financial strategy, acting as a commercial thought partner to cross-functional teams, and driving the commercial success of the business. The successful candidate will need to have a strong sense of accountability, urgency and ownership, maintaining a continuous growth mindset. Experience in QSR, the restaurant industry, or in franchise-facing businesses will be considered an asset.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Data Analysis and Insights

• Analyze complex data sets to identify market trends, sales performance, and forecast future demand.
• Develop detailed reports and presentations that provide actionable insights for strategic decision-making, with regular reporting to the Pizza Hut Canada and Pizza Hut International Operating Markets (IOM) Leadership Teams

Sales and Market Evaluation

• Conduct in-depth sales analysis to monitor trends, identify opportunities, and evaluate performance metrics on an ongoing basis as well as campaign reviews for Limited Time Offers or pulse promotions in-market.
• Prepare comprehensive sales reports highlighting key findings, strategic opportunities, and potential risks.
• Collaborate with the sales and digital team to develop strategies for market penetration and growth.
• Accountable for delivering weekly sales insights and presentations to Pizza Hut Leadership Teams

Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and Forecast Development

• Assist in creating the AOP and quarterly forecast, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
• Incorporate data-driven insights into the AOP and QXF in collaboration with the Head of Commercial Finance.
• Monitor and report on the progress of the AOP and QXF, making necessary adjustments to meet business goals.

Franchisee Support

• Collaborate with franchisees to analyze financial performance and identify improvement areas.
• Provide actionable recommendations to enhance franchisee profitability and operational efficiency.
• Develop tools and frameworks to support franchisees in optimizing their business operations.
• Play a key role in the use of iLumen as a platform to draw actionable insights in driving Franchisee profitability

Collaboration, Communication, and Market Analysis:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including development, marketing, finance, and operations, to gather and analyze data.
• Present findings and strategic recommendations to senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Conduct competitive analysis to monitor market activities, competitor strategies, and industry trends.
• Develop and maintain financial models to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial forecasts and models while staying updated on industry developments and data analysis techniques.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights for the wider business.
• Working knowledge with data modelling, power query and power BI.
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders, with demonstrated ability to work effectively with franchisees and collaborate with cross-functional teams. 
• Strong relationship building skills; ability to challenge the norm and provide alternative solutions and creative solutions to problems. You will need to build trust quickly so that you can work with credibility and at pace.
• Proven adaptability to a fast-moving environment and high sense of urgency and accountability. You will need to manage multiple complex data sets and reporting deadlines simultaneously.
• Proven analytical skills with a keen attention to detail, accuracy, and an eye toward continuous process improvement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in commercial planning, forecasting, and data analysis within the food and beverage or retail sectors. Ideally a level of higher education or diploma in a Finance and/or Commerce/Business-related field.
• Strong commercial acumen and knowledge of Franchise business operations and unit economics. Proven Franchise experience either in a Finance function or another relevant role is preferred.
• Comfortable building and running financial models. 
• Highly computer-literate with excellent command of Excel and PowerPoint.

The posted salary range is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job-related factors.

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