Item Coding Analyst

Let’s be unstoppable together!

Circana is a leading provider of technology, AI, and data solutions for consumer packaged goods companies, manufacturers, and retailers. Our predictive analytics and Liquid Data® platform help clients measure market share, uncover consumer behavior, and drive growth—powered by six decades of expertise and an expansive, high-quality data set.

At Circana, we are fuelled by our passion for continuous learning and growth, we seek and share feedback freely, and we celebrate victories both big and small in an environment that is flexible and accommodating to our work and personal lives.  We’re a global company dedicated to fostering inclusivity and belonging. We value and celebrate the unique experiences, cultures, and viewpoints that each individual brings. By embracing a wide range of backgrounds, skills, expertise, and beyond, we create a stronger, more innovative environment for our employees, clients, and communities. With us, you can always bring your full self to work.  Join our inclusive, committed team to be a challenger, own outcomes, and stay curious together. Circana is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®. This prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Circana. Learn more at www.circana.com.

What will you be doing?

We are seeking an Item Coding Analyst, responsible for maintaining the quality, accuracy, and integrity of Circana's Point-of-Sale (POS) Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) database. This role supports the US business by managing assigned product categories, maintaining product attributes and coding standards, responding to coding-related inquiries, and partnering with internal stakeholders to ensure high-quality product data. The Analyst II plays a critical role in supporting Circana's data assets through accurate item coding, category maintenance, issue resolution, and continuous process improvement.

Job Responsibilities

Category & Product Data Management

• Maintain assigned product categories within Circana's POS database, ensuring data accuracy, quality, and integrity.
• Code and classify new products according to established coding standards, guidelines, and procedures.
• Maintain and update product attributes, hierarchies, and classifications as required.
• Conduct audits and quality checks to identify and correct data inconsistencies or errors.
• Take ownership of assigned categories and ensure ongoing accuracy of existing and newly added products.

Coding Operations & Quality Assurance

• Ensure coding standards and business rules are consistently applied across assigned categories.
• Investigate and resolve coding discrepancies, product classification issues, and data quality concerns.
• Perform ongoing validation and quality reviews to maintain the integrity of product data.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing coding accuracy and operational efficiency.

Stakeholder & Client Support

• Respond to inquiries and requests from client-facing teams regarding UPCs, product classifications, and coding-related matters.
• Partner with coding teams and cross-functional stakeholders to resolve product and category-related issues.
• Provide clear and timely communication regarding progress, updates, and issue resolution.
• Support internal teams by providing coding expertise and guidance when required.

Queue & Workflow Management

• Manage assigned workloads, queues, and service requests to meet agreed service levels and deadlines.
• Prioritize multiple competing tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Monitor work progress and proactively escalate issues that may impact delivery timelines.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations for improving processes, tools, and operational efficiencies.
• Collaborate effectively within a global virtual team environment.
• Support change initiatives and adopt new processes, technologies, and ways of working as required.

General

• Adhere to all Circana policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Complete required training and professional development activities.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties aligned to the role and business requirements.

Measures of Success

• Consistent delivery of high-quality and accurate coding outputs.
• Adherence to productivity, quality, and service level expectations.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving capability.
• Effective prioritization and management of multiple tasks.
• Responsiveness to stakeholder and client inquiries.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a global team environment.
• Successful management of assigned categories and coding responsibilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Working Hours / Supporting Global Teams
  • Supporting the US Business: This role supports Circana's United States business and requires regular collaboration with internationally based colleagues, stakeholders, and client-facing teams.
  • Team members will be required to work later afternoon hours on a regular basis and, on occasion, early evening hours to accommodate overlap with United States business hours for meetings, training, project work, and collaboration activities.
  • Flexibility in working hours is therefore required to ensure effective support of business operations and stakeholder engagement across time zones.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Analytics, Information Management, or a related field with a quantitative component.
• 1-2 years of analytical, data management, operations, or related experience preferred.
• Experience within Retail, FMCG/CPG, Market Research, or Data Operations environments advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a virtual global environment.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, Teams, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with large datasets and data quality processes is advantageous.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and continuous learning mindset.

Circana Behaviors

As well as the technical skills, experience and attributes that are required for the role, our shared behaviors sit at the core of our organization. Therefore, we always look for people who can continuously champion these behaviors throughout the business within their day-to-day role:

• Stay Curious: Being hungry to learn and grow, always asking the big questions
• Seek Clarity: Embracing complexity to create clarity and inspire action
• Own the Outcome: Being accountable for decisions and taking ownership of our choices
• Center on the Client: Relentlessly adding value for our customers
• Be a Challenger: Never complacent, always striving for continuous improvement
• Champion Inclusivity: Fostering trust in relationships engaging with empathy, respect and integrity
• Commit to each other: Contributing to making Circana a great place to work for everyone

Location

This position can be in the following area(s): Cape Town, South Africa

Prospective candidates may be asked to consent to background checks (in accordance with local legislation and our candidate privacy notice) Your current employer will not be contacted without your permission.