Forecast Analyst

REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.)•Seattle, WA

10h

About The Position

This job helps REI succeed through examination, accurate forecasting, vendor relations, and managing product inventory to meet financial goals. Responsible for keeping solid business relationships and communication with Merchandising Product and Replenishment teams, vendor partners, and cross-divisional colleagues. Provides detailed and accurate business insights to support growth for Retail stores and Digital businesses. Models and acts according to REI’s guiding values and mission.

Requirements

Minimum 2 years merchandising experience
Bachelor’s Degree
Familiarity and interest in REI products, activities and services
PC proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Office: Excel, Word, Outlook, Explorer
Experience with product trend and inventory examination forecasting acquisition allocation and management for multiple stores and digital sales
Knowledge and effective execution of merchandising math methods; open to buy, initial mark-up, gross margin, markdowns, shrink, damages, inventory turnover
Uses excellent communication skills, business sense, creative thinking, and good judgment to solve problems or find business opportunities.

Responsibilities

Owns creation of seasonal forecasts for product demand based on research and input from Merchant Product partners
Partner with the Category Planning Manager (CPM) to reconcile category forecasts with seasonal financial plans. Ensure goals are achievable and present the plan to department leadership.
Examines and acts on product trends and performance with a forward-looking mindset to deliver sales
Ability to apply sound financial actions to a product strategy to deliver growth
Manages product inventory flow in-season & pre-season to achieve performance goals
Initiates and manages purchase orders
Drives vendor accountability for delivery accuracy and timeliness and negotiates to achieve profitability goals
Manages markdown planning and product end-of-lifecycle recommendations
Uses proven communication skills to engage and challenge others for the achievement of business goals.
Provides insights and feedback to Merchant Product & Planning partners to influence better Assortment Planning
Provides ad-hoc examination and reporting to support business needs as a category specialist
Partners with Merchandising Data Specialist & Assistant Category Merchant to manage open orders
Partners with Replenishment Analyst on funding & prioritizing In Season item reactions
Pursue self-development through work with your Manager, training and networking with other FAs
Develop change management skills to thrive in an expanding work environment
Take part in in cross-functional project opportunities to gain co-op wide perspective