Forecast Analyst

Overview

REI Co-op is united in finding better ways to work. The goal is to help people find and enjoy the outdoors. When you work for the co-op, you do your best work. You also get support to live your best life. You help shape the future of the outdoors for people and the planet. 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.

Responsibilities

And Qualifications Responsibilities: Business

• 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

Team

• 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

Self

• 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

Qualifications:

• 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.

Closing At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn. Pay Transparency We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors. REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile. Pay Range $74,400.00 - $119,100.00 per year