Forecast Analyst (Limited Term)

REI Co-op is united around discovering, building and celebrating better ways of working in this world, all so that folks can find and pursue a love of the outdoors. When you work for the co-op, you do your best work with the support to live your best life. And you play a part in shaping the future of the outdoors, for people and our planet.

This job contributes to REI’s success through effective analysis, accurate forecasting, vendor relations and acquisition/management of product inventory to meet planned financial goals for sales, turnover, margin and in-stock rates. Accountable for maintaining effective business relationships and communications with Merchandising Product and Replenishment teams, vendor partners and various cross-divisional colleagues. Provides detailed and accurate insight into the business to promote continued growth for both Retail stores and Digital businesses. Models and acts in accordance with REI’s guiding values and mission.

Business

• Owns creation of seasonal forecasts for product demand based on assessment and input from Merchant Product partners
• Partner with Category Planning Manager (CPM) to reconcile category forecasts with seasonal financial plans ensuring 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 analysis 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 analysis, forecasting, acquisition, allocation and management for multiple stores and digital sales
• Knowledge and effective execution of merchandising math principles; open to buy, initial mark-up, gross margin, markdowns, shrink, damages, inventory turnover
• Uses excellent communication skills, business acumen, innovative thinking, and sound judgment in the solution of problems or the pursuit of business opportunities

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.