Forecast Analyst

About the Role

REI Co-op is a community-driven organization dedicated to connecting people with the outdoors and fostering a sustainable future for the planet. As a Forecast Analyst, you will play a critical role in our success by leveraging data-driven insights to optimize inventory and achieve key financial targets. This position offers a unique opportunity to blend financial expertise with a passion for the outdoors, ensuring our Retail and Digital platforms are strategically stocked to inspire adventure in every customer. By joining our team, you will contribute to a culture of excellence where your work directly impacts our mission to enable a life outside for everyone.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will take full ownership of the seasonal demand forecasting process, collaborating closely with Merchant Product partners to ensure our inventory levels align with evolving consumer trends. Your analytical expertise will bridge the gap between high-level financial planning and actionable product strategies.

• Develop and manage accurate seasonal forecasts for product demand, incorporating market research and strategic input from Merchant partners.
• Partner with Category Planning Managers (CPM) to reconcile category-level forecasts with seasonal financial plans and present findings to department leadership.
• Analyze and act on product trends and performance metrics with a forward-looking mindset to consistently deliver sales growth.
• Manage the flow of product inventory both pre-season and in-season to ensure performance goals and turnover targets are met.
• Initiate and oversee purchase orders while driving vendor accountability for delivery accuracy, timeliness, and profitability negotiations.
• Lead markdown planning and provide strategic recommendations for product end-of-lifecycle management to maintain healthy inventory levels.
• Collaborate with Merchandising Data Specialists and Replenishment Analysts to manage open orders and prioritize in-season item reactions.
• Provide detailed business insights and ad-hoc reporting to influence assortment planning and support the growth of multi-channel business units.

Qualifications

We are seeking a detail-oriented professional with a strong background in merchandising and a genuine interest in REI�s mission. The ideal candidate possesses the analytical rigor required to manage complex inventory systems across a diverse range of product categories and sales channels.

• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in merchandising, demand planning, or inventory management.
• Bachelor�s Degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, for complex data analysis and trend examination.
• Proven experience with product trend analysis and inventory forecasting for both brick-and-mortar retail and digital platforms.
• Strong knowledge of merchandising math principles, including Open-to-Buy (OTB), initial mark-up, gross margin, markdowns, and inventory turnover.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to challenge the status quo and influence cross-functional partners through data-backed insights.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and business sense to identify new opportunities for growth and efficiency.
• A commitment to self-development and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, expanding work environment.

Benefits

REI is committed to providing a workspace where you can do your best work while living your best life. We offer a comprehensive rewards package designed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being as you help us shape the future of the outdoors.

• Competitive annual salary range of $74,400 to $119,100, with final compensation determined by skills, experience, and location.
• Generous employee discounts on high-quality outdoor gear and services.
• Access to comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs tailored to your lifestyle.
• Robust retirement savings plan and accrued time off to ensure you have time to explore the outdoors.
• A culture rooted in inclusion, diversity, and belonging within a mission-driven organization.
• Professional growth opportunities through cross-functional projects and dedicated training programs.

Required Skills