Demand Forecaster - HYBRID

As a Demand Forecaster at Nordstrom, your primary responsibilities include creating gross demand sales plans, managing replenishment assortments, and driving inventory productivity. You will collaborate closely with business partners to achieve financial goals, maintain in-stock targets, and ensure effective inventory management. You'll also lead the education and application of forecasting tools while actively analyzing market performance to enhance sales and inventory outcomes.

To be considered for the Demand Forecaster role at Nordstrom, you should have at least 1-3 years of experience in retail merchandise planning, analysis, or inventory management. A Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Statistics, or Management Information Systems is preferred. Familiarity with retail forecasting tools, such as Oracle merchandising foundations or Retail Demand Forecasting, is also advantageous.

The Demand Forecaster plays a crucial role in inventory management at Nordstrom by crafting accurate demand forecasts that align with merchandise strategies and support optimal stock levels. By analyzing sales data and market trends, you can identify opportunities to improve item performance, thus influencing decision-making that enhances overall inventory results in the department.

Yes, experience with retail forecasting tools is important for a Demand Forecaster at Nordstrom. Familiarity with systems such as Oracle merchandising foundation or Retail Demand Forecast (RDF) is preferred. This experience will help you maintain attributes within forecasting applications and improve the accuracy of the demand forecasts you create.

Nordstrom offers a competitive benefits package for its Demand Forecaster position, which includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, as well as 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off, and life insurance options. Additionally, employees can benefit from merchandise discounts and resources through an Employee Assistance Program.

When answering this question, focus on specific tools you've used, such as Oracle merchandising or Retail Demand Forecast. Highlight your ability to analyze sales data and how you've applied this data to make important inventory decisions in previous roles.

To effectively answer, discuss your process for collaborating with merchant partners to understand their strategies and product expectations. Give examples of how your forecasts have previously aligned with and supported those strategies to achieve desired results.

Convey your approach to analyzing demand patterns, stressing the importance of historical sales data analysis, seasonality considerations, and market trends. Provide examples of how your analysis has led to effective inventory placement and replenishment strategies in your previous positions.

When answering, emphasize your analytical skills and your ability to quickly assess situations. Discuss specific steps you take to identify the root causes of the discrepancies and how you implement corrective measures to optimize future forecasts.

Describe your prioritization strategy, which can include assessing the impact on both sales and customer service. Provide insights on how you communicate with colleagues and manage expectations while ensuring that inventory levels meet organizational goals.

Discuss your commitment to clear and effective communication in your role as a Demand Forecaster. Highlight how it helps you collaborate with merchants, share forecast insights with the team, and make informed decisions to meet replenishment goals.

Share a specific instance where your initiatives led to improved item performance, detailing the strategies you implemented and the results achieved. Quantify your success with metrics where appropriate, showcasing your analytical and strategic approach.

Emphasize analytical skills, proficiency in retail forecasting tools, and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. You might also discuss organizational and problem-solving abilities that contribute to a Demand Forecaster's success.

Discuss your commitment to professional development, mentioning specific industry publications, webinars, or courses you follow to stay informed on retail trends and best practices in forecasting methodologies.

Describe your proactive approach to maintaining in-stock targets by regularly reviewing inventory levels, analyzing sales patterns, and adjusting forecasts accordingly. Highlight the importance of collaboration with other teams to ensure that stock levels meet customer demand.