Location: Freeport,ME, USA
At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity and creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome-both here and Outside. We value individual differences and are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment where everyone can bring the best of their experience and talents and truly thrive.
L.L.Bean is seeking an Associate Inventory Forecaster to join our Inventory Management team in Freeport, Maine. In this role you will create accurate item/color level sales forecasts in support of optimal purchasing and allocation by effectively employing systems, tools (Blue Yonder Demand), process, and standardized reporting; as well as strategic input from cross-functional partners. Understanding these dependencies, this role develops and continuously improves the forecasts and provides analytical insight as the means of supporting the successful implementation of L.L.Bean's and Inventory Management's strategic objectives. Learns and contributes independently with assigned products with low to medium complexity, mentored by others. If you enjoy numbers and analysis, we want to hear from you!
Position Purpose: Establishes and maintains accurate item/color level sales forecasts in support of optimal purchasing and allocation by effectively employing systems, tools (Blue Yonder Demand), process, and standardized reporting; as well as strategic input from cross-functional partners. Understanding these dependencies, this role develops and continuously improves the forecasts and provides analytical insight as the means of supporting the successful implementation of L.L.Bean's and Inventory Management's strategic objectives. Learns and contributes independently with assigned products with low to medium complexity, mentored by others. This is a hybrid role and 2-3 days in the Freeport office is required.
Responsibilities:
* Demonstrates understanding and appropriate use of Blue Yonder Demand and forecasting functionality. Manages part of the business, utilizes best practices processes, controls and reporting.
* Supports and understands forecasting process, successfully learns to influence, and align channel targets and Merchant intent for assigned categories. Participates in forecast review milestones and oversees assigned categories.
* Maintains accuracy in forecasting for assigned categories. Participates in weekly meetings to review trends and metrics in accordance with the standard forecasting process. Demonstrates ability to navigate ambiguous situations and drives effective decision making focused on business results
* Supports department leadership and collaborates with cross-functional team members to ensure channel deliverables are met. Prioritizes and implements the day-to-day execution of assigned tasks and responsibilities.
* Drives the identification of patterns and relationships in data to break through a high level of detail and demonstrates analytical ability. Maintains an objective view of findings; formulates conclusions and summarizes clearly. Demonstrates a proactive approach to identifying & managing business trends versus reacting to issues.
* Supports the Sustain Team and continuous improvement efforts; utilizes department Super Users routinely.
* Assists in supporting the vision and strategic initiatives. Knowledgeable of forecasting approaches for assigned categories and channel, as well as a developing awareness of the buying/allocation functions as they relate to the end-to-end, omni-channel process.
* Effectively represents Inventory Management with other functional areas to address short to midterm issues.
* Communicates understanding of current forecasting strategies and future direction across the organization, participate in the development of new approaches for working together. Collaborates with Merchandising & Merch Planning to ensure efforts are aligned with category and style growth strategies.
* Emerging skills to influence strategic and tactical alignment with Merchants and Merch Planning to align strategically and jointly to achieve omni-channel sales and profitability goals.
* Engages in in ongoing relationship development and management across a broad range of omni-channel business partners and peer leaders in Merchandising, Buying, Allocation, Sustain, Marketing, Merchandise Planning, etc.
Health and Safety Requirement: Every employee is responsible for contributing to a safe and healthy workplace. Employees are expected to be active participants in health and safety by following all safety policies and procedures, reporting unsafe conditions or at-risk behaviors to leadership, and conducting work in a safe manner. Those in a leadership role are also expected to model safe behaviors, evaluate risk, and ensure that risks are reduced to acceptable levels.
Education Level: 4-Year Bachelors Degree
Years of Experience: 0-3+ years
Skills and Qualifications:
* Some Forecasting and/or Planning related experience/knowledge
* Strong analytical skills
* Proven problem solving and decision-making skills
* Strong Excel and systems aptitude- Blue Yonder Demand
* Demonstrates ability to work in a systematic and organized approach
* Strong attention to detail; works in a precise, methodical manner
* Ability to develop and utilize guidelines, processes, and tools for success
* Ability to prioritize and manage a workload delivering quality deliverables within tight timelines
* Strong interpersonal skills, team player, and results-oriented
* Strong Communicator
* Engaged, self-motivated with a positive presence
* Resilient and able to effectively navigate ambiguous situations
* Seeks out diverse thinking and many voices to problem solve
* Strives to continuously learn, grow, and develop, and help others
If you care about the outdoors, joining L.L.Bean is a great way to feel good about what you do. Our benefits package makes a good thing even better, with programs and perks designed to support your health and financial goals. Plus, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and re-charging outside are all part of the plan.
If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you'd be great at this role, we'd love to learn more about you! At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We strive to reflect this every day in our commitments to employees and partners and in our efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability.