Merchandise Demand Planner

Bob's Discount Furniture; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical, dental, vision

401(k) Profit Sharing Plan

Paid time off and holidays

Employee discounts

Job summary

Bob’s Discount Furniture is seeking a Demand Planner to develop and maintain forecasts across weekly, monthly, and seasonal horizons. You will partner with Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Inventory, and Finance to translate data into actionable plans, ensuring alignment with financial targets and inventory goals.

The role requires 3–5+ years in demand planning, advanced Excel skills, and experience with BI tools like Power BI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or inventory planning.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to analyze large data sets and generate actionable insights.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts across weekly, monthly, and seasonal horizons.
• Partner with Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Inventory, and Finance to communicate forecast updates, risks, and opportunities.
• Monitor forecast accuracy, perform in-season reforecasting, and conduct root-cause analysis on forecast variances.
• Support alignment of demand forecasts with sales, margin, inventory, and financial targets; identify over/under-bought risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Incorporate product launches and lifecycle changes into forecasts; support assortment planning and test strategies.
• Utilize demand planning systems, ERP platforms, Excel, and BI tools to generate reporting and actionable insights.
• Maintain data integrity and support continuous improvement of demand planning and S&OP/demand review processes.

Skills

Demand Forecasting

Data Analysis

Forecast Accuracy

Cross-Functional Planning

Planning & Reporting

Process Improvement

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field

Tools

Power BI

ERP systems

Forecasting tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Demand Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining accurate demand forecasts to support sales, inventory, and customer service objectives. This individual contributor partners cross-functionally translate data, trends, and business inputs into actionable demand plans that drive business performance. The role operates in a professional office or remote environment with frequent virtual meetings and cross-functional collaboration.What You’ll Bring to Bob’sAt Bob’s Discount Furniture, we value the unique skills and experiences that each candidate brings. Success in this role is driven by a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, behavioral and leadership skills, and customer focus. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy leveraging your skills to make an impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you!Key Skills for SuccessTo excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate strengths in the following skill areas:Core Competencies & Expertise• Demand Forecasting: Develop and maintain top-down and bottom-up demand forecasts across weekly, monthly, and seasonal horizons.• Data Analysis & Insights: Analyze historical sales, trends, demand drivers, and category, SKU, and regional performance to identify risks and opportunities.• Reforecasting & Forecast Accuracy: Perform in-season reforecasting, monitor forecast accuracy, and conduct root-cause analysis on forecast variances.• Inventory & Financial Alignment: Support alignment of demand forecasts with sales, margin, inventory, open-to-buy, and financial targets; identify over/under-bought risks and recommend corrective actions.• Cross-Functional Planning: Partner with Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Inventory, and Finance to gather inputs and communicate forecast updates, risks, and opportunities.• Product & Assortment Planning: Incorporate product launches and lifecycle changes into forecasts; support assortment planning, product performance analysis, and test strategies.• Planning Systems & Reporting: Utilize demand planning systems, ERP platforms, Microsoft Excel, and BI tools to generate reporting and actionable insights.• Process Improvement: Maintain data integrity and support continuous improvement of demand planning and S&OP/demand review processes.Preferred Competencies & Skills• Experience in a retail, omnichannel, or consumer goods environment• Familiarity with S&OP / Integrated Business Planning processes• Experience with Power BI, ERP systems, or demand planning tools• Strong business acumen and understanding of cross-functional impacts on demand and inventoryWho We AreAt Bob’s, we have fun, we love what we do, and we’re growing fast! As one of the leading omni-channel furniture retailers in the country with over 200 stores, we’re committed to creating a workplace that values skills-based hiring, diverse perspectives, and an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.How We Will Support Your SuccessWe know you have many choices when it comes to your career. At Bob’s, we invest in your growth, well-being, and career advancement.Benefits & PerksCompetitive Medical, Dental, and Vision InsuranceGenerous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, sick leave, holidays, and your birthday!401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with a generous company matchPet Insurance and employer-paid Life Insurance optionsProfessional Development: Tuition reimbursement, on-demand learning, and career progression pathwaysEmployee Discount starting on Day 1, plus exclusive partner discountsAnd so much more!Our Culture & Core ValuesAt Bob’s, we believe in fostering a positive, inclusive, and skill-driven work environment. Our core values-Honesty, Integrity, Transparency, Community, Safety, Diversity, Accountability, and Fun—guide everything we do. We’re not just a workplace; we’re a team that supports and celebrates each other!Minimum Qualifications• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field• 3–5+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or inventory planning• Experience working with forecasting tools, data analysis, and reporting• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to analyze large data sets and generate actionable insights• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and prioritization skills• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines• Detail-oriented approach to planning and analysisPhysical DemandsThis is largely a sedentary role. The individual is required to sit for extended periods, use a computer, and communicate effectively. Occasional walking and standing may be required. This is a full-time position; occasional extended hours may be required to meet business needs, and limited travel may be expected.Diversity is a Core Value at Bob’sAt Bob’s Discount Furniture, we want you to feel at home. Whether you’re shopping with us or a part of the Bob’s team, we want you to know that you are valued, appreciated, and free to be who you are.We are committed to creating a place as diverse as the communities we serve.It is policy of Bob’s Discount Furniture, Inc., to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No person shall be discriminated against or harassed because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state or local law.If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.Expected Base Pay Not Including Potential Commissions, Incentive, Bonus, etc. Opportunities:$72,000 - $90,000It is policy of Bob’s Discount Furniture, Inc., to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No person shall be discriminated against or harassed because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state or local law.If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.