Forecasting and Demand Planning Analyst

Forecasting and Demand Planning Analyst

The Company:

Celebrating more than 100 years of craftsmanship and innovation, Hooker Furnishings is a leading designer, marketer, and manufacturer of high-quality furniture for the residential, hospitality, and contract markets. Headquartered in Virginia, with operations and showrooms across the U.S. and internationally, Hooker Furniture is one of the nation's largest publicly traded furniture companies, known for its commitment to quality, integrity, and creating beautiful spaces where people live, work, and gather.

The Position:

The Forecasting & Demand Planning Analyst plays a critical role in driving data-informed decision-making across the supply chain. This position is responsible for developing, analyzing, and continuously improving demand forecasts for an assigned portfolio of products and customers, while supporting integrated planning through the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process. This role is a full-time position based out of our High Point, NC or Martinsville, VA office.

The role combines strong analytical capability with the ability to translate complex data into clear insights through charts, graphs, dashboards, and executive-ready presentations. The Analyst leverages advanced analytics and AI-enabled tools to improve forecast accuracy, identify trends, and proactively surface risks and opportunities. Close collaboration with Sales, Inventory Planning, Supply Chain, Customer Care, and international partners is essential to ensure alignment between demand, supply, and inventory strategies.

Products:

Primary lines are imported / sourced furniture groups, augmented by domestic manufacturing, as needed.

Manufacturing and Supplier Base Locations for products:

Vietnam, India, Philippines, Indonesia, North, South, & Central America

Number of Direct Reports

None

Travel

Up to 25%, as needed

Key Responsibilities

Forecasting, Demand Planning & S&OP

* Develop, maintain, and refine demand forecast models using historical sales data, market trends, promotional activity, and external drivers.

* Quantify underlying demand and translate sales input into actionable forecasts aligned with inventory and purchasing strategies.

* Gather, validate, and consolidate demand, supply, and inventory data to support monthly S&OP cycles.

* Prepare S&OP inputs including demand plans, risks and opportunities, capacity considerations, and scenario analyses.

* Monitor forecast accuracy, bias, and error metrics, recommending corrective actions to improve performance.

Analytics, AI & Data Visualization

* Leverage AI-enabled forecasting, analytics, and automation tools to enhance demand sensing, anomaly detection, and scenario planning.

* Create and maintain graphs, charts, dashboards, and analytical reports to communicate trends, exceptions, and performance metrics.

* Perform "what-if" and scenario modeling to assess the impact of demand changes, supply disruptions, or strategic initiatives.

* Translate analytical findings into clear, concise insights for cross-functional teams and executive leadership.

Reporting, Presentations & Decision Support

* Prepare reports and executive-ready presentations for management meetings, S&OP reviews, and board-level discussions.

* Analyze sales performance versus plan and clearly communicate key drivers, risks, and opportunities.

* Support sales budgeting and long-range planning activities through data-driven analysis and recommendations.

Inventory & Cross-Functional Collaboration

* Partner with Inventory Planning to align forecasts with stocking targets, capacity allocations, and distribution center requirements.

* Review best-seller reports, ABC stratification, and stocking targets; adjust forecasts as needed.

* Monitor abnormal demand and take corrective action to protect customer service and minimize distressed inventory.

* Maintain forecast data, item status, and planning parameters within ERP and forecasting systems.

* Collaborate closely with Sales and Marketing to improve baseline forecast accuracy and demand assumptions.

* Support risk assessments and ensure timely communication of forecast impacts across stakeholders.

* Perform additional supply chain analytics and planning duties as assigned.

Skills & Capabilities

* Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret large data sets and identify trends, patterns, and exceptions.

* Advanced Excel skills, including complex formulas, pivot tables, data visualization, and modeling.

* Experience creating charts, graphs, dashboards, and presentations for both technical and executive audiences.

* Working knowledge of demand planning, forecasting methodologies, and S&OP processes.

* Hands-on brand licensing experience, skilled at coordinating licensed partners is a plus.

* Ability to understand and apply AI-driven insights, predictive analytics, and automation within supply chain planning.

* Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

* Effective written and verbal…