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Retail Forecasting Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Financial Analyst, US Retail

Oakbrook Terrace, IL ยท On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Position Title: Sr. Financial Analyst, US Retail Position Type: Regular - Full-Time Grade: Grade 05 ... Support forecasting and planning activities related to trade spending and customer investments.

Showing results 41-60

Retail Forecasting information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$71.5K

$97.3K

How much do retail forecasting jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for retail forecasting in Chicago, IL is $71,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $80,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is retail forecasting?

Retail forecasting is the process of predicting future sales, demand, and inventory needs within the retail industry. It uses historical data, market trends, and analytical models to estimate how much of each product will be sold over a specific period. Accurate retail forecasting helps businesses optimize inventory, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction by ensuring the right products are available at the right time. This process often involves advanced software tools and collaboration between various departments, such as marketing, sales, and supply chain management.

How does a retail forecasting professional typically collaborate with sales and inventory teams to ensure accurate predictions?

Retail Forecasting professionals work closely with sales and inventory teams by regularly sharing data insights, market trends, and sales projections. They coordinate weekly or monthly meetings to review recent sales performance, discuss inventory levels, and adjust forecasts based on real-time feedback. This collaborative approach helps align supply with demand, minimizes stockouts or overstock situations, and ensures that forecasting models are continuously refined to reflect current business realities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in retail forecasting, and why are they important?

To excel in Retail Forecasting, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in data analysis, and a background in business, mathematics, or a related field. Familiarity with forecasting software, statistical tools like Excel, SQL, and platforms such as SAP or Oracle is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating across departments. These competencies ensure accurate demand predictions, optimized inventory management, and better decision-making for retail success.

What is the difference between Retail Forecasting vs Retail Data Analyst?

AspectRetail ForecastingRetail Data Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Business, Economics, or related field; experience in sales forecastingBachelor's in Data Science, Statistics, or related; proficiency in data analysis tools
Work EnvironmentCorporate retail teams, planning departmentsData teams, analytics departments within retail companies
Employer & Industry UsageRetail chains, e-commerce companiesRetail companies, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Retail Forecasting focuses on predicting future sales and demand to inform inventory and staffing decisions, often using statistical models. Retail Data Analysts interpret large datasets to uncover trends and insights, supporting strategic decisions. While both roles require analytical skills and industry knowledge, Forecasting emphasizes predictive modeling, whereas Data Analysts focus on data interpretation and reporting.

Is retail forecasting a good career?

Retail forecasting is a valuable career that involves analyzing sales data and market trends to predict future demand, helping companies optimize inventory and sales strategies. It requires skills in data analysis, statistical tools, and industry knowledge, and often offers opportunities for advancement in retail and supply chain management.

What are popular job titles related to Retail Forecasting jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Retail Forecasting jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Retail Forecasting jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Retail Forecasting jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Retail Forecasting jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Retail Forecasting job openings:

Director, Retail Sales- Large Store Central

fairlife

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$10K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

job purpose:ย ย 

Theย Director, Retail Sales - Large Store Central Retail Channelย is responsible forย driving sales growth, market share, and customer development across major grocery and large-format retail accounts within the Central U.S. region. This roleย leadsย the development and execution of strategic sales plans that support companyย objectives, customer growth, and overall business performance.ย 

ย As a keyย sales leader, the Director will build strategic relationships with National and Regional Grocery Retailers, Coca-Cola North America Customer Teams, Coca-Cola Bottling Partners, and Acosta Sales Teams to accelerate growth across theย fairlifeย portfolio. This individual will lead a high-performing sales team, foster a culture of accountability and results, and partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Finance, Insights, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to deliver profitable growth and best-in-class execution.ย 

responsibilities:ย ย 

  • Drive revenue growth, market share gains, and distribution expansion across key grocery and large-format retail customers within the Central Retail Channel.ย ย 
  • Lead customer development through Joint Business Planning (JBP), annual negotiations, promotional planning, and assortment optimizationย that align with company growthย objectives.ย ย 
  • Partner with Marketing, Finance, Insights, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to develop and execute customer growth strategies.ย ย 
  • Identifyย opportunities through market trends, syndicated data, shopper insights, and competitive analysis.ย ย 
  • Manage trade spending, customer investments, and marketing budgets to maximize ROI whileย maintainingย fiscal responsibility.ย ย 
  • Build, coach, and develop a high-performing sales team through effective leadership, talent development, and performance management.ย ย 
  • Develop andย maintainย strong executive-level relationships with key customers and business partners.ย 

skills/qualifications required:ย ย 

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, Finance, or related fieldย required; MBA preferred.ย ย 
  • Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Sales, Account Management, Customer Development, National Accounts, or Retail Sales within the CPG, food and beverage, or consumer products industry.ย ย 
  • Minimum of 2 years of successful sales leadership experience with responsibility for leading and developing high-performing teams.ย ย 
  • Strong knowledge of CPG sales strategy, customer development, category management, trade promotion management, and revenue growth management.ย ย 
  • Demonstrated success delivering sales growth, market share expansion, distribution gains, and customer profitabilityย objectives.ย ย 
  • Strong strategic planning, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.ย ย 
  • Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and communication skills.ย ย 
  • Strong financial and business acumen, including budget management, forecasting, trade spend optimization, and P&L accountability.ย ย 

how fairlifeย nourishes you:ย 

Atย fairlife, we believe in better - and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.ย 

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!ย 
  • Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)ย 
  • Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balanceย 
  • Paid parental leave & adoptionย assistanceย (up to $10,000)ย 
  • Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation supportย 
  • 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer matchย 
  • Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)ย 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life supportย 
  • Company-paid life insurance and short-term disabilityย 
  • Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)ย 
  • Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)ย 
  • Learning & development programs to unlock your full potentialย 
  • Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groupsย 

fairlife'sย nour!shย program is designed to meet you where you are - supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.ย 

position location: Chicago, or Cincinnatiย 

reports to:ย Heald of Large Store Salesย ย ย 

travel requirements:ย 50-75%ย 

exempt/nonexempt: ย exempt