Trend Forecasting Manager

Come work at a place where we take pride in creating a workplace environment that values hard work, commitment, and growth.

Academy’s Manager Trend Forecasting will serve as a key player in shaping the future of Academy’s product assortment. This role is instrumental in driving newness and value within our assortment by identifying trends and working cross functionally with business partners to translate insight into actionable strategies.

Job Description:

Education: 

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing, Textile Design, or a related field
• Master’s degree in Fashion Business, Marketing, or a related field is preferred

Work Experiences: 

• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in trend analysis, fashion merchandising, forecasting, or a related field in the fashion industry
• Proven track record of leading trend forecasting initiatives and influencing product direction
• Experience in both apparel and footwear are highly desirable
• Passion for fashion and retail trends
• Managerial experience preferred

Skills:

• Expertise in identifying and analyzing fashion trends, colors and materials
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to balance short term execution with long-term strategic thinking. 
• Ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative insights into compelling trend narratives
• Strong knowledge of consumer behaviors and market dynamics
• Ability to translate trend insights into actionable design concepts and product directions
• Ability to help oneself accountable and take responsibly for action of self and team. Owns the situation as well as the solution. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for presenting trends to internal teams and stakeholders
• Anticipates and plans for multiple outcomes – thinks globally and begins with the end in mind. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with cross functional teams
• Provides a clear vision and purpose that can be achieved 
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data sets
• Builds teams and develops trust and cooperation 
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a team of trend and color analysts
• Ability to understand changing market conditions and impact to business
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Maintain the customer’s perspective as a driving force behind business decisions and activities
• Responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and might tight deadlines
• Ability to effectively prioritize workload in a fast paced, frequently changing environment while remaining detailed and organized 
• Able to utilize organizational and project management skills to direct work activities within critical path timelines
• Proficiency in trend forecasting software, design tools, and familiarity with social media and digital marketing trends
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Excel/Word/Powerpoint, Adobe Illustrator, and PLM Systems

Responsibilities: 

• Lead the ongoing research and analysis of emerging fashion trends, colors, materials, consumer insights, and market dynamics
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of trend analysts, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment
• Act as the thought leader and subject matter expert on trend forecasting, delivering critical presentation to internal teams and senior leadership on key insights. 
• Develop and communicate trend forecasts for apparel and footwear, providing strategic direction to product development, merchandising, and marketing teams
• Drive the integration of trend forecasting into the overall business strategy, ensuring alignment with Academy’s goals. 
• Develop and provide actionable insights to cross functional teams to guide development of new products and strategies
• Lead, influence and partner with cross-functional teams, including Merchant and product development, ensuring trend insights are actioned effectively across multiple product categories, and to translate insights into financially viable product strategies. 
• Monitor competitor activities, industry innovations, and global fashion trends to inform the company’s trend strategy
• Create detailed trend reports, presentations, and visual mood boards to convey trend insights to internal teams and stakeholders
• Identify new opportunities for innovation and differentiation within the fashion apparel and footwear industry
• Monitor industry events, fashion shows, and trade publications to stay updated on the latest trends
• Oversee the analysis of sales data and customer feedback, incorporating these insights into trend forecasting and product direction
• Participate in product development meetings to provide trend insights and recommendations
• Build and maintain relationships with trend forecasting agencies, influencers, and industry experts
• Stay informed about competitor activities and market shifts
• Required to learn company policies, procedures and safety rules
• Adhere to company work hours, policies, procedures and rules governing professional staff behavior.
• Develop a thorough understanding of and follow Academy policies, procedures and safety rules 
• Responsibilities may change; team member may be required to perform other tasks as assigned. 

Physical Requirements & Attendance

• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties
• Adhere to company work hours, policies, procedures and rules governing professional staff behavior
• Regular attendance required
• Up to 15% of domestic and international travel, overnight stays as needed
• Ability to work flexible hours such as evening, weekends, and holidays as necessary
• Schedule, prepare for, attend and\or lead team meetings as needed
   

Full timeEqual Employment Opportunity

Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.​