Senior Forecasting & Demand Analyst
At Sourcebooks, we believe books change lives. We’re on a mission to connect more readers with the right book at the right time - and that mission is powered by data. Our Forecasting & Demand Analyst is a strategic role, directly shaping how we print, reprint, and manage stock across thousands of titles in a dynamic and fast-growing catalog.
This is not a reporting or operations support role. It’s a high-impact, builder position for an experienced analyst who can architect forecasting logic from scratch, scale systems across thousands of SKUs, and drive inventory decisions that balance customer demand, print economics, and working capital. If you’ve owned demand planning systems, built forecasting models that guided purchasing or production, and want to bring your skills to a mission-driven, innovative company - this is your opportunity to lead from day one.
This position can be fully remote in the following states ONLY: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. We also offer hybrid flexibility from our Naperville, IL or New York City offices if preferred. This job does not require travel except for possible all company meetings.
What You’ll Own
- Build and evolve forecasting models to predict demand across frontlist and backlist titles, integrating historical sales, POS trends, seasonality, pre-orders, and market signals.
- Design and automate demand planning tools in Excel, SQL, SAP, and Power BI to improve forecast accuracy, speed, and visibility.
- Prototype and refine forecasting logic (e.g., moving averages, regressions, time series, smoothing, and basic ML models) to guide print runs, reprints, and safety stock levels.
- Own forecast accuracy tracking, inventory health reporting, and stock risk detection.
- Identify and eliminate manual pain points in current forecasting workflows and replace with scalable solutions.
- Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Manufacturing to adjust models and plans based on campaign activity and shifts in market behavior.
- Partner with Operations and IT to improve integration of forecasting logic with our ERP (SAP Business One → S4 Hana).
- Explore use of AI/LLMs for forecasting automation and cross-system data integration.
- 5+ years of experience owning inventory or demand forecasting systems (not just reporting) in supply chain, retail, publishing, or a relevant vertical.
- Proven ability to build forecasting logic from scratch, with strong understanding of statistical modeling and time series forecasting (e.g., ARIMA, exponential smoothing, regression models).
- Proficiency in Excel (advanced formulas + automation), SQL, and at least one BI tool (e.g., Power BI).
- Experience forecasting at scale across hundreds or thousands of SKUs, ideally with long tail or seasonal demand patterns.
- Strong business judgment - you know when to trust the model, when to override it, and how to communicate risk to stakeholders.
- Exposure to Python or R for data analysis or light ML experimentation (preferred).
- Familiarity with SAP Business One or S/4 Hana, or forecasting/reporting in an ERP-integrated environment.
- Meticulous attention to data integrity, an ownership mindset, and an eagerness to build new solutions.
- Bonus: A love of books and curiosity about how publishing works.
At Sourcebooks, innovation and mission go hand in hand. As one of the most successful independent publishers in the U.S., we blend creativity and data to create life-changing connections between readers and books. With hundreds of millions of books sold and major recognition from Fast Company, Newsweek, Publishers Weekly, and BISG, we’re not just leading the industry - we’re redefining it.
Ready to Apply?
Our culture is driven by energetic thinkers who possess leadership qualities and the desire for personal growth. If you possess these qualities, come grow with us! Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. RESUMES WITHOUT A COVER LETTER WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care, Dependent Care, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, and generous paid time off.
Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
