At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.
At Designer Brands, numbers tell a story—and this role is where those stories turn into smart decisions. As a Senior Financial Analyst for DSW Demand, you’ll be at the center of how we understand customer behavior, forecast demand, and plan for what’s next. You’ll work closely with teams across the business, offering insights that directly shape digital demand strategies, order projections, and financial outcomes. This is a visible, high‑impact role perfect for someone who excels in analytical thinking and thrives on solving complex problems with clarity and collaboration. This position is HYBRID to our Columbus, OH office.
What You’ll Be DoingDemand & Sales Forecasting
- Build and refine detailed daily, weekly, and monthly demand forecasts using a bottoms‑up approach.
- Incorporate trends, key selling metrics, and promotional plans to keep projections accurate and actionable.
- Translate demand forecasts into thoughtful order projections that support inventory strategies and operational needs.
- Partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure plans remain aligned as business priorities evolve.
- Lead P&L management for assigned cost centers, including:
- Budgeting: Develop annual financial plans in partnership with key business groups.
- Tracking: Monitor results and surface meaningful drivers of performance.
- Variance Analysis: Highlight risks, opportunities, and recommended next steps.
- Support quarterly earnings processes by preparing and updating financial materials with accuracy and consistency.
- Deliver daily and weekly reporting that helps the business understand what’s working—and what needs attention.
- Analyze performance trends, identify emerging patterns, and provide clear, data‑backed recommendations.
- Build trusted relationships with partners across Merchandising Planning & Analytics, Marketing Analytics, and Store & Fulfillment Operations.
- Share insights in a way that is accessible, actionable, and supportive of collaborative decision‑making.
- Strong background in forecasting, financial modeling, and data analysis within a retail environment.
- Ability to translate complex data into clear, meaningful insights.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and comfort influencing teams across the organization.
- Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong analytical mindset and exceptional attention to detail.
- Proactive approach to identifying challenges and proposing solutions.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced setting.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and clarity.
- 3–5+ years of experience in Financial Planning & Analysis, preferably in retail.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including model building and complex formulas.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., MSI).
- Familiarity with financial systems such as Lawson, EPM, or similar platforms.
Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!
- Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
- Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
- Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
- We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com, plus discounts across our family of brands.
What We Do
Designer Brands is one of North America’s largest designers, producers and retailers of footwear and accessories that operates retail concepts. Our primary concept, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, offers brand name and designer dress, casual and athletic footwear and accessories. The first store opened in 1991 in Dublin, Ohio. Today, DSW operates more than 500 stores in 44 states. The Affiliated Business Group operates nearly 290 leased departments for other retailers, such as Stein Mart, in the U.S. Designer Brands also operates several retail concepts in Canada, including The Shoe Company and Shoe Warehouse, which provide a convenient footwear solution for the whole family, as well as DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse – nearly 150 locations in all. In 2018, the company acquired Camuto Group, the legendary product design and brand development organization best known for the successful Vince Camuto® brand and the footwear licenses of Jessica Simpson® and Lucky Brand®. The partnership transformed Designer Brands into one of the largest footwear companies in North America with global, industry-leading capabilities in product design, development, sourcing and production.
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