The Forecast Analyst (Walmart focus) is responsible for continuously improving the forecasting process and most importantly its accuracy, by facilitating the dialog with key counterparts. this will influence the shaping of the plan that drives the procurement, production/manufacturing processes of finished goods and raw materials in multiple different stocking setups. Empowered to make decisions based on specific strategic accounts priorities to optimize supply and revenue opportunities and contribute to the long-term strategic business needs of an industry leading Demand Management Team. This function is highly analytical and requires a strategic ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Strategic Account Planner encompass all the functions of sales forecasting associated with specific strategic accounts across our Industrial, Retail, and international businesses. This position is responsible for continuously improving the forecasting process and most importantly its accuracy, by facilitating the dialog with key counterparts in Sales, Customer Sales Operations, Product Marketing, Finance, Demand Planning, and Supply Planning. These critical activities will influence the shaping of the plan that drives the procurement, production/manufacturing processes of finished goods and raw materials in multiple different stocking setups, including but not limited to make to stock, make to order, etc. This position directly impacts customer service, vendor compliance chargebacks and the company cash flow. Responsible for decisions based on specific strategic accounts priorities to optimize supply and revenue opportunities and contribute to the long-term strategic business needs of an industry leading Demand Management Team. This function is highly analytical in nature and requires a strategic ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people. The Strategic Account Planner is empowered to make decisions on behalf of those strategic accounts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Develop and maintain demand forecasts at multiple levels of aggregations of a channel for 12+ month periods to support the S&OP/IBP process, based on historical trends, demand drivers and/or business stakeholder’s knowledge
- Responsible for specific accounts identified by the company as strategic customers
- In conjunction with the Sales Management team, the Strategic Account Planner will support the account portfolio activities such as product life cycle management, buying strategies, promotion planning and customer-facing projects
- Lead the strategic account plan review to gain sales leadership alignment; this plan will serve as a critical input for the creation of the consensus plan. They will also assist the sales team in the preparation of materials for customer meetings
- Develop and maintain an account/unit forecast for the assigned strategic accounts at multiple levels of aggregation, leveraging assumptions from sales, global demand planning, product marketing, Finance and Supply Planning
- Integrate (and develop great intimacy with) POS-based analytics and inventory strategies in the planning process to deliver product availability, forecast accuracy, high service levels and channel health
- Lead and execute the collaborative planning process; prepare agenda and materials and lead the monthly strategic account planning reviews; perform consistency checks against targets; communicate the plans, identified gaps and recommendations to key stakeholders; and assist the account team in the development of financial targets
- Monitor the performance of the plan; monitor ongoing demand and inventory needs for strategic items; analyze POS data to identify opportunities and liabilities in customer inventory; root cause forecast deviations and drive corrective actions
- Provide relevant input for the consensus, S&OP/IBP and customer meetings
- Coordinate the planning and successful execution activities of promotions, new product launches & phase-out
- Work closely with Global Demand Planners to understand inventory risks and opportunities
- Act as a change agent to drive process improvements
- Support ad-hoc reporting/analysis requests & customer-facing projects
- Ensure business process documentation remains in line with the latest business practices
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or supply chain related field
- 3-5 years demonstrated results in forecast management activities in a manufacturing/procurement environment focused on demand/supply alignment, process improvements and analysis to achieve results
- Strong business acumen with POS data and its application in planning processes
- Demonstrated results in forecast accuracy improvements
- APICS or IBF Certification(s) preferred
- SAP MRP, ERP planning software experience preferred
- Experience in O9 Solutions preferred
- Excellent skills in Excel, PowerPoint, BI tools; MS Access a plus
- Experience dealing with customers / customer requirements
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
- Excellent communication skills, with advanced written and presentations skills to different levels of the organization
- Strong interpersonal & analytical skills with the ability to influence without authority, gain buy-in and drive consensus
- Strong organizational skills and proven experience in developing / managing processes in a fast-paced business
- Proven ability to articulate business requirements and formulate concise solutions to complex problems
- Willing to travel up to 20%
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Sitting for extended periods of time
- Typing
- Talking on the telephone
- No heavy lifting
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is a fast-paced work environment with consistent pressure to complete duties as outlined above which requires ability to manage multiple projects at a detailed level and provide support to many internal departments in a fast-changing environment. Many duties listed above are time-sensitive and have strict deadlines for completion.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Supplemental pay types:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Avon, OH 44011: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Education:
Experience:
- Forecasting: 4 years (Required)
- Demand Planning: 4 years (Required)
- Supply Planning: 4 years (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Avon, OH 44011
