Forecasting Analyst

In this role as a Forecasting Analyst, you will help drive a human-centric digital planning transformation at Mars by increasing the day-to-day use of AI forecasting. Mars is setting up the Centre of Excellence (CoE), the driving force of this transformation, and you will be responsible for creating and maintaining a statistically driven forecast for your portfolio across the full horizon. You will review the system-generated statistical forecast (E2Open) and resolve exceptions through collaboration with associates in markets, the Centre of Excellence (Planning/CoE), and external service providers (SAAS) as needed.

FIT for YOU?

• Enthused to boost your teams journey with your digital skills?
• Inspired to be part of the team that digitally reimagines the way we work at Mars?
• Want to practice your digital muscle and ability to engage others on the journey?

What will be your key responsibilities?

Key to this role is to ensure that the statistical forecast is communicated and explained to the markets / planning team to ensure the forecast is accepted and not overridden. This requires the ability to evaluate findings, provide insights and clearly communicate to stakeholders.

It is the Forecast Analyst goal to create a forecast that is trusted and used as a common starting point by the full business. This entails:

• Collecting all relevant and available datapoints
• Cleaning the data themselves or create a feedback loop with user to clean it
• Creating a statistical forecast choosing the best fitting model per product
• Manual enhancement of the forecast to reflect factors that can not be incorporated in the model
• Research demand drivers and align them with the Market Collaboration Lead
• Be involved in the discussion with the different stakeholders to explain the finding in leman terms and to drive continuous improvement of the models and the way how to explain/ apply it.
• Monitor and report on specific KPIs (e.g., forecast accuracy, forecast BIAS, MAPE, forecast value add) at multiple levels and lags and provide insights on contributing factors and recommendation on improvement opportunities in data accessibility, process, data quality, statistical modelling or forecast visualization/ explanation.
• Provide education to business users of the statistical forecast and collect feedback on how to make the output more relevant / valuable to them
• For new product developments analyze and discuss it with the Market Collaboration Lead to generate the initial forecast of those items, as well as consider the cannibalization impacts

What are we looking for?

• B.S. or BA in computer science, data science, machine learning, mathematics, statistics or related natural science or technical degree. Master or advanced degree (sciences or business) preferred
• 3+ years’ experience in forecasting or statistical modelling in industrial or consumer goods (CPG)
• Understanding of demand drivers, building blocks, outliers and demand shaping characteristics within CPG (preferrable but not essential)
• Ability to present complex analysis in understandable forms to business stakeholders
• Passion to help others to excel by building a digital muscle together
• Experience with statistical forecasting tools such as R, Python or SAAS
• Experience with demand sensing and machine learning algorithms
• Experience with ERP and Advanced Planning Systems (preferably E2Open or RapidResponse)
• Understanding of Lean / Six Sigma / root cause analysis, e.g., 5 why’s
• Attention to detail and a passion for data accuracy
• Fluent in English
• Strong analytical skills and passion to understand differences/ variation

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus