Senior Manager-Forecast Analyst Bu Lead-Supply Chain

Job Description

Overview

The purpose of this role is to lead and coordinate the forecasting analyst team for a specific BU to generate a sound driver-based forecast as starting point for the Demand Planning process within IBP by ensuring the right data is available for the IBP forecasting engine (PFE), executing the models that generate the forecast. The forecasting analyst roles will collaborate day to day with the Demand Planners to ensure the forecast is as per business needs and with the Data Scientists to continuously improve the forecasting engine and the data to improve the forecast accuracy. The forecasting analyst will work both on Mid-Term (monthly / 24 months) and Short-Term (weekly / 16-20 weeks) depending on the scope assigned within a BU

Responsibilities

Critical role in ownership, execution and improvement of the Driver Based Forecast

- Lead and coordinate the the team of forecasting analysts working for a specific BU while being directly responsible for part of the scope
- Be the main point of contact for BU Demand Planning Leads and Data Scientist working for that specific BU
- For Short-Term, Mid-Term and Demand Sensing Forecasting Models and all the required demand streams in the BU:
- Ensure all demand drivers are being captured in the driver-based forecast
- Reconcile data inputs to confirm that all volume driver data is complete and there are no gaps
- Ensure all the Master Data needed to activate, deactivate, substitute DFUs in the Demand Planning systems and all associated lifecycles management activities at the different levels of the hierarchy are consistently executed. Manage the overall/ massive master data management.
- Ensure history corrections, outliers corrections and realignments needed to run the models are executed properly and manage events that apply to all BU and history realignments
- Ensure models run correctly and the output is complete and consistent
- Perform small adjustments in the forecasting engine parameters / data inputs to capture demand trends or patterns that are not well reflected based on own findings or feedback from the Demand Planners
- Measure and Report Forecasting KPIs
- Drive overall Forecast Continuous Improvements and Root Cause Analysis with the Demand Planners and perform the analysis on the modelling. Identify improvement areas and recommended actions Collaborate with Demand Planners and Data Scientists to define an implement an improvement backlog on the models
- Support Data Science in the Experimentation, test and evaluation of the improvements and its validation with the Demand Planners before its implementation
- Drive segmentation calculations and review and validate with the demand planners for its implementation
- Leverage and share best practice which will impact on the wider PepsiCo ecosystem ensuring the best for PepsiCo and therefore enabling its Better, Stronger and Faster ambitions

Qualifications

- Holder of both a Bachelor's and Master degree (preferably with studies in Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance). Having an MBA is a plus.
- Experience in generating accurate demand statistical forecast and in advanced forecasting models including Machine Learning algorithms at fast moving consumer goods including a collaborative planning, demand sensing, promotions planning, new product introduction planning, demand shaping and demand scenarios management
- Proficiency in Data Analysis and Insights. Ability to navigate across large amounts of data, understand the gaps, identify exception and extract insights to form conclusions and inform decisions, with strong analytical skills.
- High level of understanding on commercial activities and how they driver demand in FMCG and strong understanding of the demand planning and forecasting processes
- Ability to process and resolve complex issues, establish priorities and action plans
- 8-10 over all years experience with 6+ years in Demand planning or forecasting
- Experience at a middle level in the FMCG industry is a plus
- Experience in managing and organizing teams
- Collaborative and team player
- Strong in both strategic and analytical thinking
- Strong in organizational skills and attention to detail
- Good business acumen with results orientation
- Ability to generate consensus via strong network & collaborations skills
- Fluent in English with Local Language (for Mus assigned - is a plus)
- Strong understanding of the IBP processes, demand planning and forecasting.
- Comfortable with process discipline and process adherence, but also able to identify and take opportunities to further develop and strengthen the process without compromising the end state

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