Associate Manager - Demand Forecasting

The purpose of this role is to ensure the generation of 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 conituosly 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

The scope of this role covers a concret scope (Category/Channel/Horizon, to be determined depending on the size of the team) within a BU and will report to the Forecating Analyst Lead for that BU

This is a key role in IBP as Driver Based Forecast and the PFE are key components to enable the One Plan in the IBP/DP process

• 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.
• 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.
• Drive segmentation calculations and review and validate with the demand planners for its implementation.

• 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, idetofy 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
• 4+ years experience in Demand planning or forecasting
• 2+ years in the FMCG industry
• Collaborative and team player
• Strong in both strategic and analytical thinking
• Strong in organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good business accument with results orientation
• Fluent in English with Local Language
• 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