Forecasting Analyst

Job Description:Forecasting Analyst – Centre of ExcellenceLocation: Veghel, NetherlandsDepartment: Digital Planning TransformationFIT 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?Mars is setting up the Centre of Excellence, the driving force of a human centric digital planning transformation. Want to be part of this uplifting transformation by driving the usage of AI forecasting in the day to day business? Read more below….The Forecasting Analyst will be responsible for creating and maintaining the statistical driven forecast for their portfolio, for the full horizon. They will achieve this by reviewing the result of the system (E2Open) generated statistical forecast and solving exceptions through collaboration with associates in markets, CoE and external service providers (SAAS) as needed.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 datapointsCleaning the data themselves or create a feedback loop with user to clean itCreating a statistical forecast choosing the best fitting model per productManual 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 LeadBe 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 themFor 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 impactsWhat 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) preferred3+ 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 stakeholdersPassion to help others to excel by building a digital muscle togetherExperience with statistical forecasting tools such as R, Python or SAASExperience with demand sensing and machine learning algorithmsExperience with ERP and Advanced Planning Systems (preferably E2Open or RapidResponse)Understanding of Lean / Six Sigma / root cause analysis, e.g., 5 why’sAttention to detail and a passion for data accuracyFluent in EnglishStrong analytical skills and passion to understand differences/ variationWhat 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 bonusReady to join us and be part of this exciting digital transformation?Apply now and help Mars lead the way in AI-driven forecasting!