Business Economist

MSI on behalf of Owens Corning
Toledo - United States
S: Competitive

SUMMARY:

Our Client, Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems. A Fortune 500 Company for 57 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability through delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives. Founded in 1938, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass-fiber technology with sales of $5 billion in 2010 and approximately 15,000 employees in 28 countries on five continents.

Owens Corning invented glass fiber, and glass fiber insulation, over 50 years ago. The Owens Corning brand and its full line of PINK insulation products has long been synonymous with trusted performance and brand preference. Today, the company has become a leading home building products company.

Additionally, by developing a world-class science and technology team, Owens Corning has successfully expanded applications for glass fiber materials. Owens Corning is the world's leading producer of glass fiber materials used in composites.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Financial Planning and Strategy. The Business Economist provides senior business and finance leaders with quantitative and qualitative analysis of macroeconomic measures that affect Owens Corning's business forecasts. Focus could be North America or International.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Lead and support macroeconomic insight for Owens Corning in a way that results in data driven decisions and informed practical operating forecasts.

• With the support of the team, lead analysis of the macroeconomic information to be provided to senior leaders for board of director presentations, strategy and operations planning using tools such as Microsoft Excel, Moody's economy.com, etc.
• Lead and maintain, with Executive Committee, a dynamic discussion on emerging trends and the impact on our businesses.
• Coordinate external data providers in order to grow an external network that drives improved insight.

2. Drive rolling five quarter forecast through demand models and the long-range (five year) strategic plan with macroeconomic scenarios.

• Demonstrated through viable, practical scenarios and through interaction and recommendations made to the CFO, VP- FP&A and business CFO's.

3. Demonstrate analytical expertise in the area of macroeconomic measures.

• Be recognized as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and business leaders through excellence in analysis and scenario building.


4. Lead process improvement that continually increases the team's efficiency and quality of work.
• Consistently review services and subscriptions that the team could use to increase the efficiency and quality of analysis that the team provides.

• Demonstrates initiative in analyzing current processes and recommending improvements that drive efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's degree required in Finance, Business or related field.
• Master's degree or PhD in economics required.
• A minimum of 5 years experience in econometric, economic or macroeconomic forecasting.
• Significant experience in developing forecasts for a business / product based on external demand variables.
• Previous experience leading/participating in strategic planning around macroeconomic issues.
• Domain knowledge of global macroeconomic issues and rigorous analytical framework.
• Strong financial modeling skills including statistical analysis.
• Ability to build relationships and drive alignment through intellect, interpersonal and negotiation skills and functional competence.

CRITICAL ISSUE ASSESSMENT

1. What is the most complex econometric model you have built? What were the main challenges and what statistical techniques did you use to overcome them?

2. Please provide an example of a complex analysis/information you developed and how you simplified it for communication to a C-Suite audience.

3. Imagine you are asked to forecast the Euro/USD exchange rate at the end of 2015. How would you approach this problem? What factors would you consider?

If you are interested in moving forward in the process for evaluation related to this outstanding opportunity, please amend this document by completing the 3 critical issue assessments listed above. Return amended document, a copy of your updated resume and 3 professional references with contact information.

Please note that this completed document will be submitted to Owens Corning with a copy of your resume. Please be as detailed and descriptive in your responses as possible.

Job summary