Forecasting Analyst

Mattel
El Segundo - United States
S: Competitive

At Mattel, our vision is 'Creating the Future of Play'. We strive to achieve this vision primarily through our creative and energetic employees who DARE to be innovative, and THRIVE in a friendly and fast-paced environment. Mattel is committed to developing employees and supporting their career goals, helping them GROW with a host of meaningful experiences and learning opportunities. And by promoting a culture of BALANCE that emphasizes working passionately and taking time to play often, we are proud of how our employees LEAD by example in all that they do!

The Forecasting Analyst role will lead development of the preseason plan through accurate item level forecasts with monthly flows in collaboration with account based on consumer demand and within constraints of Mattel and the customer in order to maximize volume and profit and minimize risk to inventory across 3-18 month horizon. This individual will establish relationships with internal and external customers and have the ability to present the analytical findings with accuracy and confidence. This role will support the Sales and Operations Planning team.

Key Responsibilities:

Evaluate complex individual products and product categories to establish annual quota and flow pattern for each item at the market or account level.
Determine appropriate statistical model for items and their analysis, considering information such as total end consumer forecasts, brand/product history and history of similar brands/products, and marketing programs.
Create product flow pattern based on criteria such as account listings, planned promotions, distribution, and price point.
Evaluate patterns on an on-going basis and revise as necessary.
Participate in collaborative improvement sessions for the department
Coordinate and consolidate marketing and sales forecasts against statistical forecasts, brand financial plans, and corporate inventory objectives. Evaluate total year requirements as well as monthly and quarterly patterns to maximize flow of goods to retail and other customers.
Lead consensus meetings. Analyze brand product requirements and supply including forecasts, shipments, demands, availabilities, financial plans, and corporate inventory objectives. Identify concerns and recommend corrective actions.
Prepare reports, briefings, and analysis for senior management and others to effectively communicate and track business financial results and goals.
Manage market or account level inventory

Experience

Key Characteristics:
Solid interpersonal and communication skills – able to communicate effectively across all organizational levels and all functional areas, understanding and presenting the viewpoints of others.
Sound business judgment – able to interpret issues and recommend actions to best support group, division, and corporate goals
Strong analytical skills – able to coordinate diverse information, identify relevant data, recommend and implement corrective actions
Able to identify and address process improvements, and share expertise with others

A successful candidate must:
have a BA/BS
be proficient MS Office, Excel/Access Power User
have at least 1-2 years of experience in supply chain operations and leading process improvement initiatives

A successful candidate will likely:
have a BA/BS in Business, Math, Economics, or related field
experience in consumer products industry
experience with statistical forecasting techniques and systems applications
have the ability to travel if needed

Job summary