Forecast Analyst

Delivers data insights to the Demand Planning and Sales and Operations Planning functions, improving the quality,  speed, and efficiency of the various plan, metrics, and analysis that comes out of those processes.   

Essential Position Responsibilities- This is a Salary Exempt position.

Develops and maintains a monthly sku level forecast. Develops statistical models utilizing historical, customer, and  market data to provide the best fit plan for the business unit. Maintains and improves statistical modeling processes  and tools to generate an accurate plan to be consumed by the organization. Works within the demand planning team  and other business functions to ensure the planning process is consistent across the organization.  

Provides comprehensive analytics to internal customers. Provides analytic support and proactive demand signal  information to the Demand Planning team and other internal data customers as directed. Maintains current and  develops new data sets and dashboards for the analysis and reporting of metrics, to support a deeper understanding  of the current and future state of the business.  

Works closely with the Demand Planner and peer analysts. Collaboratively works with peers and leadership on a  daily and weekly basis to ensure the integration of the demand and supply plans and alignment with company goals  and directives. Ensures assigned portion of the overall integrated plan is within tolerance of established metrics.  

Participates in the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process. Generates statistical based “best fit” plan as  an input to the demand plan portion of the process. Builds and presents portions of the S&OP plan to the Demand  Planning team for integration into the company-wide S&OP plan. Validates that current and proposed plans are  aligned with the strategic direction of the organization.  

Drives continuous improvement in planning and process design. Maintains documentation for current forecast  generation and supporting processes. Develops and proposes process improvements and other updates to continually  evolve the process within the organization.  

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and  implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team  members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all  major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any  areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a  supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy  possible within the larger organization.  

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems  (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain  familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact  of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.  

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this  position.  

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print.  Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present  information to small or large groups. Move about in a manufacturing environment as needed. Move about in an office  environment and surrounding property daily.   

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.  

Travel: Potential for domestic and international travel to and from multiple facilities or work-sites, possibly requiring  overnight stays.  

Technical Experience: 1-5 years in forecast generation and analysis or modeling. Must have a strong background in  mathematics and ability to utilize algorithms needed to develop a valid forecast for a rolling 24 month period at sku  level. Capable of using statistical models to run analysis between multiple plans and inputs to determine best fit. Able  to present hypothesis based analytics to a diverse audience including peers, management, and executives. Must be  able to utilize data analysis tools such as: Tableau, Alteryx, JDE, CRM, Access, as well as the Microsoft Office set of  tools that will have a direct overlap with the skills needed for this position.   

Industry Experience: Preference for pet food or food processing organization.  

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis in statistics or related mathematics field, or 4 years related  work experience.  

Preferred Education: Related Master’s Degree. Formal training and certification in Tableau or Alteryx.  

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.