Manager Forecasting (Growth Channels)

Job Description

Mattel is seeking a

• Assigned responsibility for heading up forecasting across multiple retailers , totaling over $600M per year.
• Lead the team’s analytical capabilities – partner with the Sales team to analyze sales trends to improve item level POS projections, inventory projections and order recommendations.
• Identify and execute process improvements to drive efficiencies across the business and team.
• Facilitate quarterly pledge adjustments across entire sales team
• Determine appropriate model for evaluating item level forecasts and analysis, considering information such as total end consumer consumption forecasts, brand/product history, history of similar comparable brands/products, inventory levels and marketing programs.
• Create sound POS projections based on criteria such as seasonality, planned promotions, distribution and price point.
• Improve forecast accuracy by measuring key metrics and different levels and sharing the data with cross-functional teams, identifying root cause and implementing next action steps. Routinely examine their own methodologies to find ways of improving predictive accuracy.
• Attend internal consensus meetings to present and share understanding of POS demand forecasts, provide key data findings to cross-functional S&OP teams to reach a consensus forecast on a month-to-month basis.
• Actively lead and participate alongside Mattel sales team in key collaborative forecasting meetings with Key Retailer’s Planners and Inventory Analysts. Present business findings and recommend action plan for the season.
• Create and run consumption models at the SKU/brand levels and communicate a business point of view on future demands and goal outlook with the ability to influence the decision-making of key internal/external partners.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of related professional experience with2-4 years in retailer facing role required (knowledge of Target structure and processes a plus), 2-4 years in inventory management or demand planning preferred (CPG experience a plus)
• Demonstrated ability to coach and drive results through others.
• Ability to lead and to influence cross-functional teams. Confidence in conclusions from analysis, ability to persuade others of accuracy.
• Develop resolution to complex problems that frequently require some creativity.
• Proven analytical capability and attention to detail in identifying demand trends, seasonality, promotional impact and other demand factors.
• Extensive experience in analyzing large data sets, blending data from a variety of sources, conducting own analysis and compiling into an effective actionable summarized report to facilitate decision making & strategic planning.
• Preferred knowledge of demand forecasting tools and cross functional forecasting processes (JDA, SAP, Anaplan, etc.)
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills – ability to communicate effectively across all organization levels and all functional areas, ability to understand, assess and present viewpoints of others.
• Sound business judgment – ability to interpret issues and recommend actions to best support Mattel and Target goals.
• Track record of working independently to product solutions and efficiencies
• Power user in MS Excel required
• Some travel required (approximately 15%)

Additional Information

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate:Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.

• We innovate:At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.

• We execute:We are a performance driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best in class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO and MEGA, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.