Demand Forecaster

Perfetti Van Melle•Erlanger, KY

About The Position

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Demand Forecaster to join our growing team.WHAT YOU WILL DOThe Demand Forecaster role is responsible for leading and improving demand forecasting and planning for the Perfetti Van Melle USA business. Key responsibilities include: Lead and improve demand / sales forecasting utilizing Arkieva demand forecasting huqsystem.  Engage the Sales team, Finance team, and Supply Planners on customer demand changes and update forecast plans accordingly.  Serve as the thought leader and developer of strategy, owning statistical modeling methodologies for individual customer and individual product forecasts, continually improving forecast accuracy over time.  Analyzes actual consumption vs. forecast, to enable supply team to maintain satisfactory service levels while meeting inventory targets. Lead and improve the demand consensus component of the Sales & Operations Planning processes to ensure alignment across functions to deliver robust operational, demand and innovation execution plans. Lead the statistical analysis related to the New Product Launch process to ensure launches are executed without impacting customer service and without creating excess inventory.  Drives cross functional alignment on launch forecast consensus. Influences cross-functional teams at all levels of the organization (including executive teams) to reach consensus regarding the 18 month forecast.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering or related field.
Minimum of 2 years experience with Arkieva demand forecasting tool, or similar statistical demand forecasting tools.
Experience in S&OP and NPL processes preferred.
Experience in BI or similar reporting/dashboard tool.
Experience in continuous improvement processes / methodologies.
Strong business and financial acumen.
Strong analytical skills.
Prior experience in the development and analysis of scorecards to leverage data and KPIs to drive business improvements.
Robust written and verbal communication skills.  Including ability to present complex data in simple, cohesive form to allow for effective decision making.
Capacity to build effective working relationships with internal colleagues and external partners.
Ability to influence across a variety of levels in the organization and across functions.
Project/program management skills; ability to actively participate in and lead cross functional project teams (internal), and to manage across supplier teams (external).

Responsibilities

Lead and improve demand / sales forecasting utilizing Arkieva demand forecasting huqsystem.
Engage the Sales team, Finance team, and Supply Planners on customer demand changes and update forecast plans accordingly.
Serve as the thought leader and developer of strategy, owning statistical modeling methodologies for individual customer and individual product forecasts, continually improving forecast accuracy over time.
Analyzes actual consumption vs. forecast, to enable supply team to maintain satisfactory service levels while meeting inventory targets.
Lead and improve the demand consensus component of the Sales & Operations Planning processes to ensure alignment across functions to deliver robust operational, demand and innovation execution plans.
Lead the statistical analysis related to the New Product Launch process to ensure launches are executed without impacting customer service and without creating excess inventory.
Drives cross functional alignment on launch forecast consensus.
Influences cross-functional teams at all levels of the organization (including executive teams) to reach consensus regarding the 18 month forecast.