Demand Forecasting & Analytics Consultant (Hybrid: Lake Forest, IL)

Circana•Chicago, IL

47d•Hybrid

About The Position

Demand Forecasting & Analytics Consultant This role has a Hybrid work schedule, on-site in Lake Forest, IL approximately 1 day a week. Let's be unstoppable together! At Circana, we are fueled by our passion for continuous learning and growth, we seek and share feedback freely, and we celebrate victories both big and small in an environment that is flexible and accommodating to our work and personal lives.â¯ We're a global company dedicated to fostering inclusivity and belonging. We value and celebrate the unique experiences, cultures, and viewpoints that each individual brings. By embracing a wide range of backgrounds, skills, expertise, and beyond, we create a stronger, more innovative environment for our employees, clients, and communities. With us, you can always bring your full self to work.â¯ Join our inclusive, committed team to be a challenger, own outcomes, and stay curious together. Circana is proud to be Certified by Great Place To Work. This prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Circana. Learn more at www.circana.com. What will you be doing? You will work directly with the client as a trusted business partner to derive the "why of consumer behavior.â¯ You will translate Circana analytical expertise into actionable, measurable insights to drive Circana clients' business performance. You will leverage existing and new, innovative approaches to address potential new clients' business challenges and market opportunities (i.e. brand equity, trade marketing, pricing and promotions). You'll develop and maintain a deep understanding of clients' businesses cross-functionally and a strong knowledge of new and emerging analytic solutions (both within Circana and industry) that anticipate and strategically position Circana client for success. Demand Forecasting Expertise: A strong understanding of demand forecasting is central to success in this role. Accurate forecasting goes beyond statistical modeling - it informs strategic decisions around pricing, promotion, production, and inventory management for our clients. The ability to interpret forecast outcomes, explain their implications, and connect them to real business actions is critical. Consultants in this role are expected to bridge analytics and strategy by helping clients anticipate shifts in consumer demand, quantify the impact of external factors, and translate predictive insights into actionable recommendations that drive measurable growth.

Requirements

5+ progressive years of experience in advanced analytics with a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or marketing analytics company experience
Expertise in Demand Forecasting (and be able to participate in a case study proving knowledge on this topic)
Demonstrated expertise in translating POS data and analysis into relevant implications within the CPG industry
Ability to build a rapport across functions and levels within an organization
Ability to do data mining work working with large data sets to glean and integrate insights from a variety of data sources
Experience with price elasticity models, demand forecasting, product assortment/ linear regressions and other complex statistical tools required

Nice To Haves

Experience with Circana or other syndicated data solutions is preferred
Proven ability to consult with clients to influence thinking
Master's degree preferred, open to bachelor's with the right experience
Ability to engage in a consultative manner across multiple levels (c-suite to end user) with a strong executive presence, demonstrating strong presentation and influencing skills
Demonstrated ability to manage projects and balance competing client priorities

Responsibilities

Approach client with coherent, actionable and fact-based data/recommendations appropriate to their business needs
Continually provide analytical solutions and business insights to address any business gaps and/or opportunities and create value for the client
Identify business issues and opportunities and suggests the appropriate level analytic solution/approach
Become trusted by client, Circana cross functional organizations and considered a domain expert and business partner
Educate the client on analytic methods, shape their thinking and influence the decisions they make
Demonstrate a flexible approach to communication; adapt messages quickly to the appropriate level or function with poise and polish
Develop and maintain a deep understanding of customer needs and requirements
Help customers identify solutions to problems they did not know they had
Regularly and proactively communicate with the client-facing teams, including soliciting feedback to continually improving the relationship
Track and organize multiple work streams against multiple clients, and manage time and resources against changing priorities