Forecasting & Analytics Manager

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA•Marietta, GA

About The Position

This role partners with Product Line Management, Sales Planning, and Business Intelligence leadership to drive production, wholesale, retail, inventory, for ATV/SxS and Motorcycle product lines across monthly, annual, and mid-term planning horizons. The position also leads the Motorsports reporting and analytics portfolio, overseeing reporting processes, systems, and strategic initiatives. This leader is responsible for delivering scalable business intelligence solutions, advancing forecasting capabilities, and driving data-informed decision-making across the organization. This role combines strong technical expertise in Power BI, advanced analytics, and data storytelling with deep business acumen. As a forward-thinking leader, they will champion automation, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency while serving as a strategic consultant on cross-functional initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Statistics, Data Science, or related field
4+ years of experience in forecasting and advanced analytics, with a strong foundation in statistical methods and a proven ability to develop, optimize, and operationalize forecast models that drive business planning and inventory decisions.
3+ years of experience leading teams and cross-functional initiatives
Advanced knowledge of statistical methods (regression, time series forecasting, variance analysis)
Experience with machine learning tools and predictive modeling techniques
Advanced expertise in DAX and building scalable, enterprise-level data models.
Strong knowledge of SQL, ETL/data transformation, and data architecture concepts
Expert proficiency in Power BI, including data modeling, report development, and performance optimization.
Strong working knowledge of the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, with hands-on experience supporting demand planning cycles, supply alignment, and executive consensus reviews.
Demonstrated experience in forecasting, inventory planning, and sales/wholesale/retail analytics.
Proven ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable business insights for leadership.
Experience driving process improvement, automation, and operational efficiency initiatives.
Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple initiatives and deliver results.
Proficiency with project management tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, other)

Nice To Haves

Advanced certification in a related field (Forecasting, Analytics, Data Science, etc.)
Hands-on experience with SAP IBP, including configuration or use of demand planning, supply planning, and/or scenario modeling capabilities.
PMP (Project Management Professional) certification
Background in Motorsports, automotive, or similar product-driven industries
Experience developing and managing custom planning tools or internal business applications.
Experience acting as an internal consultant on cross-functional or strategic business initiatives.

Responsibilities

Manage a forecasting team partnering with Product Line Managers and Sales Planners to develop and maintain PSIs (production, wholesale, retail, inventory) that drive profitability.
Apply statistical, advanced analytics, and machine learning techniques to improve forecast accuracy, identify key variance drivers, and recommend data-driven actions.
Own the Motorsports reporting portfolio, governing reporting processes, data models, and analytics solutions.
Lead the design and optimization of Power BI dashboards and sales reporting tools, applying advanced DAX and data modeling to deliver scalable, high-performance solutions.
Translate complex data into clear, executive-level insights through effective storytelling.
Partner with Product Line Managers, Sales Operations, and Executive Management to develop mid- to long-term forecasting models supporting strategic planning for MCY, ATV/SxS, and P&A.
Lead updates to the model throughout budget and Mid-Term Planning cycles and for new product launches.
Partner with Sales Planners and the team to monitor and analyze retail and wholesale trends, including monthly ATV and SxS reporting.
Ensure alignment through consistent model naming in sales databases, and collaborate with Sales Planners to identify key states, dealers, and models that may require countermeasures to help align with forecasts.
Partner with Sales Operations, Product Line Managers, and Sales Planners to align monthly wholesale allocation with PSI.
Collaborate with the forecasting & sales Ops team to optimize production mix and warehouse distribution, and ensure coordination with Sales Ops on KIT quantities to support production needs.
Drive continuous improvement by automating processes, increasing efficiency, and reducing manual effort.
Identify bottlenecks, implement technology-driven solutions, and promote adoption of tools and best practices.
Serve as a cross-functional consultant on high-impact initiatives and special projects.
Lead efforts to eliminate operational waste and improve end-to-end processes, applying best-practice project management for disciplined execution.
Oversee the development and management of custom planning tools and the accessory fitment database, ensuring accuracy, usability, and cross-functional alignment.
Maintain data integrity, consistency, and governance across planning and reporting systems.
Manage a team of 3 direct reports.
Other duties as assigned.