Forecasting and Item Master Data Specialist

Reading Rock Inc•Cincinnati, OH

5d•$60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Forecasting and Item Master Data Specialist plays a critical role in supply chain management by combining demand forecasting expertise with the maintenance of accurate item master data. This position ensures reliable product demand predictions while managing core product/item data in ERP systems (Infor Cloudsuite Industrial-Syteline) to support inventory planning, procurement, production, and overall operational efficiency. The role involves analyzing historical data, market trends, and business intelligence to generate forecasts, alongside creating, updating, and governing item master records for data integrity and quality. This hybrid role is essential for balancing accurate demand signals with reliable foundational data, directly impacting inventory levels, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of relevant data
Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., Infor Cloudsuite Industrial-Syteline) with hands-on experience in material/item master data.
Strong skills in forecasting tools/software (e.g., APO, Excel advanced functions, Power BI) and statistical methods.
Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.
Strong communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of advanced analytics, machine learning for forecasting.
Experience in a fast-paced environment with high-volume data transactions.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and refine statistical forecast models using historical sales data, market trends, promotions, and external factors.
Collaborate with sales, marketing, finance, and operations teams to incorporate business intelligence and adjust forecasts for accuracy.
Analyze forecast variances, identify root causes, and recommend improvements to enhance forecast precision.
Generate short-term and long-term demand plans to support inventory optimization and supply chain decisions.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as forecast accuracy
Create, update, and maintain item/master data records in ERP systems, including product attributes, bills of materials (BOMs), descriptions, classifications, costs, and supplier details.
Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency across systems, adhering to governance standards and data quality rules.
Process requests for new item setups, changes, or mass updates, often in support of product launches or process improvements.
Perform data cleansing, validation, and auditing to identify and resolve discrepancies.
Provide training and guidance to stakeholders on master data processes and forecasting tools.
Participate in cross-functional projects, such as new product introductions or system enhancements.
Generate reports, dashboards, and insights on demand trends and data quality for management review.