Head of Forecasting

Cushman & Wakefield•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Key Objectives: · Lead development and maintenance of best-in-class, end-to-end CRE forecasting infrastructure for the Americas, with emphasis on accuracy and scope above all else, as well as capability/functionality, scalability, flexibility and automation/efficiency. · Integrate emerging methods into existing framework, and push Cushman & Wakefield to the frontier of forecasting and predictive (time series) analytics. · Serve as key partner to Global Chief Economist and execution/production of House View in seamless manner, whereby the macro-to-micro architecture employs best-in-class techniques for consistency at all levels. Job Description Develop & Maintain Best-in-Class CRE Forecasting Infrastructure (50%) · Oversee new architecture that houses end-to-end solution for Americas CRE forecasting, using best-in-class practices around macro-to-micro techniques and reconciliation. · Ensure diagnostics and quality controls are consistent with best-in-class infrastructure practices. · Elevate modeling capability to include traditional econometric techniques for forecasting (e.g., ARIMA, VAR, [G]ARCH, VECM), with traditional panel data techniques, ML models (recurring neural networks, Prophet) and evolving AI models, emphasizing accuracy (out-of-sample, back-testing) and credibility (theoretical foundations). · Ensure platform capabilities meet basic competitive needs. · Partner with relevant internal or external stakeholders to integrate AI/ML-driven solutions. · Develop and oversee best-in-class maintenance procedures for models. · Manage forecast production. · Automate any and all data transfers, manipulation and other production-related processes where possible to maximize efficiency in conjunction with PRI (Property Research & Intelligence), TDS (Technology & Data Solutions) and other QIG teams. · Produce methodological white papers and infrastructure documentation consistent with best-in-class practices. · Partner with other QIG leadership to integrate forecasting outputs into critical internal and external analytical tools and products. Expand & Develop Derivative Forecast-Adjacent Analytical Products (30%) · Partner with Head of Data Science & Geospatial Analytics develop derivative outputs from forward-looking forecast outputs, using appropriate, scalable techniques. · Partner with Head of Commercial Analytics to integrate products into tools and products. · Identify opportunities to develop leading indicators, other differentiated analytical products/capabilities and advise on key resources needed for capacity building. Augment Cushman & Wakefield Analytical Brand Value (10%) · Expert on economic, financial market and other matters related to modeling CRE markets. · Partner with Think Tank and Americas Research (as appropriate) on thought leadership that promotes brand value, House View and differentiation. · Brand ambassador at select industry events and with the media. · Serve as a client-facing resource on matters related to the Americas outlook, both at a micro and macro level, but often with an emphasis on the micro thematics. · Point of contact for all subnational forecast-related matters. · Responsible for working with global counterparts to coordinate thought leadership content and to elevate the profile of QIG research at all levels. Management & Talent Development (10%) · Lead team of forecasters and consultants. · Continuous develop and augment skillsets as technology and AI capabilities evolve. · Oversee complex, multi-stakeholder workstreams, ensuring technical excellence and strategic alignment across projects.

Requirements

Ph.D or Master’s degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Statistics, Finance, Real Estate, or in a related field preferred.
7-10 years of experience in time-series analysis and forecasting, preferably in a real estate setting. Experience in a tech setting also preferred.
Experience with architecting and engineering econometric/forecasting modeling infrastructure.
Expertise in various econometric modeling techniques, time series analysis, panel data, and machine learning. Experience with AI (nontraditional ML) a plus.
Strong proficiency in one or more programming languages (Python preferred). Proficiency with cloud systems (e.g., Azure, AWS) a plus.
Ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization in pursuit of business development.
Excellent documentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills; comfortable operating as the technical translator between analytical domain experts and other stakeholders (data engineers, business leadership, clients).
Excellent documentation and communication skills for technical audiences. Ability to lead or participate meaningfully in technical discussions.
Exposure to geospatial data concepts, CRE and socioeconomic/demographic datasets.

Responsibilities

Develop & Maintain Best-in-Class CRE Forecasting Infrastructure
Expand & Develop Derivative Forecast-Adjacent Analytical Products
Augment Cushman & Wakefield Analytical Brand Value
Management & Talent Development

Benefits

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work.
In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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