Sr Forecast Analyst

The Home Depot

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

With a career at The Home Depot, you can be yourself and also be part of something bigger. Position Overview: The Senior Forecast Analyst has responsibility for the analysis and maintenance of the system sales forecast which is a key input into organizational planning processes. The analyst should have advanced knowledge of retail forecasting and experience with SAP forecasting systems or other "best in class" platforms. The analysts will be responsible for achieving forecast completeness and data integrity targets and alignment of the corporate S&OP process. The analyst will liaise with cross functional partners to determine sales forecasts for new articles and events. The analyst will also maintain F&R system parameters that drive the automated forecasting and replenishment system. The analyst will be responsible for directing workflow for and assisting development of the replenishment analysts in their category and thus will hold shared responsibility for their team’s instock, inventory turns targets and lead their 360 team on projects & initiatives that drive sales

Requirements

Advanced Excel skills
Exposure to demand planning softwares
Strong Analytical, influential, interpersonal skills
Organization skills
Problem solving and critical thinking skills
Data analysis
Project and change management
Managing complexity in a large network, understanding the impact of the up and downstream actors
Execution and results focused, strategic and dynamic thinker
Excellent communication skills; collaborative with effective interpersonal skills; able to work across department
Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and pay close attention to detail
Strong customer focus with business acumen, problem solving skills and results orientated
Self -directed, ability to work with limited supervision.
University or College Degree in business or science/engineering or background in supply chain management will be considered as a preferred qualification.
Experience with SAP or other best in class forecasting systems (Retail or Manufacturing) is an asset.
3-5 years of analytical experience (ideally in a retail environment) with emphasis on forecasting and inventory management
Excellent communication skills; collaborative with effective interpersonal skills; able to work across departments.
Strong customer focus with business acumen, problem solving skills and result orientated.
Self -directed, ability to work with limited supervision.
Flexible in attitude and approach to business solutions
Demonstrated expertise in business analysis

Nice To Haves

Experience with financial analysis and quantitative skills, including ability to produce and review sales analysis (turns, sales, gross margin, etc.) and other analytical techniques to assist in making key forecast and replenishment decisions.
Experience with maintaining retail forecasting models and achieving forecast completeness metrics.
Replenishment experience is considered an asset.
Advanced proficiency with MS Excel
Strong analytical skills with the ability to extrapolate pertinent information from various sources (reports and spreadsheets) and analyze data for recommendations.
Ability to present data and information in both PowerPoint and Tableau is an asset
Bilingual in French and English is an asset

Responsibilities

Maintain ultimate responsibility for the Forecasting & Replenishment system for all products within assigned categories.
Load sku-store level sales forecasts into SAP following for new products based on established reset processes
Manage forecasts for existing tools and communicate changes to cross-functional partners
Provide key reporting to Inventory Management, Merchandising, Logistics and Senior Management, finance, regional leaders
Review & analyze historical data and trends to forecast the demand of import and domestic goods held at the Store/Distribution Centres/online
Utilize full suite of system forecasting tools in achieving high forecast accuracy
Plan and execute exit strategy of discontinued articles
Lead and influence demand planning strategies in order to maximize vendor fill rates, minimize loss of sales, and minimize inventory redistribution due to forecast error and decrease forecast variances which negatively impact downstream supply chain planning.
Analyse and maintain additional replenishment parameters such as location minimums, time dependant presentation stock, target range of coverage, optimization horizon, etc.
Monitor recent sales performance and adjust forward forecasts at appropriate time horizons.
Track Key supply chain and financial Performance Indicators on a weekly, monthly quarterly and annual basis, including store/DC.
Sign-off with merchants and finance on determining appropriate and achievable financial plans (sales & inventory) based on their knowledge aof business in store/DC/online
Manage the Store and DC forecast parameters, replenishment parameters, and forecast exceptions.
Conduct inventory review and analysis to support product line reviews and present impact of assortment change from an inventory standpoint
Liaise with merchants and finance on channel and sourcing changes
Identifying potential demand fluctuations and supply chain risks and develop mediation plans
Act as primary forecasting contact for merchants in the categories that the analyst oversees and provide supply chain expertise to the entire 360 team
Communicate product status and updates to stores and DC in a timely manner.
Lead as necessary during emergencies and natural disasters with their replenishment analysts and accountable for the team’s response times
Liaise with Merchants to ensure execution of category S&OP processes (forecast validation).
Work closely with Merchants and Senior Management to achieve company objectives.
Provide vendors/suppliers visibility to future order forecasts and planned purchases
Identify process improvement opportunities and recommend solutions.
Provide SAP Super user expertise. Identify high, medium, and low sellers and update forecasting & replenishment parameters accordingly.
Collaborates with merchants and vendor on promo forecast alignment
Ability to present and defend forecasts and influence stakeholders in the development of the collaborative forecast
Coach, mentor, develop and direct workflow of replenishment analysts in their categories
Ability to carry out full suite of replenishment analyst responsibilities in case of absences or to support in critical initiatives
Review and share information with the replenishment team to support the accurate and timely replenishment of inventory for new and existing items in the assortment
Able to act as back up for manager in case of absences or if manager is unavailable