Senior Sales Forecasting and Operations Planning Manager

About the position

The Senior Sales Forecasting and Operations Planning Manager will lead and manage the sales forecasting process at a strategic level. This role involves developing scalable forecasting processes and tools while collaborating with cross-functional teams to simplify business complexities and improve forecast accuracy and alignment. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, extensive experience in forecast modeling, and the ability to communicate effectively with senior management and executive leadership. This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance and resources to sales managers for developing effective forecast models based on industry trends, demand patterns, and historical data.
• Drive cross-functional alignment with demand planning, marketing analytics, customer strategy, sales, and customer supply chain/CPFR, to identify shifts in demand and develop consistent forecast guidelines for the sales teams to follow.
• Prepare and present weekly and monthly sales forecast reports for senior management and executive leadership.
• Partner with Net Revenue Management, Business Tech, and Reporting & Automation teams to manage forecasting tools and develop optimal solutions for building and measuring forecasts.
• Develop long-term forecasting strategies to support business growth and market expansion.
• Analyze macroeconomic factors and their impact on sales forecasts to provide actionable insights.
• Lead the Integrated Business Planning process, including the facilitation of monthly Sales Forecast Review Meetings.
• Participate in reconciliation processes and prepare content for escalation to the S&OP meeting.
• Ensure alignment on forecasts with Sales, Demand Planning, and Finance.
• Coordinate with supply chain and production teams to ensure alignment between sales forecasts and inventory levels.
• Implement best practices in integrated business planning to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversee forecast accuracy and bias KPIs, identifying root cause issues and developing improvement plans.
• Provide detailed insights and assumptions related to account/channel/category performance.
• Conduct regular performance reviews with sales teams to ensure adherence to forecast guidelines.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance forecasting skills and knowledge across the organization.
• Support management with risk and opportunity assessments and mitigation activities.
• Propose and implement solutions to improve sales accuracy and better manage risks and opportunities.
• Identify emerging market trends and potential risks to proactively adjust forecasts.
• Collaborate with finance and risk management teams to develop contingency plans for various scenarios.
• Lead cross-functional projects and initiatives to enhance forecasting processes and tools.
• Establish a clear vision and goals for Sales forecasting, aligning with overall business objectives.
• Promote a collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in Forecasting, Sales Operations, Supply Chain, or an analytical discipline with an emphasis on supply and demand alignment.

Nice-to-haves

• Proven experience as a Senior Sales or Demand Forecasting Manager or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of advanced statistical analysis and forecasting methodologies.
• Proficiency in MS Office and business software (e.g., CRM, ERP/APO systems).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex business problems.
• Ability to influence and drive strategic decisions at the executive level.

Benefits

• Generous 401(k) plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Time off programs including 6 months paid parental leave.
• Healthcare programs where the company pays for the majority of your medical coverage for you and your family.
• Opportunity to receive a discretionary bonus based on the achievement of key business performance and other incentive/recognition programs.