Forecast Data Analyst

Role Overview

• Validate retail consumption (POS) forecasts into demand (shipments), accounting for distribution, promotion, and inventory dynamics within the demand planning tool (e.g., Vividly & Atomic).
• Validate commercial inputs — including distribution changes, promotional lifts, and new item launches — into the forecasting workflow in close partnership with sales planning teams.
• Review and challenge future forecast reasonableness based on historical POS performance, shipment history, and MAPE/bias trends to ensure forecasts reflect latest market realities.
• Own forecast accuracy reporting — publish monthly MAPE and bias reports by SKU, retailer, and key customer x SKU combinations.
• Deconstruct MAPE performance each reporting period to diagnose root causes and drive continuous improvement in forecast process and data quality in partnership with sales planning lead at both the national and node level.
• Maintain the override log with written justification for all deviations from the statistical baseline (source, rationale, duration); partner with Sales Planning to validate overrides against consumption truth.
• Escalate chronic MAPE/bias issues to relevant stakeholders and adjust forward forecasts to reflect learnings.
• Key contributor to the Demand S&OP process — prepare reports, insights, and forecast summaries for cross-functional review.
• Serve as the Forecast Analyst gate in the Demand Review approval workflow, alongside planning leads and Executive S&OP sign-off.
• Document forecast drivers, changes, and exceptions in support of a transparent, auditable consensus demand plan.
• Contribute to monthly forecast accuracy reviews, providing insights and recommended improvements.
• Serve as the primary administrator and governance owner of the demand planning software (Vividly / Atomic) — the single source of truth for all forecasts.
• Maintain and validate data flows between Vividly, NetSuite, Atomic, Syndicated data partners, Alloy, and warehouse/3PL systems; ensure master data consistency across items, customers, distribution, and promo tags.
• Identify and resolve data quality issues that could degrade forecast integrity; document and communicate data limitations to stakeholders.
• Update and maintain all BAT documentation on a weekly cadence, including but not limited to the Allocation Tracker and Bridge Projection. Ensure documentation remains accurate and accessible to stakeholders.

Requirements

• 1-3 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain, or business analytics, within CPG, food & beverage, or retail.
• Hands-on experience with demand planning or BI platforms (e.g., Vividly, NetSuite, Crisp, Tableau, Power BI, or similar).
• Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel proficiency; comfortable working with large datasets and translating outputs into actionable insights.
• Familiarity with statistical forecasting methodologies (MAPE, bias, trend analysis, and seasonality).
• Experience with SPINS, IRI, or Nielsen syndicated data and retail channel analytics.
• Exposure to S&OP processes and Demand Review facilitation.
• Ability to challenge commercial assumptions with data while maintaining trust and strong cross-functional relationships.
• High attention to detail and commitment to forecast integrity — the drive to get the number right, not make it look good.

Tech Stack

• Node.js
• Tableau

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K 6% match
• Monthly reimbursements for wellness and home office
• Unlimited PTO and 15+ paid holiday days
• Hybrid & flexible remote schedule
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Company-wide Continual Education budget
• Unlimited snacks