Allocation Analyst

Position Summary:

This position will manage system demand forecasts and plan for all assigned products with up to 10,000 SKUs across all stores at item/warehouse/store/day combination using statistical-based forecasting tools. The demand forecast and plan will be integrated into different legacy systems to drive store and warehouse replenishment as well as support for vendor collaboration, display optimization, promotion optimization and promotional/events planning. Responsible for maintaining and managing forecast master data, seasonality, association of products to events and life cycle of the product line assigned.

This position will work closely with In Stock Analysts and Demand Systems Specialists to review sales trends and implement parameters to support seasonal / transitional strategies as well as advanced statistical forecast accuracy analysis to reduce system forecast error and avoid manual forecast adjustments. This position will understand the future variability that impacts product movement - from increasing efficiencies, impacting the greater network, troubleshooting root causes and supporting procurement streams (diverting, forward buy, efficiency programs).?

There are two levels of Forecast Analysts: The Senior Analyst will be asked to control demand consensus meetings between in stock and forecast analysts with the intent to drive improved in stock and system automation. These Analysts will be assigned more complex operational tasks within the structure. This role will provide training and coaching support for new analysts and be the main connection point between the team and the demand specialist role.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for ensuring Forecast & Replenishment (F&R) system forecast accuracy for assigned product line
• Use advanced statistical forecast accuracy analysis to reduce system errors and avoid manual forecast adjustments.
• Resolve forecasting exceptions and perform daily root cause analysis of underlying issues in order to improve forecast accuracy for promotional and turn product.
• Manage all Relex (F&R system) daily, weekly, monthly forecast workflows resulting in reduced systemic forecast error.
• Partner with In Stock Analysts and Demand System Specialists to align on trends and strategies in support of forecast accuracy.
• Provide a forecast to vendor partners (private brands team)
• Complete sales correction trouble shooting and analyze where the effective corrected sales are coming from, when necessary, i.e., which sales correction type is the effective one (stockout, campaign or manual correction).
• Collaborate with Category teams on Ad promotions, special programs and holidays
• Review Store and Distribution Center baseline forecasts and BIAS and troubleshoot any forecasts with low forecast accuracy or BIAS.
• Review and, if necessary, update master data and/or parameters for Product that will be terminated.
• Follow-up on and review the forecast for new store locations.?

Knowledge:

• Demand management practices
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel and Access
• Working knowledge of Supply Chain processes
• Relex knowledge preferred

Skills:

• Oral and written communication skills
• Basic to intermediate Excel skills
• Presentation skills
• Experience applying and developing statistical forecasts and demand forecasting
• Attention to detail
• Team player and collaborator
• This role should demonstrate behaviors across the “leading self” level of My Leadership Journey

Abilities:

• Strong Mathematical and Statistical aptitude
• Ability to analyze and decipher large amounts of data
• Ability to analyze complex problems and rule sets
• Strong critical thinker, autonomous decision-maker
• Ability to determine root causes and implement solutions
• Customer focus
• Takes initiative, self-starter

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Mathematics or related business field or equivalent relevant work experience

Experience:

• 0-3 Years