Job Description:
The primary responsibility of this role is to develop and lead baseline demand forecasting using mathematical models and statistical algorithms, as well as to oversee the demand planning process for the Ice Cream category. The insights generated will serve as a foundation for consensus demand planning within the company, ensuring alignment between business objectives and market trends. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in building data-driven forecasting frameworks, enhancing decision-making processes, improving accuracy of sales forecast and supporting business growth through proactive demand planning.

What are we looking for?

• Proven records of relevant experience (min 3-5 years), preferably in Demand Planning, Supply or Business Insights.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Data Science, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of statistical and mathematical forecasting models, including time-series analysis, regression models, and probabilistic forecasting (both theoretical and practical applications).
• Demonstrated strong quantitative and analytical skills, with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint (required). Experience with Power BI, SQL, Python, or R for data analysis is preferred.
• Solid analytical skills, willingness to grow and build a career in Demand Planning.
• Upper-Intermediate level of English (spoken and written) with strong business communication skills.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Prepare and lead the demand planning process for the Ice Cream category across multiple markets, based on inputs from demand team members. Evaluate risks and opportunities to ensure a high level of forecasting accuracy. Create a demand forecast in horizon of 1-3 years in volume with global and internal signature steps.
• Facilitate Pre-DMR (forecast) meeting on a periodic basis, ensuring all decisions are incorporated into S&OP process and aligned between stakeholders.
• Design and establish a clear process of statistical baseline planning from scratch using internal and external best practices. Integrate this process into the existing demand planning framework and S&OP process, ensuring key stakeholders understand the underlying logic and adopt it as the foundation for the consensus demand forecast.
• Prepare accurate, aligned and based on clear assumptions baseline demand forecast by SKU using statistical and mathematical forecasting techniques on a regular basis that is used as a foundation for consensus demand forecast.
• Analyze historical sales data, market trends, seasonality patterns, and external factors to enhance forecast accuracy and ensure that the right assumptions are incorporated into statistical baseline forecast.
• Present insights and recommendations to key stakeholders (Demand Experts, Marketing, Sales etc) using clear and compelling visualizations, storytelling techniques, and data interpretation skills to make sure that everyone is aligned on the assumptions and understand the context.
• Collaborate closely with Demand Planners to enhance the accuracy of demand forecasts by analyzing deviations and recommending adjustments to the baseline demand forecast.
• Continuously improve forecasting methodologies using machine learning techniques and advanced analytics.
• Act as an ambassador for the scaling and deployment of statistical algorithms and mathematical forecasting models across other areas of the demand planning process.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Skills:

Action Planning, Adaptive Mindset, Costing and Budgeting, Data Collection and Analysis, Data Control, Multi-Project Management, Planning and Organizing, Policy and Procedures, Verbal Communication

Competencies:

Builds Networks, Business Insight, Drives Results, Ensures Accountability, Manages Complexity, Optimizes Work Processes, Plans and Aligns, Tech Savvy