Analyst III Forecast

Introduction

Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of global food retailer Ahold Delhaize, is part of the U.S. family of brands, which also includes five leading omnichannel grocery brands – Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. Ahold Delhaize USA associates support the brands with a wide range of services, including Finance, Legal, Sustainability, Commercial, Digital and E-commerce, Technology and more.

Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of global food retailer Ahold Delhaize, is part of the U.S. family of brands, which includes five leading omnichannel grocery brands - Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. Our associates support the brands with a wide range of services, including Finance, Legal, Sustainability, Commercial, Digital and E-commerce, Technology and more.

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).

Analyst III's will be assigned more involved operational tasks within the structure. This role will be assigned more complex desk assignments and categories requiring higher analytical skills and experience. They will also provide backup to the Analyst IV in regards to training and coaching support for new analysts.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis until the end of their appointment.

• 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

• Education & Experience:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Supply Chain, or a related business field - or equivalent relevant work experience
• 2-4 years of experience in demand forecasting, data analysis, or related supply chain functions
• Knowledge & Technical
  
  Skills:
• Strong understanding of demand management practices and supply chain processes
• Experience applying statistical forecasts and demand forecasting methods
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (intermediate to advanced) and working knowledge of Microsoft Access
• Familiarity with forecasting and replenishment software; RELEX experience preferred
• Strong mathematical and statistical aptitude with the ability to analyze and interpret large data sets
• Core Skills & Abilities:
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills. Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Proven ability to solve complex problems, determine root causes, and implement solutions. Critical thinker with the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.…