Job Description:
Forecasting Analyst
Location: Veghel, Netherlands
Department: Centre of Excellence (Planning)
FIT for YOU?
Enthused to boost your teams journey with your digital skills?
Inspired to be part of the team that digitally reimagines the way we work at Mars?
Want to practice your digital muscle and ability to engage others on the journey?
Mars is setting up the Centre of Excellence, the driving force of a human centric digital planning transformation. Want to be part of this uplifting transformation by driving the usage of AI forecasting in the day to day business? Read more below
The Forecasting Analyst will be responsible for creating and maintaining the statistical driven forecast for their portfolio, for the full horizon. They will achieve this by reviewing the result of the system (E2Open) generated statistical forecast and solving exceptions through collaboration with associates in markets, CoE and external service providers (SAAS) as needed.
What will be your key responsibilities?
Key to this role is to ensure that the statistical forecast is communicated and explained to the markets / planning team to ensure the forecast is accepted and not overridden. This requires the ability to evaluate findings, provide insights and clearly communicate to stakeholders.
It is the Forecast Analyst goal to create a forecast that is trusted and used as a common starting point by the full business. This entails:
Collecting all relevant and available datapoints
Cleaning the data themselves or create a feedback loop with user to clean it
Creating a statistical forecast choosing the best fitting model per product
Manual enhancement of the forecast to reflect factors that can not be incorporated in the model
Research demand drivers and align them with the Market Collaboration Lead
Be involved in the discussion with the different stakeholders to explain the finding in leman terms and to drive continuous improvement of the models and the way how to explain/ apply it.
Monitor and report on specific KPIs (e.g., forecast accuracy, forecast BIAS, MAPE, forecast value add) at multiple levels and lags and provide insights on contributing factors and recommendation on improvement opportunities in data accessibility, process, data quality, statistical modelling or forecast visualization/ explanation.
Provide education to business users of the statistical forecast and collect feedback on how to make the output more relevant / valuable to them
For new product developments analyze and discuss it with the Market Collaboration Lead to generate the initial forecast of those items, as well as consider the cannibalization impacts
B.S. or BA in computer science, data science, machine learning, mathematics, statistics or related natural science or technical degree. Master or advanced degree (sciences or business) preferred
5+ years work experience in Data Analysis or Supply Chain Planning, preferably CPG
3+ years experience in forecasting, statistical modelling or Demand Planning in industrial or consumer goods (CPG)
Understanding of demand drivers, building blocks, outliers and demand shaping characteristics, preferably within CPG
Strong analytical skills and passion to understand differences/ variation
Ability to present complex analysis in understandable forms to business stakeholders
Passion to help others to excel by building a digital muscle together
Experience with statistical forecasting tools such as R, Python or SAAS
Experience with demand sensing and machine learning algorithms
Experience with ERP and Advanced Planning Systems (preferably E2Open or RapidResponse)
Understanding of Lean / Six Sigma / root cause analysis, e.g., 5 why’s
Fluent in English
Work with 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.
A strong focus on 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
Ready to join us and be part of this exciting digital transformation?
Apply now and help Mars lead the way in AI-driven forecasting!
Skills Required
- B.S. or BA in computer science, data science, machine learning, mathematics, statistics or related degree
- 5+ years work experience in Data Analysis or Supply Chain Planning
- 3+ years experience in forecasting or demand planning in consumer goods
- Experience with statistical forecasting tools such as R or Python
- Experience with ERP and Advanced Planning Systems
- Fluent in English
Mars Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Mars and has not been reviewed or approved by Mars.
-
Healthcare Strength — The benefits package is positioned as comprehensive, with broad medical coverage and additional protections like life insurance and short- and long-term disability. Mental health support is emphasized, including free mental health services and wellbeing programming under initiatives such as Mars Be Well.
-
Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is highlighted as market-leading in the U.S., with an example of 18 weeks fully paid for both parents. Additional family-related leave types such as sick time for caregiving and bereavement leave are also described as part of the overall package.
-
Retirement Support — Retirement offerings are described as strong, including 401(k) matching (with a 6% match cited) and pension plans in some cases. The broader package also references retirement savings options and contributions aligned to local market practice, supporting long-term financial security.
Mars Insights
What We Do
For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the center of who we have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us. Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of confectionery, food, and petcare products and services, we employ 133,000 dedicated Associates who are all moving in the same direction: forward. With $40 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, MILKY WAY®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, ORBIT®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, SKITTLES®, WHISKAS®, COCOAVIA®, and 5™; and take care of half of the world’s pets through our pet health services AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, Pet Partners™, and VCA™. We know we can only be truly successful if our partners and the communities in which we operate prosper as well. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our Associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people and pets can thrive.
