What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forecast Analyst (Manufacturing) position at Sauer Brands, Inc.?
We are hiring Rockstars to join our Sauer Brands team!
*Must have experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain analytics, or supply planning*
Job Summary of the Forecast Analyst:
Develop and manage accurate demand forecasts based on historical patterns, market trends, and business inputs. Support the Demand Planning Manager by maintaining data integrity, providing analysis, and tracking performance against key KPIs.
Forecast Analyst Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Forecast Management
- Develop and maintain rolling demand forecasts for all product lines
- Adjust forecasts for seasonality, promotions, and new product launches
- Conduct root cause analysis of demand variances and recommend corrective actions
- Lead monthly forecast review meetings with sales team; challenge and validate assumptions
- Provide regular forecast updates to management, inventory, and sales teams
S&OP Process Support
- Support the initial demand review step of the monthly S&OP process
- Prepare materials for S&OP meetings and assist with leadership presentations when required
- Facilitate discussions to align demand plans with business objectives
Supply Chain Coordination
- Collaborate with supply chain to ensure inventory levels align with demand plans
- Support budgeting and planning through accurate demand projections
- Manage forecasts from pre-launch through product lifecycle transitions
Performance Standards (the criteria that will be used to evaluate performance):
- Business Key Performance Indicators
- Commercial Forecast Accuracy and Bias
- Distribution OTIFNE (on-time, in-full, no errors)
- What you do and how you act
- Leadership and contribution to overall success of SBI
- Personal Effectiveness: meeting timeline and productivity requirements (quantity & quality of work)
- Personal Interaction, communication, and teamwork with internal and external parties, consistent with OurRecipe@SauerBrands
What We Are Looking For in a Forecast Analyst:
Technical Skills & Experience
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and forecasting tools; Power BI preferred
- Experience with ERP and inventory planning systems
- Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations
- Excellent communication skills for leading forecast reviews and supporting presentations
- Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective solutions within assigned responsibilities and processes
Education & Experience
- A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience and bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Statistics, or related field
- Experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain analytics, or supply planning
- Food industry experience a plus
Personal Characteristics
- Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills
- Detail-oriented and committed to accuracy
- Collaborative and able to build trust across teams
- Adaptable and open-minded to new ideas and approaches
- Strong communicator, able to explain forecast logic and challenge assumptions diplomatically
- Organized and disciplined in managing multiple priorities
- Comfortable working in dynamic environments with changing information
- Resilient under pressure and deadline-driven
- Continuous improvement mindset, always seeking process enhancements
What Is In It For You?
Our company acknowledges talented people are attracted to companies that provide competitive pay, comprehensive benefits packages and outstanding advancement opportunities. For this reason we offer a comprehensive Benefits Plan that includes the following:
- 401K
- Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
- Vacation, Sick Days and Holidays
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee and Dependent Life Insurance
- Voluntary Disability Insurance
- Other Voluntary Insurance Options
Sauer Brands, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.