Forecasting Specialist - job 1 of 2

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team:

The Amazon Forecasting team partners with the Sales team to commit to track and meet both the company’s quarterly AOP goals and the customer’s Joint Business Plan / Seasonal Buying Plan.  Additionally, the forecasting team leads Amazons consumption forecast via accurate item level forecasts based on consumer demand / POS in an effort to maximize sales volume as well as optimized inventory levels.

The position will be under the Sales Forecasting Department.  Mattel is currently seeking a Forecasting Specialist supporting the Amazon business, based out of Mattel headquarters in El Segundo, California.  This position will report to the Director, Amazon Forecasting.

The Opportunity: 

This role will be a member of a dynamic team focused on collaborative sales forecasting and inventory management.  The Forecasting Specialist will be instrumental in supporting both the Sales team and the customer inventory and planning teams in areas of forecasting, order fulfillment and planning and will have customer facings engagements multiple times a year.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Determine appropriate model for evaluating item level forecasts and analysis, considering information such as total end consumer consumption forecasts, brand/product history, history of similar comparable brands/products, current rate of sale, inventory levels and marketing programs.  Manage a portfolio of 800+ SKU’s.
• Create product flow pattern based on criteria such as seasonality profiles, planned promotions, distribution and price point. Present business findings and recommend action plan for the season or year. 
• Attend internal consensus meetings to present and share understanding of POS demand forecasts, provide key data findings to cross-functional S&OP teams to reach a corporate consensus forecast on a month to month basis.
• Lead and participate alongside Mattel sales team in Seasonal Buying Plan forecasting meetings with Amazon.  Present business findings and recommend action plan for the season or year.  Assist in managing and prioritizing follow-ups from meetings.
• Partner with sales organization to analyze sales trends to improve item level POS and inventory projections and order recommendations.
• Review and incorporate sales and marketing programs to provide compelling analysis to drive business and forecast incremental consumption needs. 
• Standard reporting and ad-hoc analysis utilizing Excel, PowerPoint, Tableau, Cognos BI, Anaplan.

What We’re Looking For:

Key Characteristics

• Solid Interpersonal and Communication Skills – ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels and all functional areas, ability to understand, assess and present the viewpoints of others
• Sound Business Acumen – Create and communicate a business point of view; ability to interpret issues and recommend actions to best support group, division and corporate goals
• Strong Analytical Skills – ability to coordinate diverse information, identify relevant data, recommend and implement corrective actions
• Process Oriented - Ability to identify and address process improvements and share expertise with others
• Able to pivot quickly and address adhoc projects while continuing to manage day-to-day responsibilities

Basic Qualifications

• Proficient in MS Office, Excel Power User.  Anaplan is a plus.
• Have at least 5+ years relevant experience in forecasting and sales analysis and/or merchandise buying/planning
• Light travel; few times a year

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in CPG or retail
• Experience with statistical forecasting techniques, systems applications and model building

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

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