Forecast Analyst at Woolworths

Introduction

• To investigate, analyse, and fine tune planning and forecasting parameters, while continuously improving inputs for the Fashion, Beauty, and Home BU. These forecasting systems inform merchant decisions, drive product buy volumes, and support effective stock allocation and replenishment to stores.

Job description
Parameter Management

• Manage the parameters & algorithms within the demand planning systems to optimise the  weekly sales forecasts
• Identify opportunities, adjust and optimise:
• the calculation that drives the cleansing of sales 
• the model that drives price elasticity
• the calculation of planning system inputs such as APS, Store Deviations & Ranking

Profile Management
Generate and continuously improve:

• seasonal profiles to enable accurate sales demand forecasts driving optimal chain & store  intake
• size profiles for the purpose of allocating correct sizes to stores
• APS management and optimizing 

Forecasting

• Measure and report on forecast accuracy to enable the delivery to availability targets
• Identify & execute opportunities to improve the forecast accuracy
• Business Reporting 
• Provide business analysis on key initiatives and current business issues to assist the business  in decision making

Allocation & Replenishment Input

• Provide input into the optimisation of allocation & replenishment algorithms

System and Process Support

• Provide support on the forecasting and profiling systems
• Pro-active identification of system issues – forecasting, seasonal profiles, size profiles, sales 
• cleansing service, analytics services
• Provide administrative support around the system maintenance 

Communication with Stakeholders

• Identify relevant stakeholders and communicate requirements for delivery for the various  business operations timeously
• Provide ongoing coaching and support on centralised business processes to relevant  stakeholders
• Providing support to the planning community on identifying and improving forecast accuracy,  analytics and profiles.

Minimum requirements

• 3-5 years retail experience or relevant equivalent experience
• Relevant business diploma/degree (Retail business management/BCom/Clothing  management/BScience/BA, Stats-advantageous)
• Broad merchandising skills
• Data analysis experience 
• Forecasting knowledge/experience
• Advanced Excel skills and computer literacy
• Effective communication skills
• Good knowledge of business IT systems (Forecasting, Range & Assortment Planning, Analytical  e.g. SAS, Reporting Cubes)
• AI forecasting experience would be an advantage