Senior Analyst – Grocery Planning

Job Location: Hershey, PA Role Overview: The Senior Analyst – Grocery Planning is accountable for the management and integration of data from Sales, Customers, and Finance which are used to develop accurate and timely forecasts supporting Operations, Sales and Financial Planning. The planner is responsible for providing guidance, analysis, and oversight for their assigned demand group to ensure alignment with business direction and consistency with market trends. Responsibilities include communicating demand forecasts and the assumptions behind them through the supply chain and via the IBM Demand process. Responsibilities: Develop accurate forecasts of all line items for their accountable customer/segment of the business by using a combination of statistical forecasting integrated with insights gained via partnering with Sales and Finance departments. Ensure consistent integration into the forecast of customer insights, base business trends, merchandising promotional plans, new item volumes, plan-o-gram changes and seasonal volume with the goal of reducing working capital and minimizing forecast error. Work cross functionally toward continuous improvement of forecast accuracy and improve the error rate below targeted levels of Weighted Mean Absolute Percentage Error (WMAPE) and Bias. Comprehensively analyzes the business to understand implications to Plan and Consensus. Works collaboratively with Key Stakeholders in the development of KPI’s to track and monitor in-year performance Qualifications: Capacity to work within multiple internal and external information systems including, but not limited to, SAP, Manugistics, and customer-specific systems. Proficient in understanding of fundamental business management and supply chain principles and concepts. Thorough understanding of key internal and external order fulfillment processes. Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications, particularly Access and Excel. Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external partners at all levels. Ability to implement and execute forecasts and sales plans. Capacity to analyze customer-specific data and reporting vehicles Strong mathematical skills. Strong interpersonal communication skills, relationship management. Ability to make effective cost vs. service decisions when ordering Experience & Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Mathematics, Information Systems or equivalent experience. Minimum of 5 years prior business experience preferred. The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individuals race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans If you require a reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact the HR Service Center (askhr@hersheys.com).