Forecasting Analytics Lead

Vacancy Name

Forecasting Analytics Lead

VN1144

Permanent

Hatfield

Forecasting Analytics Lead

Contract type :
Permanent

Location :
Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)

Working hours per week : 40 hours

Level :
Lead

Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value.

We’re Ocado Retail, a market‑leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket. Not only is  the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind our same‑day grocery delivery service.

The Forecasting Team operates at the critical intersection of strategic planning, financial budgeting, commercial execution, and operational delivery across Ocado Retail. Our work directly underpins multi‑million‑pound investment decisions (Network Development), logistics planning, labour management, and financial performance.

Due to the introduction of S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning), S&OE (Sales and Execution) processes we want to invest in advanced tooling, technology, and automation. We are looking for a Forecasting Lead to unlock critical strategic headroom, enhance predictive accuracy, and ensure all business areas have the necessary insight to deliver the overarching sales budget.

This role is essential for establishing the strategic direction, managing senior stakeholder relationships, and ensuring strategic accountability :

• Stakeholder Management :
  Drive a step change in aligning our forecast with the expectations of the Leadership team. Face into and proactively manage any difference in opinion or forecast performance Vs business targets. Manage the performance of Ocado Logistics and their ability to deliver capacity against our forecast targets. Manage frequent meetings with the Senior Leadership Team and the new Sales Team to discuss target adherence and growth levers.
• Business Alignment & Loop Closure :
  This role is critical for managing the relationship with all business owners to close the loop on the impact of their strategic and commercial decisions (e.g., the level of vouchering) on sales and, crucially, overall profitability.
• Strategic & Technical Guidance :
  Provides hands‑on technical expertise and leadership to ensure robust, best‑in‑class forecasting models.
• Accountable for S&OP / S&OE :
  Ensure high‑touch Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and Sales and Execution (S&OE) work streams are resourced and equipped to deliver value. Ensure high forecast accuracy and support the team in identifying opportunities to drive improvements to the process.

The Forecasting Lead will be accountable for the following responsibilities :

• Insight Generation and Financial Translation :
  Serve as the primary point of contact for Senior Leadership and Finance, translating volume forecasts into clear strategic narratives, identifying growth levers, and providing actionable insights that support ambitious financial growth targets and maximise profitability.
• Cross‑Functional KPI Governance :
  Lead strategic alignment across all Ocado Retail departments, establishing holistic KPI agreements, setting stretching but market‑reflective sales targets, and proactively identifying and proposing appropriate areas for business stretch or targeted revenue management campaigns.
• Develop a Clear Capability Roadmap :
  Forecasting should be a living product suite that continuously evolves based on user feedback and technical best practices. This roadmap will define the project phases, technical architecture, and implementation schedule for the new tools.
• Team Leadership and Development :
  Provide line management, mentorship, and performance oversight for the 6‑member Forecasting Team, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and analytical rigour to ensure continuous skill development and team stability.
• Strategic Investment & Capital Planning :
  Be accountable for the Long‑Term (1‑10 Year) and Budget Planning (1‑2…