Forecasting Analytics Manager

Working under the direction of the Head of Analytics, this individual, with some support from others, will build and own the Streaming audience forecast process at Channel 4.

The role will start by understanding the existing forecasting processes, unlocking insights into business performance and the opportunities / challenges we see in the future. This will continue the journey of rebuilding forecasting to create a longer term, sustainable process which works more closely with other forecasts (eg Linear), allowing for innovation and optimisation, incorporating insights and delivering all business requirements.

The role will be responsible for delivery of annual audience forecasts and quarterly reforecasts, as well as explaining the drivers of change to the business.

The role will work alongside Data engineering and (later) Data Science to provide the optimal outcome.

• Own the Channel 4 forecasting process, agreeing key deliverables and timelines.
• Take the current process and identify opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency and opportunities for insight, looking to redesign a future proofed alternative over time
• Support the Head of Analytics in presentations to business leaders bringing expert Analytical knowledge to drive advanced understanding, interpretation and learning. Interfacing with Senior Leaders to bring expert translation of the data, forecasts and recommendations in a relevant way to a senior business audience.
• Communicate with stakeholders and current process owners to understand the current forecasting landscape and jobs that need to be completed.
• Build and manage strong relationships with stakeholders in order to understand short and longer term requirements and to enable business logic input into forecasts in a way which works for all
• Design the longer term view of the project, including potential ideas on methodologies, capabilities and outputs that better deliver against remit and further unlocks the insight potential
• Build strong relationships across the Audience Insight team (particularly within Analytics, Data Enablement and the Business Partnership team) to gain broader business context and support
• Promote understanding of forecasting techniques and best practice across the business and within Insight
• Contribute ideas, options & solutions to the Head of Analytics to evolve the insight function’s impact, value & capability.

• Head of Analytics for direction
• Data Enablement Manager and Reporting Manager to work together on unlocking technological capabilities
• Technology to unlock data science capability (if required)
• Other forecast owners (across Analytics, Business Partnership, Content, Strategy, Commercial, Finance) to understand what is currently done and key requirements for future solutions and better alignment
• Insight Business Partners for business context
• This role has no direct reports, but will work alongside other Analysts where required.

• Forecasting – Experience of forecasting in a large organisation is a must, along with understanding of methodologies and processes required to deliver this
• Analytical Impact - Strong business understanding including role of analytics in driving leader decisions and key levers impacting leader decisions across content, product, distribution and sales
• Communication skills - Strong communication & presentation skills with the ability to present complex and detailed recommendations clearly and succinctly to Senior Leaders
• Storytelling – the ability to translate complex data to clear messages and bring well considered, valued recommendations to drive profitable decision-making, and the ability to upskill others
• Coding - Advanced capability to write in SQL on complex datasets and conduct data modelling & forecasting;
  Python / R or other statistical programming language experience a plus
• Statistics - Understanding of statistics concepts particularly in the context of forecasting and when they would be used preferred (with ability to articulate requirements)
• Collaboration skills – proactive ability to build a collaborative environment within the Audience Insight function and across…