Forecasting Specialist

The Team

The Sales Planning & Analytics team partners with internal and external partners to plan & execute future sales demand. We focus on identifying weekly POS trends and seasonality to predict performance, and provide consumption‑based ship and order plans to support consumer demand at retail.

Mattel seeks a Specialist to lead forecasting and planning for a top retailer. This role is a member of a dynamic team focused on collaborative sales forecasting and inventory management. The Specialist supports both the Sales and customer inventory and planning teams in forecasting, planning, and order fulfillment.

• Serves as subject‑matter expert on assigned account and brands.
• Lead analysis of sales trends to improve weekly item‑level POS projections and collaborate with stakeholders and retail partners.
• Select appropriate models for evaluating item‑level forecasts using consumption forecasts, brand/product history, comparable brand performance, inventory levels, and marketing programs.
• Determine a weekly shipping plan by item and channel to support POS plans, retailer in‑stock and future order needs.
• Create product flow patterns based on seasonality, planned promotions, distribution, and price point.
• Present findings in internal consensus meetings and provide key data insights to cross‑functional S&OP teams.
• Present business findings and recommend action plans for the season with Mattel sales and buyers.
• Deliver in‑stock metrics by influencing order creation, reviewing daily orders, maintaining PO accuracy, and optimizing fill rate.
• Direct execution of Direct Import business from Asia, partnering with Customer Service in the Hong Kong office.

• Strong analytical skills – coordinate diverse information, identify relevant data, recommend and implement corrective actions.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills – effectively communicate across all levels and functional areas, understand and present viewpoints of others.
• Sound business judgment – interpret issues and recommend actions to support business goals.
• Process oriented – identify and address process improvements and share expertise with others.

• Proficient in MS Office, Excel power user.
• Direct forecasting experience in a highly seasonal environment with long lead times.
• Extensive experience analyzing large data sets, blending data from various sources, and compiling actionable reports for decision‑making.
• Knowledge of demand forecasting tools and cross‑functional forecasting processes (JDA, SAP, Demantra, Anaplan, etc.).
• At least 5 + years of relevant experience in sales analysis or merchandise buying/planning.

• Experience in CPG or retail.
• Experience with PowerBI, Alteryx, Big Query or other database programs.
• Experience with statistical forecasting techniques, systems applications, and model building.

The pay range is indicative of the projected hiring range; base pay will be determined based on the 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.

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.