Forecasting Specialist

Role Summary

Mattel is currently seeking a Specialist to lead the forecasting and planning for a top retailer. This role is part of the Sales Planning & Analytics team and focuses on collaborative sales forecasting and inventory management.

• Serve as subject matter expert (SME) on assigned account and brands.
• Lead the analysis of sales trends to improve weekly item‑level POS projections and align plans with internal stakeholders and retail partners.
• Determine appropriate models for evaluating item‑level forecasts, considering consumption forecasts, brand/product history, comparable brands/products, inventory levels, and marketing programs.
• Conduct consumption analysis to establish weekly shipping plans by item and channel, supporting POS plans and retailer in‑stock and future order needs.
• Create product flow patterns based on seasonality, promotions, distribution, and price point.
• Present POS demand forecasts in internal consensus meetings, providing key data findings to S&OP teams to reach consensus forecasts on a month‑to‑month basis.
• Participate in collaborative forecasting meetings with Buyers and Replenishment Managers, presenting business findings and recommending action plans for the season.
• Deliver store in‑stock metrics by influencing the end‑to‑end order process, including order creation, daily order reviews, perfect PO maintenance, and fill‑rate optimization.
• Direct execution of Direct Import business out of Asia, partnering closely with the Customer Service team in Hong Kong.

• Strong analytical skills to coordinate diverse information, identify relevant data, recommend and implement corrective actions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all organizational levels and functional areas, with the ability to understand, assess, and present viewpoints of others.
• Sound business judgment to interpret issues and recommend actions that best support group, division, and corporate goals.
• Process‑oriented mindset with the capability to identify and address process improvements and share expertise with others.

• Proficiency in MS Office, Excel Power User.
• Direct forecasting experience and planning in a highly seasonal environment with long lead times.
• Extensive experience analyzing large data sets, blending data from multiple sources, and compiling actionable, summarized reports to facilitate decision making and strategic planning.
• 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.

Pay Range
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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 empower every employee to reach their full potential.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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, 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.