Lead Analyst, Ad Forecasting & Inventory Yield

Teamwork makes the stream work. Roku is changing how the world watches TV. As the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, we've set our sights on powering every television globally. Roku pioneered streaming to the TV with a mission to connect the entire TV ecosystem—consumers to content, publishers to audiences, and advertisers to consumers.

About the role

We're seeking a Lead Analyst, Ads Forecasting & Inventory Yield to serve as a strategic individual contributor and functional expert on our forecasting and yield team. This role combines deep analytical expertise, cross-functional leadership, and hands-on execution to influence business strategy, drive forecast accuracy, optimize inventory monetization, and mentor team members. The ideal candidate brings top-tier quantitative skills, mastery of large-scale advertising data, and experience leveraging AI and automation to accelerate analytical workflows at scale. This position reports to the Sr. Manager, Ad Forecasting & Inventory Yield, within Revenue Operations.

This is a hybrid role based in New York, New York, requiring in-office presence Monday through Thursday with the option to work from home on Friday.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary DRI for end-to-end forecast reporting (demand, supply, yield), driving strategic insights into revenue, gross profit, sell-through, fill rate, and other key KPIs across the Roku ads ecosystem.
• Own global demand forecasts and in-quarter revenue pacing views; architect tools for scenario analysis, what-if modeling, and performance-versus-plan tracking that inform executive decision-making.
• Build and maintain analytical frameworks that measure forecast performance, identify gaps, quantify risks and opportunities, and directly influence roadmaps and business strategy.
• Lead recurring cross-functional meetings and forums with Revenue Operations, Finance, and Product leadership—translating forecast and inventory insights into pricing, packaging, and yield strategies.
• Proactively identify, develop, and execute recommendations to improve monetization and gross profitability.
• Standardize, centralize, and define new metrics that give RevOps and executive leadership clear views into business health from an inventory, yield, and product perspective.
• Own the roadmap for the team's scalable dashboard suite, including enhancements, tech debt reduction, and automation priorities; delegate and oversee execution across junior resources.
• Serve as the primary stakeholder (DRI) on specific ad products and systems related to monetization, yield optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Business Automation, Data Engineering, and Product teams to ensure reporting requirements are represented in data models and pipelines; initiate cross-functional projects where gaps exist.
• Independently lead large-scale presentations to senior leadership, connecting analytical insights to broader business strategy and outcomes.
• Deliver ad hoc analysis and strategic insights as Roku explores new ad units, formats, packaging, and business development initiatives.

Requirements

Experience

• 7–10+ years in digital advertising, streaming/CTV, or related fields in an inventory, yield, revenue operations, forecasting, or business analytics role.
• Experience partnering with and presenting to Directors, VPs, and executive stakeholders in a high-growth media/tech or streaming environment strongly preferred.
• Proven track record leading complex, cross-functional projects end-to-end—from problem definition through implementation, change management, and impact measurement—with minimal oversight.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring or informally leading junior analysts and delegating workstreams effectively.

Domain & Technical Skills

• Top-tier technical repertoire: SQL, data visualization, Excel modeling, and executive-ready presentation—recognized as a functional expert across the organization.
• Strong knowledge of digital ad serving tools, industry metrics, and terminology; programmatic buying/selling and auction dynamics experience is a plus.
• Solid understanding of yield and monetization strategy (floor pricing, packaging, auction dynamics, supply/demand balancing) with the ability to influence product roadmaps.
• Highly proficient in Excel (advanced formulas, modeling, scenario analysis) and PowerPoint for executive-ready storytelling.
• Experience with BI tools (Looker, Tableau, or similar) for dashboard development, self-service analytics, and automation.

Soft Skills

• Executive-style communication—clear, concise, solution-oriented; able to independently present complex topics to Directors and Executives with confidence.
• Strong project management and detail orientation; manages multiple large-scale initiatives with minimal oversight, informing and updating leadership proactively.
• Works autonomously with full command of the business; builds consensus and alignment across stakeholders before executing.
• Serves as an organization-wide "Go To" for a specific skillset or body of knowledge.

Characteristics of Success at Roku

• Self-motivated—drives work forward without waiting for direction; pushes large-scale initiatives independently.
• Positive and collaborative—builds strong, strategic cross-functional relationships.
• Non-political—focused on what's best for the business.
• Results-oriented—bias toward action and measurable impact; influences outcomes and strategy.
• Practical—balances rigor with speed.
• Hands-on—dives into details while thinking strategically; elevates the team.

How will I use AI at Roku?

At Roku, we don't just use AI—we work with it. AI agents and smart tools help power drafts, analysis, and repetitive workflows, while our people bring direction, judgment, and accountability. We value curious, adaptable builders who can demonstrate how they've used AI, agents, or automation to move faster, improve quality, and scale impact. Strong candidates know how to frame problems, guide AI-assisted work, check output, and learn quickly. Above all, they bring curiosity, adaptability, and sound judgment.

Pay

For New York, the estimated annual salary for this position is between $150,000 and $170,000. Compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, certifications, and specific geographical location.

Benefits

• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision).
• Equity awards.
• Life insurance and disability benefits.
• Parental leave.
• Wellness benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Global access to mental health and financial wellness support and resources.
• Local benefits including commuter and retirement options (401(k)/pension).
• Support for taking time off in accordance with local leave policies.

Note: Not every benefit is available in all locations or for every role. Specifics for your location will be provided by your recruiter.

Culture

Roku is a fast-paced environment where everyone is focused on the company's success rather than their own. We value talented individuals who are great at their jobs, easy to work with, and keep their egos in check. We appreciate a sense of humor and believe a smaller team of highly talented people can achieve more with less cost. We're independent thinkers with big ideas who act boldly, move fast, and accomplish extraordinary things through collaboration and trust. At Roku, we think of ourselves as problem-solvers—coming up with solutions and delivering them to customers. This pragmatic approach to innovation has served us well since 2002.