Senior Forecast Analyst

About Us

Founded in 1966, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) is the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, that tradition continues as we transform our organization's portfolio, expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

Summary

The Senior Forecast Analyst is responsible for owning and managing GIMS/SKU-level sales forecasts for the Commercial Business Operations (CBO) Sales Organization and serving as the subject matter expert for SAP sales systems and forecasting tools. This role leads the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, drives cross-functional initiatives to improve forecast accuracy and planning effectiveness, and serves as a trusted advisor to Sales, SCM/IP, and Global Headquarters (GHQ). The ideal candidate brings deep forecasting and demand planning expertise, strong analytical and leadership capabilities, and the ability to influence stakeholders across a global, multicultural environment.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage GIMS/SKU-level sales forecasts for the Commercial Business Operations (CBO) Sales Organization, providing accurate and timely forecasts to SCM/IP and GHQ as needed.
• Serve as the subject matter expert and primary point of contact for SAP sales systems, forecasting tools, system functionality, and related projects.
• Lead the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, partnering with Sales to complete forecast reviews, challenge assumptions, and drive alignment on demand, risks, and opportunities.
• Partner closely with SCM/IP at Niterra USA to coordinate planning activities, establish priorities, track ongoing initiatives, and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
• Collaborate with GHQ to ensure sales and forecasting systems operate effectively across Niterra USA and global organizations, identifying opportunities to improve system functionality and adoption.
• Proactively communicate system feedback, concerns, and recommendations to GHQ to support continuous improvement and global standardization.
• Lead training and knowledge-sharing initiatives to strengthen organizational and peer adoption of forecasting tools, systems, and planning processes.
• Provide senior-level guidance on forecasting, S&OP, and sales planning processes, serving as a trusted advisor to Sales, SCM/IP, GHQ, and other key stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve forecast accuracy, planning effectiveness, system utilization, and overall S&OP maturity.
• Analyze forecast performance, trends, risks, and opportunities and provide actionable recommendations to business and senior leadership.
• Establish and promote best practices, process standards, and governance for forecasting and sales planning activities across CBO and applicable global teams.
• Perform all job-related tasks as assigned.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures as applicable.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in forecasting, demand planning, innovation planning, and S&OP/IBP, with experience operating at a senior or strategic level.
• Automotive manufacturing experience, or experience in a relatable industry, is required.
• Advanced knowledge of forecasting methodologies, statistical analysis, demand planning, and supply chain planning, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights.
• Strong hands-on experience with demand planning and forecasting systems, such as SAP, Manhattan I/O, Anaplan, or comparable platforms.
• Strong business acumen and knowledge of regional/affiliate markets, customer behavior, industry dynamics, and sales drivers.
• Advanced analytical skills with experience analyzing complex datasets, identifying trends, evaluating forecast assumptions, and developing data-driven recommendations.
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity, with the ability to manage, validate, maintain, and interpret large datasets across multiple systems.
• Ability to identify and validate market trends, demand patterns, and key sales drivers to improve forecast accuracy and business planning.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence forecasting and demand planning activities across regions, affiliates, and functions, including challenging assumptions and driving continuous improvement.
• Ability to engage directly with customers and business partners to review forecasts, understand demand drivers, identify risks and opportunities, and improve forecast accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional collaboration with diverse internal and external stakeholders in a global, multicultural environment.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and communicate effectively with technical and executive audiences.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex, time-sensitive planning activities.
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements, implement best practices, and support the standardization of forecasting and demand planning processes.
• Ability to exercise sound business judgment, resolve complex planning issues, anticipate risks, and recommend strategic actions based on quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Statistics, Economics, Data Analytics, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• CPSM, APICS/ASCM, IBF, or similar supply chain, forecasting, or demand planning certification preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This role requires driving and business travel, along with the associated hazards of an office environment and travel.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous company match of up to 6%.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid maternity and paternity leave.