Sr. Forecast Analyst

Pay Range: $75,000 - $90,000

At The Home Depot Canada, we want you to feel valued and supported. The pay range you see represents base salary only. In addition, your total rewards may include: semi-annual bonuses tied to business performance; Deferred Profit-Sharing Program to assist with retirement savings; comprehensive paid benefits; a 15% discount on Home Depot stock purchases; and merit-based salary increases. We are committed to recognizing your efforts and supporting your growth with us.

Are you someone who thrives on helping others succeed, enjoys making an impact, and takes pride in guiding customers to the right solutions for their projects? If you’re also naturally curious and eager to keep learning, consider starting or growing your career with us at The Home Depot.

Position Overview:

The Senior Forecast Analyst has responsibility for the analysis and maintenance of the system sales forecast which is a key input into organizational planning processes. The analyst should have advanced knowledge of retail forecasting and experience with SAP forecasting systems or

other "best in class" platforms. The analysts will be responsible for achieving forecast

completeness and data integrity targets and alignment of the corporate S&OP process. The

analyst will liaise with cross functional partners to determine sales forecasts for new articles

and events. The analyst will also maintain F&R system parameters that drive the automated

forecasting and replenishment system. The analyst will be responsible for directing workflow for and assisting development of the replenishment analysts in their category and thus will hold shared responsibility for their team’s instock, inventory turns targets and lead their 360 team on projects & initiatives that drive sales

Key Responsibilities:

Inventory Management

Maintain ultimate responsibility for the Forecasting & Replenishment system for all products within assigned categories.

Load sku-store level sales forecasts into SAP following for new products based on established reset processes

Manage forecasts for existing tools and communicate changes to cross-functional partners

Provide key reporting to Inventory Management, Merchandising, Logistics and Senior

Management, finance, regional leaders

Review & analyze historical data and trends to forecast the demand of import and

domestic goods held at the Store/Distribution Centres/online

Utilize full suite of system forecasting tools in achieving high forecast accuracy

Plan and execute exit strategy of discontinued articles

Lead and influence demand planning strategies in order to maximize vendor fill rates, minimize loss of sales, and minimize inventory redistribution due to forecast error and decrease forecast variances which negatively impact downstream supply chain planning.

Analyse and maintain additional replenishment parameters such as location minimums, time dependant presentation stock, target range of coverage, optimization horizon, etc.

Project Management

Monitor recent sales performance and adjust forward forecasts at appropriate time

horizons.

Track Key supply chain and financial Performance Indicators on a weekly, monthly quarterly and annual basis,

including store/DC.

Sign-off with merchants and finance on determining appropriate and achievable financial plans (sales & inventory) based on their knowledge aof business in store/DC/online

Manage the Store and DC forecast parameters, replenishment parameters, and

forecast exceptions.

Conduct inventory review and analysis to support product line reviews and present impact of assortment change from an inventory standpoint

Liaise with merchants and finance on channel and sourcing changes

Identifying potential demand fluctuations and supply chain risks and develop mediation plans

Partnering

Act as primary forecasting contact for merchants in the categories that the analyst oversees and provide supply chain expertise to the entire 360 team

Communicate product status and updates to stores and DC in a timely manner.

Lead as necessary during emergencies and natural disasters with their replenishment analysts and accountable for the team’s response times

Liaise with Merchants to ensure execution of category S&OP processes (forecast

validation).

Work closely with Merchants and Senior Management to achieve company

objectives.

Provide vendors/suppliers visibility to future order forecasts and planned purchases

Identify process improvement opportunities and recommend solutions.

Provide SAP Super user expertise. Identify high, medium, and low sellers and update forecasting & replenishment parameters accordingly.

Collaborates with merchants and vendor on promo forecast alignment

Ability to present and defend forecasts and influence stakeholders in the development of the collaborative forecast

Team Leadership

Coach, mentor, develop and direct workflow of replenishment analysts in their categories

Ability to carry out full suite of replenishment analyst responsibilities in case of absences or to support in critical initiatives

Review and share information with the replenishment team to support the accurate and timely replenishment of inventory for new and existing items in the assortment

Able to act as back up for manager in case of absences or if manager is unavailable

Competencies:

Collaborates

Action oriented

Customer Focus

Drives results

Communicates effectively

Decision Quality

Plans and Aligns

Ensures accountability

Develops talent

Skills:

Advanced Excel skills

Exposure to demand planning softwares

Strong Analytical, influential, interpersonal skills

Organization skills

Problem solving and critical thinking skills

Data analysis

Project and change management

Managing complexity in a large network, understanding the impact of the up and downstream actors

Execution and results focused, strategic and dynamic thinker

Excellent communication skills; collaborative with effective interpersonal skills; able to work across department

Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and pay close attention to detail

Strong customer focus with business acumen, problem solving skills and results orientated

Self -directed, ability to work with limited supervision.

Direct Manager/Direct Reports: 

Reports to Manager or Sr Manager, Supply Chain

Travel Requirements:

Limited (travel to stores, distribution centers and vendors as required)

Physical Requirements:

Extended sitting

Repetitive tasks

Working Conditions: 

Working in an office setting: computer work, camera on virtual meetings, taking support calls

Minimum Education:

University or College Degree in business or science/engineering or background in

supply chain management will be considered as a preferred qualification.

Experience with SAP or other best in class forecasting systems (Retail or

Manufacturing) is an asset.

Minimum Years of Work Experience:

3-5 years of analytical experience (ideally in a retail environment) with emphasis on

forecasting and inventory management

Minimum Leadership Experience:

Excellent communication skills; collaborative with effective interpersonal skills; able

to work across departments.

Strong customer focus with business acumen, problem solving skills and result orientated.

Self -directed, ability to work with limited supervision.

Flexible in attitude and approach to business solutions

Demonstrated expertise in business analysis

Certifications:

None

Other Requirements/Assets: 

Experience with financial analysis and quantitative skills, including ability to produce

and review sales analysis (turns, sales, gross margin, etc.) and other analytical techniques to assist in making key forecast and replenishment decisions.

Experience with maintaining retail forecasting models and achieving forecast

completeness metrics.

Replenishment experience is considered an asset.

Advanced proficiency with MS Excel

Strong analytical skills with the ability to extrapolate pertinent information from

various sources (reports and spreadsheets) and analyze data for recommendations.

Ability to present data and information in both PowerPoint and Tableau is an asset

Bilingual in French and English is an asset

In our commitment to efficiency, consistency, and a fair hiring experience for all candidates, The Home Depot Canada usesArtificial Intelligence (AI) technology to assist with the screening and assessment of applicantsfor this position. This technology is used to quickly and consistently identify candidates whose skills and experience are the strongest match for the role. Our process is designed to ensure human oversight is maintained throughout the selection process.