Strategic and Category Forecast Manager

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Suntory is a fast-moving, agile, and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nation's most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world's leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe.

About your role

You will play a critical role in overseeing the long-term demand forecasts across our brands, ensuring our strategic plans align with our ambitions for volume growth. You will collaborate with multiple stakeholders to validate assumptions, balancing ambition with realism, and base growth expectations on robust market trends and customer behavior to unlock category growth or expansion.

What You'll Do

Category Forecasting

• Collaborate with marketing, RGM, CS&P to develop, evolve, and manage long-term demand forecasts aligned with business objectives.
• Act as an objective stakeholder to challenge ambitions and plans against growth assumptions, creating a robust, realistic forecast.
• Work with BPO and other SBFE markets on statistical forecasting to improve efficiency, develop long-term demand insights, and support strategic planning.
• Assist the demand forecasting team in building 2-3-year forecasts, ensuring confidence in all assumptions.

Strategic Planning

• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure category forecasts align with all 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion), considering high-level assumptions from range extension to cost increases.
• Utilize multiple data sets and systems, including statistical forecasting and segmentation analysis, to enhance forecasting accuracy.
• Integrate forecasts into Mid-Term Planning (MTP) and Annual Operational Planning (AOP) cycles to support business goals.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Track KPIs related to forecasting accuracy and performance, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Work with markets and Demand BPO to identify process improvement opportunities and implement best practices to enhance forecasting efficiency and accuracy.

What's in it for you

Suntory is a fast-moving, agile, and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nation's most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world's leading consumer products companies. We offer a diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions worldwide.

What You need to be successful

• Solid experience in a Senior Demand Planning or similar role.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with senior stakeholders across the business.
• Ability to challenge data assumptions confidently and constructively, seeking alignment for business decisions.
• Advanced Excel skills (Power Query advantageous) for reporting and analysis.
• Strong analytical skills to connect data, events, and trends.
• Adaptability and resilience to navigate complexity and ambiguity through effective problem-solving and a process-oriented approach.

Key Competencies and Skills (Suntory Leadership Spirit)

• You have a Yatte Minahare (Go for it!) spirit and entrepreneurial flair.
• Growth mindset - if we're not moving forward, we're moving backward.
• You are confident in sharing your opinion appropriately.
• A people-centric ethos focused on developing empowered leaders.
• A passion for learning and personal/professional growth in a volatile world.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse perspectives and backgrounds contribute to our success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or other protected characteristics.

Our recruitment processes aim to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer and to showcase candidates' unique skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from varied backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations to ensure an inclusive interview process. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone thrives and supports our mission of Growing for Good.