Job Description

We're JTI, Japan Tobacco International and we believe in freedom. We think that the possibilities are limitless when you're free to choose. In fact, we've spent the last 20 years innovating, creating new and better products for our consumers to choose from. It's how we've grown to be present in 130 countries. But our business isn't just business. Our business is our people. Their talent. Their potential. We believe when they're free to be themselves, grow, travel and develop, amazing things can happen for our business. That's why our employees, from around the world, choose to be a part of JTI. It is why 87% of employees feel happy working at JTI. And why we've been awarded Global Top Employer status, eight years running. So when you're ready to choose a career you'll love, in a company you'll love, feel free to #JoinTheIdea. Learn more: jti.com

The Forecasting Manager will serve as the lead for volume forecasting for the Northern & Western Africa (N&WA) Cluster (Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and West Africa cluster). She/he will work closely with the Marketing team to ensure alignment with the Portfolio strategy and with the Sales teams to validate the plans before implementation. The primary responsibility will be to implement and drive the forecasting process. Provide short-term and long-range volume forecasting models, guidelines and evaluation of various pricing and portfolio initiatives potential to the N&WA Cluster. A further requirement will be the ability to design, construct and implement forecasting models for JTI brands throughout the N&WA Cluster. In addition, the Forecasting Manager must be able to identify the information required (market trends, opportunity gaps and current volume trends), and to articulate any additional research required to support the forecasting process.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

FORECASTING & BUSINESS PLANNING PROCESSES: Understand and implement forecasting and business planning processes, in line with our Portfolio strategy and plans defined in each market. Lead the volume forecasting for the N&WA markets, balancing a top-down approach (to ensure alignment with our Portfolio strategy) and a bottom-up approach, working closely with the Sales teams to validate the volume forecasts and adapt them to the market requirements. Identify key business issues and opportunities that impact short-term and long-range product and market forecasts. Design primary research techniques to understand business drivers and how research results should be integrated into a forecast model. Create product-specific long-range forecasts models (incremental and absolute). Maintain up-to-date forecast models, reflecting current data/information/assumptions. Close collaboration and alignment with the FP&A department to ensure alignment and follow up of the short- and long-term volume and sales forecasting for the N&WA Markets. Understand any promotional response models developed for a specific product. Create long-range forecasting models and benchmarks. Educate others in the appropriate use of forecasting models.

REPORTING & DATA MANAGEMENT Compile and analyze secondary marketing and sales data. Develop integrated functional process flows and technologies that allow business fluidity (Demand Planning, Research, In Market Sales). Portfolio & Pricing analysis in relation to PI/WAP, validation of pricing scenarios, validation of Trade KPIs and validation of volume/SOM/SOS for new initiatives Establish a planning process that includes the development of AP calendar, alignment of functions, follow up and communication with the different stakeholders. Develop and regularly update tools for support key strategic decisions: Cluster reporting (Market size, segments, trends, SOM and volume performance, competitive overview). Volume reports: Daily/Weekly/Monthly sales - reports approval and validation (reports produced by GBS) OL/LE, ASP, Business Reviews, Market visits presentations: ALIGN key data, trends, assumptions, projections, insights with stakeholders (market size, segments, companies and brands shares and volumes). Educate others on the appropriate use of these technologies.

PROFILE: University Degree in Finance, Engineering or any related areas. At least 7 years' experience, preferably in a FMCG multinational company. Excellent analytical skills. Power Point, Excel and Power BI knowledge. High level of English & French. Arabic is a plus. A strong business acumen (communication, commercially understanding) will be required to be able to engage with all the different Stakeholders across the Markets (Brand Portfolio, Demand Planning, Finance, Sales, etc.).