Job Opportunity: Demand Data Specialist at AkzoNobel (Fluent English Required)

Are you an expert in statistical forecasting and data analysis? AkzoNobel is seeking a Demand Data Specialist to optimize our business units' global performance. If you have a strong analytical background and experience in demand planning, we want to hear from you!

Key Objectives

Our Statistical Forecast is the foundation for developing IBP's Demand Plan across AkzoNobel's various business units. The Demand Hub plays a critical role by generating accurate Statistical Forecasts for 58 commercial units within our 8 business units specializing in Decorative Paints and Coatings.

• Focus on automation and key performance indicators: Forecast Accuracy, Forecast Bias, and Forecast Value Added (FVA).
• Identify and implement opportunities for KPI improvements.
• Coordinate with BPOs and align with business units on different demand scenarios for continuous enhancement.
• Collaborate with Demand Data Scientists for ongoing improvement projects.

Responsibilities

Specialist Role

• 25% Managing Decorative Paints, serving as the primary business contact.
• 25% Hands-on management of 5 Commercial Units.
• 50% Focus on Continuous Improvement (CI): Automation and KPI Results, managing projects with team support.

Managing Paints/Coatings and CI Projects

• Bridge the gap between technical requirements and business operations.
• Develop and deploy processes and guidelines with COE connections.

Generating Statistical Forecasts

• Ensure data quality and flag anomalies, applying necessary corrections.
• Maintain workflow and execute procedures for monthly statistical forecasts.
• Conduct operational procedures based on guided interactions.

Connect and Interact with Demand Planners

• Identify and rectify outliers in partnership with demand planning teams.
• Analyze automatically identified outliers and map Phase In/Out items.
• Align on forecast performance analysis and present results focusing on key items and long-term planning.

Forecast Performance Analysis

• Focus on the most critical items based on the ABC/XYZ curve and long-term horizons.
• Evaluate KPIs like Accuracy, Bias, and FVA, and propose solutions to meet expectations.
• Conduct monthly alignment meetings to discuss statistical forecasts and trends.
• Test different statistical models to achieve optimal results.

Continuous Improvement Mindset

• Explore alternatives to improve forecast accuracy and bias.
• Monitor improvements and ensure effectiveness in Quality and Production environments.
• Maintain transparent communication with internal customers to understand their needs and propose effective solutions.
• Enhance credibility by demonstrating the value added to the demand plan consensus.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in Math, Statistics, Engineering, or Data Science with solid experience in statistical modeling and demand forecasting. Additional qualifications include:

• Experience in Demand Planning and Supply Chain (preferred).
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and programming languages.
• Expertise in the following tools and technologies:
  • Advanced Excel, including statistical resources, Solver, Macros, and VBA (desired).
  • Alteryx (desired).
  • Python and R.
  • SQL Management Studio (desired).
  • Azure Data Platform: Databricks, Data Factory.
  • Power BI.
  • Knowledge of OMP forecasting tool (nice to have).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Fluency in English for global communication and coordination.

Apply now to become an integral part of AkzoNobel's mission to enhance our demand planning processes globally. #LI-VO1

Company Name: AkzoNobel
Job