Forecasting Analyst

at  Ocado Retail

KEY SKILLS

• Numerate and analytical thinking
• Commercial awareness and problem-solving ability
• Interest in mathematical modelling.
• Strong communication, teamwork and influencing skills
• Excellent Excel skills and knowledge of Python, R or SQL would be advantageous
• Numerate or Technical Degree (2:1 and above), with Mathematics A Level (or equivalent) Grade B or above

A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT US

Our business is a joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S. It’s a successful combination of award-winning customer service and unrivaled customer data; world-leading technology and logistics from Ocado Group, and unrivaled product development from M&S.

THE ROLE/PROFILE

The forecasting team is responsible for providing demand forecasts from short to long term across the business. This includes consideration of how demand varies across the week and associated changes in basket size, plus the impact of seasonal events such as school holidays and Christmas. Ocado’s order capacity continues to grow significantly each year, and understanding the impact of this extra volume for our customers is critical. Analysis of past behaviour is key to identifying and extrapolating trends, and this may be undertaken at various levels of geographical and customer segmentation. Monitoring of forecasts is also important to benchmark improvements.
The Forecasting Analyst will be responsible for supporting all aspects of the Ocado Retail forecasting function and helping to identify areas for improvement. You will take responsibility for developing some of the forecasts and be able to provide an independent and critical appraisal of forecasts developed by others. This role will combine analysis and modelling skills.
The forecasting team works closely with both the Marketing team and Customer Insight within Ocado Retail. However, you will work with every part of the organisation as well as Ocado Group who deliver capacity and logistics solutions. This role places you at the centre of Ocado retail with the opportunity to be involved with most departments and influence decision making at the highest level.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interrogating internal databases and using the data to identify trends and quantify the impact of particular events. This could involve using regression modelling and statistical testing.
• Preparing ad-hoc forecasts e.g. in response to unusual external events or at a particular customer segmentation level.
• Developing the scope of existing models for e.g. more detail or overall improved forecasting accuracy.
• Sharing and presenting forecasts in a concise manner with presentations tailored to the technical level of the audience