1. Supervises the ongoing product demand forecasting and analysis functions performed by Associate and Forecasting Analysts reporting to the incumbent to support development of monthly sales forecasts for the U.S. and most international markets. Assigns Analyst workloads, prioritizes assignments/projects and reviews and evaluates forecast accuracy metrics for data integrity.  Reviews trends identified and analyzed monthly by Forecasting Analysts to ensure they are reasonable given the overall trends in particular markets and regions.  Reviews Analysts’ recommendations each month of forecast demand and projected product sales and costs prior to completion each month.  Reviews all reports prepared by Forecasting Analysts prior to publication and issuance for integrity and accuracy.  Oversees the participation of Forecasting Analysts in monthly conference calls monthly with International market management where approval for forecasts prepared is determined.

2. Oversees the monthly gross sales and unit demand forecasting process for the U.S. and most international markets based on assessments of historical trends and an understanding of manufacturing demands communicated by the Inventory Control group, utilizing both quantitative (historical sales, statistically-derived forecasts) and qualitative (sales, marketing and promotional program knowledge) factors to minimize forecast error.  Oversees the evaluation of probable sales, sales force and financial impact of sales promotions, economic environment, and other events in order to adjust the statistically-derived unit sales forecasts.  The unit forecast is the beginning of the supply chain effort of the Company forwarded to Inventory Control and impacts inventory builds/reductions, manufacturing levels and customer service issues, including backorders. 

3. With guidance from the Sr. Principal Economist, investigates and develops new metrics or methodologies to improve forecasting accuracy so that sales are maximized and excess inventory investment is minimized. Supervises the preparation of special reports as requested by internal customers (Marketing, Inventory Control, International market management, executive management, etc.) to evaluate product demand, life cycle, forecast accuracy, etc.  Regularly evaluates all special and ongoing reports prepared by staff to ensure understanding by all participants (Marketing, Sales, Inventory Control and executive management) to ensure best possible forecast and/or analysis results

4.  Keeps abreast of Company products and Sales and Marketing plans in order to manage the effective forecasting and analysis of sales of ongoing products throughout the Company and to report the results of such activities to Inventory Control, international markets, regional managers and executive management.

5. Interacts regularly with U.S. and International Marketing and Sales groups along with Inventory Control to capture sales events and demand information, document assumptions and coordinate feedback to the Associate and Forecasting Analysts to improve accuracy and effectiveness of forecasts prepared by staff.  Oversees monthly analyses of actual unit sales results to forecasts prepared by staff to ensure that statistical methodology standards are maintained.

6. Provides training in the development of unit and product line forecasting methodology to new Associate Sales Forecasting Analysts and regularly evaluates the methods used by ongoing Analysts to ensure forecasting efficiency and integrity.  Implements new market gross and unit sales models and databases and oversees the training of new market Sales, Marketing and Warehouse employees in forecasting methods and reporting requirements.

7. Hires, assesses performance, conducts performance appraisals, plans career development and sets annual performance objectives for employees supervised.