We are WellPet LLC® makers of healthy natural products for pets.  WellPet is home to a portfolio of premium natural pet food brands including Wellness®, Old Mother Hubbard®, Eagle Pack® and Holistic Select®. For over 80 years, this collection of brands has had an unwavering commitment to nutritional innovation and product quality. Acknowledged as leaders in the industry, the company promise is “Your pet’s wellbeing is at the heart of all we do, that’s why we do whatever it takes to make the healthiest natural products for the pets that depend on us.” WellPet products are sold in pet specialty stores and natural food stores across North America and Internationally.   If you would like to share in that promise and are an adaptable, self-motivated, creative team player, join our team and be part of a growing, dynamic company!

We have an immediate opening in our Tewksbury, MA location for a Forecast/Business Analyst to join our Planning & Purchasing Team.  Reporting to the Director of Planning & Purchasing, you will be responsible for developing, analyzing and implementing our monthly finished goods forecast and supporting the Sales and Operations Planning process.    

Responsibilities Include: 

• Acquire and analyze information regarding historical data, market trends, promotional activity, and other events, historical or current, which might impact future Customer demand 
  
• Identify potential changes in demand by monitoring shipment activity
  
• Share insights, challenge assumptions and identify drivers of variance in the monthly forecast
  
• Provide ad hoc forecast information and analysis as needed or requested
  
• Support the management team by developing specific reports as required
  
• Facilitate the Sales & Operations Planning process by leading a monthly planning meeting, working with staff members from across the company to identify, introduce and/or present appropriate topics
  
• Produce documentation, reports, notes, agendas, and appropriate follow-up as required
  
• Take a leading role in managing SKUs with respect to New Products and Product Life Cycle to maximize fulfillment and minimize Finished Goods inventory obsolescence
  
• Develop and maintain our Finished Goods forecast for our East Coast, West Coast and Midwest distribution points
  
• Assist with mid-month forecast reviews to assess performance to forecast and be prepared to explain and adjust the next month’s forecast appropriately
  
• Track and report forecast accuracy (actual sales vs. forecast vs. budget) and make recommendations to improve the balance of supply and demand

• Lead cross-company and cross-functional projects to create improvement in forecast accuracy and business process efficiency

Position Requirements

• BS degree in business, math or other quantitative disciplines
  
• 3 – 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or consumer packaged goods environment as a production planner or forecast analyst with strong project management skills and experience with formal ERP systems and forecasting software
  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to translate complex forecast analysis and produce meaningful information for multiple departments and management
  
• Strong collaboration, partnering and influencing skills and the ability to thrive in a cross functional team environment
  
• Creative problem solving and strong analytical skills to gather, organize and analyze data and make data-based decisions
  
• Attention to detail, ability to multi-task and strong organizational skills
  
• Self directed, flexible and able to work independently, typically initiating own tasks with input/guidance from manager, department head or senior management  
  
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products with particular emphasis on Excel skills

We offer a competitive compensation package as well as medical, dental, life, short and long term disability, 401(k) plan with a company match, and generous paid time off plans.  Visit us on the web at www.wellpet.com.  To apply for this position submit your resume by email to jobs@wellpet.com Please include “Forecast/Business Analyst” in the subject line of your email.  Local candidates only; no phone calls or third parties please.