Planning Analyst

There are over 2,000 employees working in El Segundo, and it is their creativity and talent that enables them to design, develop, and market our innovative toys. Much like our brands, our people also need development and growth opportunities. We believe that as our employees grow professionally, so will Mattel. Our comprehensive people development program addresses training, professional development, reward, and promotion.At Mattel, we have a vision to be The World's Premier Toy Brands - Today and Tomorrow. We will achieve this vision because our people are creative and energetic, thriving on innovation and passion for the business. Mattel is committed to supporting and developing employees and their career goals with a host of meaningful advantages and opportunities, including development through our global Leadership Development Center, tuition reimbursement, on-site childcare, and a fitness and recreation center. As the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl® and Fisher-Price®, Mattel is not only one of the best places to work, it's also a lot of fun. If you're as excited about the future as we are, consider this opportunity.Mattel is seeking a Planning Analyst to join its Business Planning team at our world-wide headquarters in El Segundo, CA. This position will manage demands to ensure the right amount of product is available when needed to maximum sales & fill rate while minimizing inventory and excess materials.Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
'Manage all aspects of demands & inventory of a brand(s):
oManage total demands to ensure levels are reasonable given the latest financial forecast.oSet up toy line for new year and establish initial demand phasing & full year quota based on marketing plans and historical sell-through
oMonitor demand phasing, sales forecast level & phasing, sales research quota projections, POS, shipments, product availability flow, fill rate, & advertising plans on a regular basis in order to interpret impact, identify issues, & recommend actions to resolve potential problems
Analyze, make recommendations and understand changes to the sales field forecast
Analyze, understand changes, and identify options to product availability or shipping forecast from manufacturingManage the split between Direct Import and Trade as it relates to: demands, sales forecasts, and orders
oSummarize & report actionable information to senior management.
oPrep for and drive monthly Key Driver Meetings as well as any other ad hoc quota review meetings
oMonitor and manage avail flow for Planogram sets
oSet up and manage through all systems any prepacks or promotional items
oManage and analyze quota cuts that result in Excess Material situations to determine best course of action.oPrepare concise recommendation with supporting analysis & present to senior management
oRecommend and analyze air shipment requests
oConduct in-depth research to understand situation, identify problems, provide/recommend solutions, and ultimately present findings/project to senior management'Participate in a cross-function team to tackle problems or process improvement projectsoInitiate & Lead smaller process improvement projects
'Complete ad hoc analysis as needed
'Work with several legacy systems & databasesKey Results Area:
'Maximum fill rate while maintaining tight inventory levels (days of supply) and minimizing air ship premium & excess material costs or obsolescence
'Ability to lead projects and drive them to conclusion
'Self starter, takes the initiative to get projects done
'Able to effectively manage time and numerous priorities at once
REQUIREMENTS
'BS/BA required
'2-3 years work experience preferred
'Strong Microsoft Excel and database skills (Cognos, systems) preferred
'Strong organizational skills & ability to prioritize workload'Possesses a high degree of initiative, drive, confidence, and resilience
'Professionalism ' Flexible & Team Work oriented
'Ability to work in fast paced environment
'Experience in project management and leading a team a plus
'Strong analytical & problem solving skills
'Excellent oral & written communication skills
'Ability to prepare & present information to senior management
'APICS certification a plusMattel is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity EmployerM/F/V/D