Forecasting Specialist - Walmart

About the Role Mattel is seeking a highly analytical and customer-focused Specialist, Sales Planning & Analysis (SPA), to support one of our most strategic retail partnerships—Walmart. In this role, you will serve as a key link between Mattel and Walmart, leveraging data‑driven insights to influence forecasting, inventory management, and business planning decisions. You will work directly with Walmart buyers, replenishment teams, and internal cross‑functional partners to ensure product availability meets consumer demand. Responsibilities Serve as subject‑matter expert on assigned account and brands. Lead the analysis of sales trends to improve weekly item‑level POS projections, aligning plans with internal stakeholders and retail partners. Determine appropriate modeling approach for evaluating forecast accuracy, considering consumption forecasts, historic performance, inventory levels, and marketing programs. Conduct weekly consumption analysis to establish shipping plans by item and channel, supporting POS plans and retailer inventory requirements. Create prop‑flow patterns based on seasonality, promotions, distribution, and price points. Present POS demand forecasts and key data findings in internal consensus meetings and to S&OP teams on a monthly basis. Collaborate in forecasting meetings with Walmart buyers and replenishment managers, presenting business insights and recommending action plans. Influence the end‑to‑end order process to achieve in‑store and fill‑rate metrics, reviewing orders and maintaining accurate purchase orders. Direct execution of the Direct Import business out of Asia, partnering with the Customer Service team in Hong Kong. Qualifications Key Characteristics Strong analytical skills, able to coordinate diverse information, identify relevant data, recommend solutions, and implement corrective actions. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of engaging across all organizational levels and functional areas. Sound judgment, interpreting issues and recommending actions that support corporate objectives. Process orientation, identifying and sharing opportunities for improvement. Basic Qualifications Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel (Power User). Experience in forecasting for a highly seasonal environment with long lead times. Experience analyzing large data sets, blending multiple data sources, and presenting actionable, summarized reports. Knowledge of demand‑forecasting tools and cross‑functional forecasting processes (e.g., JDA, SAP, Demantra, Anaplan). Minimum 5+ years of experience in sales analysis or merchandise buying/planning. Preferred Qualifications Experience in CPG or retail. Experience with PowerBI, Alteryx, BigQuery, or other database tools. Experience applying statistical forecasting techniques and model building. Compensation and Benefits Pay range: $108,000 – $135,000 yearly. Base pay is determined by location, skills, and experience. Mattel offers comprehensive benefits and a total pay program designed to empower our employees. Equal Employment Opportunity Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran or protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mattel, Inc.and Subsidiaries