Head of Forecasting and Analytics

Forecasting Head

Job Description Summary

To lead the Forecasting function within FI&A, S&G as a strategic, insight-driven and functionally strong capability. The Forecasting Head will bring thought leadership, drive excellence in forecasting process, and build a scalable, future-ready team. This role ensures delivery of robust, scenario-based forecasts that inform strategic decisions across TAs, FCE teams, and broader S&G priorities. The leader will also be accountable for developing a strong functional career path for associates, fostering a high-performing, agile, and collaborative culture aligned with S&G and FI&A objectives.

Job Description

Major accountabilities:

• Overall responsibility:

  • Set and communicate a compelling long-term vision for the forecasting function, aligning team objectives with S&G strategy.

  • Lead Hyderabad based Forecasting team to deliver best-in-class, end-to-end forecasting support across S&G (TAs and FCE teams), with functional and technical expertise.

  • Be the primary POC for forecasting queries for Novartis stakeholders.

  • Drive thought leadership in forecasting, together with key stakeholders, to create scale and tangible impact

    • Proactively assess the overall evolving support needs and adapt as needed.

    • Encourage a culture of innovation. Promote the adoption, and implementation of latest forecasting best practices, tools, and process standardizations to ensure exceptional quality.

  • Lead team through organizational change, fostering agility and resilience within the team during periods of uncertainty or transition.

  • Represent Forecasting in FIA leadership team and support FI&A head in building a highly collaborative Forecasting, Insights & Analytics group.

• Team leadership (direct reports – 4-5 at level 5 and indirect reports ~40 level 3-4):

  • Lead a medium sized team of 40 associates, including management of managers

  • Build and lead a team of forecasting experts. Empower leaders to take accountability of their areas, fostering a culture of ownership and high engagement. Responsibilities include but not limited to

    • Manage project and resource planning to support the teams in their forecasting needs

    • Ensure on-time, high-quality delivery by establishing and monitoring KPIsMaintain transparency into budgets, optimize deployment of resources and identify areas of improvement / productivity.

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive talent strategy for succession planning, targeted upskilling, top talent retention, attrition management and leadership development.

  • Exemplify a culture of inclusiveness through collaboration, feedback, recognition and ensuring diverse perspectives are valued.

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Essential Requirements

• >15 years of relevant experience including 5+ years of experience managing teams (experience of leading people managers preferred)

• Strong understanding of the S&G operating model including priorities of different teams

• Demonstrated expertise in forecasting techniques, modeling, assumption building, and hands-on experience in assessing, challenging, and renovating forecasting approaches.

• Proven ability to manage complex delivery portfolios, including prioritization, resource allocation, risk mitigation, making process improvements and bringing innovation.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills (including working with a matrix and geographically dispersed environment)

• Curious and unbossed leadership mindset. 

• Education

• Minimum: University degree and MBA or professional qualification in related field, e.g., business, life sciences, analytics

• Prior experience in analytics, forecasting for complex quantitative and qualitative data analysis is desirable

• Languages

• Fluent spoken and written English

Skills Desired

Agility, Agility, Brand Analysis, Brand Awareness, Commercial Excellence, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Customer Engagement, Customer Experience, Customer Insights, Data Strategy, Digital Marketing, Go-To-Market Strategy, Healthcare Needs, healthcare outcomes, Influencing Skills, Inspirational Leadership, launch products, Marketing Strategy, Media Campaigns, People Management, Product Marketing, Product Roadmap, Return on Investment (ROI), Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management {+ 2 more}

Experience Level

Executive Level