Forecasting Head

<p style="text-align:left"><b>Job Description Summary</b></p>To lead the Forecasting function within FI&amp;A, S&amp;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&amp;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&amp;G and FI&amp;A objectives.<p style="text-align:inherit"><br /> </p><p style="text-align:left"><b>Job Description</b></p><p><b>Major accountabilities: </b></p><ul><li><p><b>Overall responsibility:</b></p><ul><li><p>Set and communicate a compelling long-term vision for the forecasting function, aligning team objectives with S&amp;G strategy.</p></li><li><p>Lead Hyderabad based Forecasting team to deliver best-in-class, end-to-end forecasting support across S&amp;G (TAs and FCE teams), with functional and technical expertise.</p></li><li><p>Be the primary POC for forecasting queries for Novartis stakeholders.</p></li><li><p>Drive thought leadership in forecasting, together with key stakeholders, to create scale and tangible impact</p><ul><li><p>Proactively assess the overall evolving support needs and adapt as needed.</p></li><li><p>Encourage a culture of innovation. Promote the adoption, and implementation of latest forecasting best practices, tools, and process standardizations to ensure exceptional quality.</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Lead team through organizational change, fostering agility and resilience within the team during periods of uncertainty or transition.</p></li><li><p>Represent Forecasting in FIA leadership team and support FI&amp;A head in building a highly collaborative Forecasting, Insights &amp; Analytics group.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><b>Team leadership (direct reports – 4-5 at level 5 and indirect reports ~40 level 3-4):</b></p><ul><li><p>Lead a medium sized team of 40 associates, including management of managers</p></li><li><p>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</p><ul><li><p>Manage project and resource planning to support the teams in their forecasting needs</p></li><li><p>Ensure on-time, high-quality delivery by establishing and monitoring KPIsMaintain transparency into budgets, optimize deployment of resources and identify areas of improvement / productivity.</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Develop and execute a comprehensive talent strategy for succession planning, targeted upskilling, top talent retention, attrition management and leadership development.</p></li><li><p>Exemplify a culture of inclusiveness through collaboration, feedback, recognition and ensuring diverse perspectives are valued.</p></li><li><p>undefined</p></li></ul></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Essential Requirements</b></p><ul><li><p>&gt;15 years of relevant experience including 5&#43; years of experience managing teams (experience of leading people managers preferred)</p></li><li><p>Strong understanding of the S&amp;G operating model including priorities of different teams</p></li><li><p>Demonstrated expertise in forecasting techniques, modeling, assumption building, and hands-on experience in assessing, challenging, and renovating forecasting approaches.</p></li><li><p>Proven ability to manage complex delivery portfolios, including prioritization, resource allocation, risk mitigation, making process improvements and bringing innovation.</p></li><li><p>Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills (including working with a matrix and geographically dispersed environment)</p></li><li><p>Curious and unbossed leadership mindset. </p><p></p></li><li><p><b>Education</b></p></li><li><p>Minimum: University degree and MBA or professional qualification in related field, e.g., business, life sciences, analytics</p></li><li><p>Prior experience in analytics, forecasting for complex quantitative and qualitative data analysis is desirable</p><p></p></li><li><p><b>Languages</b></p></li><li><p>Fluent spoken and written English</p></li></ul><p style="text-align:inherit"><br /> </p><p style="text-align:left"><b>Skills Desired</b></p>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}