Forecasting and Costing Specialist (Troy, MI, US) at NSNA (Nippon Seiki America)

• Analyze weekly EDI demand data to understand trends, and impact to business forecast.  Support the development and preparation of weekly/monthly reporting to communicate business risks related to industry disruptions.
• Analyze monthly actual sales results; identifying trends, supporting the investigation of variance to the NSNA sales plan and projecting the impact to the NSNA business forecast. 
• Process/maintain weekly EDI and monthly actual sales data within the internal database and perform routine data validation.

• Conduct internal meetings with NSNA Business Unit Teams to review Sales Plan forecast data, communicate trends, variance to target sales and profitability.  Perform analysis of sales volume/revenue and market share to communicate trends to the Business Development Team. 

• Complete automotive market analysis and prepare internal reporting of industry trends related to vehicle production/sales, SAAR and OEM inventory.

• Drive continuous improvement within business forecast management processes through the definition and implementation of continuous improvement process activities.

• Convert Engineering BOMs into a standard sub-assembly structure to support the cost estimation process and develop/maintain the internal database of product cost information.

• Facilitate the cost estimation process for purchased components through collaboration with colleagues within NSNA Purchasing to obtain supplier cost information.  Document/maintain a catalog of purchased component costs within NSNA cost estimation database.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or Marketing or equivalent experience

Related Experience

• One year of automotive OEM/supplier experience in sales, marketing, business or development, with experience in the following areas:
  • Analysis of automotive vehicle market sales/production trends
  • Business forecast and/or budget planning
  • Preferred: Purchasing or cost estimation experience
  • Preferred: Experience working closely with Finance/Accounting colleagues
• Ability to analyze complex data and spreadsheets as well as ability to understand/predict market trends.
• Basic understanding of company budgets and financial forecasts.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• A detail-oriented individual with strong organizational skills.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with customers and multi-cultural teams.
• Computers skills and experience using MS Office and email/ internet software; including advanced MS Excel functions. Previous experience with database software preferred.

• Observation, understanding, and execution of applicable company ISO/TS/IATF certification standards related to the role and impact on the overall organization.

• Adaptation/Flexibility: Includes keeping an open mind regarding new ideas and ways of doing things. Willing to consider alternative interpretations or ways of looking at the situation. Demonstrating flexibility.
• Initiative/ Results Driven: Includes setting high standards of performance for self and others. Striving to accomplish goals even if it means personal sacrifice. Putting the goals of the organization above own goals.
• Judgment/ Decision Making: Includes making decisions and takes actions that have beneficial impact. Effectively evaluating information in order to come up with sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Resource Management: Includes setting clear objectives to guide action for self or others to accomplish goals. Organizing or adjusting information, people and materials to meet those goals.
• Team Work: Includes encouraging and supporting the ideas and effort of others. Finding ways to help the team or group perform effectively.

Up to 5% domestic.

If domestic travel is necessary, valid drivers’ license is required.