Lead Central Forecasting

Lead Central Forecasting

(Full-time, 38 hours per week)

Are you an analytical and collaborative forecasting expert who brings structure to complex planning challenges? As Lead Central Forecasting, you will help build a central forecasting capability within Action. You will develop and enhance our demand forecasting, demand planning, and S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) processes, enabling Commercial, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to make better decisions based on a single, shared set of insights.

This is your daily action

In this role, you are the subject matter owner of our central forecasting approach. You will design and implement a standardized framework, connect existing forecasting activities, and ensure transparent processes, reliable insights, and clear decision-making.

• Establish and continuously improve a centralized demand forecasting and demand planning process as the foundation for commercial and supply planning decision-making.
• Deliver reliable volume forecasts for the logistics network, including distribution center, transportation, and store volumes, to support capacity and resource planning.
• Develop and roll out a structured S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) process with clear governance, KPIs, and planning cadence.
• Improve forecast accuracy, reduce forecast bias, and enhance the quality of demand signals.
• Translate commercial strategy, category input, promotions, and market developments into actionable forecasts.
• Standardize forecasting templates, reporting, and ways of working.
• Actively contribute to the selection, implementation, and optimization of forecasting tools, systems, and data models.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between Commerce, Planning, Supply Chain, and Finance.

Meet your team

You will be part of the Planning department and report to the Manager Tactical Planning. From this central position, you will work closely with colleagues across Commerce, Supply Chain, Buying, and Finance, as well as a team of Data Scientists and Analysts. While you will not have direct people management responsibilities, you will take the functional lead and act as the subject matter expert in forecasting and planning-related projects.

This is you

You combine strong analytical capabilities with a pragmatic, hands-on approach. You are able to turn complex information into clear recommendations, collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, and bring people along in change initiatives, even without formal authority.

In addition, you have:

• A completed Bachelor's or Master's degree in Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 6 years of experience in forecasting, demand planning, supply chain planning, or S&OP, preferably within a retail environment.
• Proven experience in designing, improving, or transforming forecasting and/or S&OP processes.
• Strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of advanced statistical forecasting models.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills in English.

What we offer

Surprisingly much! From our international headquarters in the Netherlands you have an impact on what happens in our stores across Europe. We welcome more than 15 million customers every week in more than 3,000 stores in 14 European countries. We have great growth ambitions. For Action and for you. Because our growth means that you can always take new steps. A different position, an interesting innovation project, new skills: you can continue to develop as a professional. And all this in a culture where our shared values are truly lived: customer focus, teamwork, simplicity, discipline, cost conscious and respect.

Did you know that you can also count on us for:

• A market-based salary based on a 38-hour work week
• An annual bonus between 12,5 and 25% based on company and personal performance
• 24 days of holiday and the option to buy 5 extra days (based on 38 hours per week)
• Flexible working hours  and the possibility of working up to 40% from home, of course in coordination with your team and manager
• 15% staff discount on your purchases at Action 
• A good pension scheme, collective health insurance and a lease car or mobility allowance (Zwaagdijk-Oost is traffic jam-free and only 30 minutes by car from Amsterdam)

How we contribute to society

If you only know Action from the stores, a world will open up for you when you come and work with us. We work hard to make a positive impact on society and the environment. Did you know, for example, that we sponsor more than 2,500 children worldwide who grow up in an SOS Children's Village? That our team reflects the diversity of our customers, including 155 different nationalities? That we purchase 94% of our wood products and 100% of our cotton sustainably? And that almost all our stores only use energy-efficient LED lighting? Yes, that is also Action. Curious about what other initiatives we’re facilitating? Join our team and find out for yourself.

Interested?

We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we warmly invite anyone who recognises themselves in the vacancy to apply. So take action and respond to this vacancy now!

What happens next:

1. Response to your application within 14 days (and usually earlier)
2. First meeting with the manager and a colleague
3. Online assessment to get to know you better
4. Second interview with your recruiter, among others
5. Welcome to Action…

Throughout the process, your recruiter is your permanent point of contact and is available to answer any questions you may have.

Integrity is very important to us. Pre-employment screening is therefore part of the process for this vacancy. Ask your recruiter for more information.