Commercial Forecasting & Analytics Lead

About the role

GSK is looking for a leader of its Commercial Forecasting & Analytics department in Japan. The role leads a team of forecasting, integrated demand planning and analytics professionals, shapes forecasting strategy and gives executives robust forecasts, market insights and scenario-based recommendations. It works closely with Commercial, Finance, Medical and Market Access, and builds team capability and a data-driven culture.

Key responsibilities

• Lead Japan's commercial forecasting and demand planning across the portfolio, including innovative medicines, vaccines, new launches and established products.
• Develop, challenge and refine commercial assumptions with Business Unit leaders and Finance, turning them into forecasts, scenarios and recommendations.
• Analyze variance between actual and forecast and tune predictive models to keep accuracy high.
• Manage a team of data analysts, data scientists and business planners, including performance evaluations and capability building.
• Convert forecasts and scenarios into demand plans that balance commercial ambition with supply feasibility, product availability and inventory risk.
• Own Japan's forecast submission process and represent Japan in regional demand discussions.

Required profile

• 10+ years in commercial (sales/marketing), business analytics/intelligence or business planning in pharma (Rx/ethical drugs) or FMCG.
• At least 4 years leading and managing a team of specialized professionals.
• University degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Business, Economics or Finance, or equivalent practical experience.
• Good written and verbal English; bilingual Japanese/English preferred.
• Legal right to work in Japan.

Required skills

• Statistical modelling and simulation, sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis.
• Demand planning, S&OP / IBP, supply planning and MRP.
• Preferred: understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, commercial excellence, advanced analytics and machine learning concepts, and experience with pharmaceutical/medical data sources.