Senior Manager, Forecasting Center of Excellence

As a Senior Manager in the Forecasting Center of Excellence at AbbVie, your responsibilities include automating forecasting processes, leading cross-functional meetings for continuous improvement, creating KPI tracking tools, and developing a dynamic data repository for brand forecasters. You will also create onboarding materials and enhance training programs while coordinating with leadership to ensure timely and accurate forecasting submissions.

AbbVie requires candidates for the Senior Manager position in the Forecasting Center of Excellence to have 7-10 years of progressive finance or accounting experience, a Bachelor’s Degree in relevant fields such as Accounting/Finance or Engineering, and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Strong analytical and interpersonal skills are critical for success in this role, ensuring effective collaboration across different functions.

To thrive as a Senior Manager in the Forecasting Center of Excellence at AbbVie, candidates should possess strong analytical skills, exceptional interpersonal abilities, advanced proficiency in Excel, and the capability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to collaborate effectively are also key to succeeding in this role.

AbbVie is committed to continuous improvement in forecasting through various initiatives led by the Senior Manager in the Forecasting Center of Excellence. Responsibilities include running cross-functional meetings to assess progress, implementing standard health checks against benchmarks, and utilizing dynamic KPIs to track improvement efforts effectively.

The onboarding process for the Senior Manager position in the Forecasting Center of Excellence at AbbVie includes creating standard onboarding materials and implementing various training programs aimed at enhancing the overall forecasting experience for new team members while setting the stage for their success in this impactful role.

When answering this question, it's essential to provide specific examples of your past experiences leading teams across various functions. Describe the nature of the projects, the challenges faced, and how you facilitated collaboration among team members to achieve successful outcomes. Show your ability to manage different perspectives and align goals toward shared objectives.

To effectively address this question, discuss your methodology for identifying which forecasting processes can be automated. Include examples of tools and technologies you’ve utilized, particularly focusing on how automation improved accuracy and efficiency. Make sure to emphasize your collaboration with stakeholders to ensure alignment during implementation.

In your response, outline your approach to defining relevant KPIs that align with business goals. Explain the importance of setting benchmarks and how you iterate on improvement processes. Discuss any tools or software you use to visualize and report on KPIs, ensuring you demonstrate an understanding of how this can drive actionable insights.

When answering this, share a specific instance where you identified a gap in the forecasting process and how you created a best practice initiative. Discuss the steps you took to collaborate with your team and measure the outcomes. Highlight your ability to overcome resistance and the positive impact of the new practice.

To answer this question, explain your organizational strategies and tools you utilize for managing your workload. Emphasize your ability to delegate tasks when appropriate and how you adjust priorities based on shifting business needs, while still ensuring timely execution of critical projects.

Express your systematic approach to data analysis, such as the methodologies you apply to synthesize information from various sources. Discuss your experience with data visualization tools and how you communicate insights effectively to stakeholders. It's important to convey your attention to detail and your analytical mindset.

Use the STAR method to describe a specific situation you faced, the task you needed to accomplish, the action you took, and the result achieved. This structure helps to clearly articulate the complexity of the problem and your strategic thinking in addressing it, showcasing your problem-solving abilities.

Discuss your experience in reviewing forecasting models with teams to ensure that assumptions are documented clearly and consistently. Provide examples of how you have standardized frameworks or processes that foster consistency, and highlight the importance of delivering accurate outputs for decision-making.

When answering, mention specific systems or software that you have found effective in forecasting roles, such as advanced Excel functions, business intelligence software, or specific ERP systems. Discuss how you leverage these tools to enhance data analysis and forecasting processes.

In your response, stress the importance of open communication and a culture of feedback within teams. Share strategies you employ to offer constructive feedback and how you utilize assessments to develop team members, ensuring that performance discussions are seen as opportunities for growth.