Assortment and Financial Planning Senior Manager at Mars, Incorporated in Bentonville, Arkansas

Job Description:

Job Description:

We are seeking a visionary and results-oriented FP&A + Demand Planning Senior Manager to support our Walmart account with a focus on balancing immediate financial deliverables and building foundations for future growth. This strategic role is essential to aligning financial planning with demand forecasting, driving mutual value for MARS and Walmart through rigorous financial oversight, proactive demand planning, and impactful storytelling. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned professional with deep expertise in Walmart's operations, a strategic mindset in finance and demand planning, and a refined ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate across teams and stakeholders.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field; MBA preferred.


• Minimum of 5 years in FP&A, demand planning, or a related role, ideally with experience supporting large retail accounts like Walmart.


• Proficiency in financial modeling and advanced Excel skills; familiarity with S&OP and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle). Experience with digital automation or BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is highly valued.


• Exceptional interpersonal and storytelling abilities, category management with a track record of delivering compelling, data-driven presentations to diverse audiences.


• Advanced analytical capabilities with a strategic mindset and a proven ability to drive data-driven decision-making.


• Demonstrated ability to lead change, solve complex problems, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Assortment and Category Management:

• 
  Develop and Implement Strategies: Optimize product mix and inventory levels to meet market demands in plan year and forward-looking line reviews.


• 
  Category Leadership: Lead, organize, and control category management strategies and activities. Work closely with customer management to ensure alignment and execution against category and brand strategies.


• 
  Internal Support: Provide internal category management support for the sales team to enhance product offerings and sales strategies.

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• 
  Conduct Financial Analysis: Support business decisions and drive profitability through detailed financial planning and analysis.


• 
  Annual Forecasting and Scenario Planning: Lead annual forecasting and scenario planning to guide strategic decision-making.


• 
  Business Reviews: Conduct business reviews to assess performance and identify growth opportunities.


• 
  AOP Delivery: Spearhead the development and delivery of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), encompassing the Account Review Process and ensuring alignment with strategic and financial objectives. Partner closely with finance teams to set ambitious yet achievable financial targets, allocate resources effectively, and continuously monitor performance metrics to ensure accountability and agility in meeting AOP goals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• 
  Collaborate with Teams: Work with merchandising, supply chain, and finance teams to align assortment plans with financial goals.


• 
  Customer Engagement: Direct and oversee category management joint-working projects with key customers to ensure strategic alignment.


• 
  Strategic Influence: Build and sustain strategic partnerships with sales managers, activation teams, and internal category insight teams. Lead cross-functional efforts to maintain consistent, strategically aligned communications across campaigns and initiatives.

Data Management and Insights:

• 
  Produce High-Quality Financial Information: Manage systems and processes to produce high-quality financial data and derive critical insights.


• 
  Market Analysis: Provide forward-looking financial insights on market conditions, competitors, and alternative business scenarios.


• 
  Performance Metrics: Analyze sales data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.


• 
  Digital Automation and Reporting: Lead digital integration initiatives, implementing real-time, automated reporting solutions that provide actionable insights and streamline decision-making.

Process Improvement and Standardization:

• 
  Create Tools and Standardize Processes: Develop tools and standardize processes to improve efficiency across all desks and handle ad hoc requests effectively.


• 
  Enhance Data Quality: Improve the quality of internal and external financial data to drive business decision-making and performance.


• 
  Finance Business Partnering: Advise and support the business in areas related to future state financial performance, including finance consulting and coaching.


• 
  Trade Budget Efficiency: Monitor and enhance the efficiency of trade budgets, driving optimal resource allocation and performance. Develop and leverage performance metrics to continuously monitor and enhance the effectiveness of trade budget investments.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.


• Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.


• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.


• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus

#LI-KR4

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.