Forecast manager
Also known as: forecast planning manager, analytic and forecasting manager, forecast and planning analyst, forecasting and analysis director, demand planning manager, forecast analyst
About this occupation
Forecast managers have a deep understanding of the operations of the company, the inventory levels, production batches, requirements and costs of production per product, and trends in the demand levels. They use all that information in combination with forecasting software in order to define production orders aiming for the most efficient production combinations.
A specialisation of supply chain manager.
Essential skills and knowledge
- forecast dividend trends
- analyse logistic changes
- follow company standards
- liaise with managers
- manage inventory
- maintain relationship with suppliers
- analyse supply chain trends
- analyse market financial trends
- order supplies
- supply chain management
- supplier management
- strive for company growth
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (O*NET 11-3071.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing, and shipping products or materials.
- Plan, develop, or implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities.
- Inspect physical conditions of warehouses, vehicle fleets, or equipment and order testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
- Plan, organize, or manage the work of subordinate staff to ensure that the work is accomplished in a manner consistent with organizational requirements.
- Collaborate with other departments to integrate logistics with business systems or processes, such as customer sales, order management, accounting, or shipping.
- Analyze all aspects of corporate logistics to determine the most cost-effective or efficient means of transporting products or supplies.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring, Coordination, Writing, Speaking
US median pay: US$107,230 a year (2025), 221,180 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.1)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.6)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Logisticians
- Logistics Analysts
- Logistics Engineers
- Supply Chain Managers
- General and Operations Managers
- Industrial Production Managers
- Facilities Managers
- Transportation Planners
- Purchasing Managers
- Project Management Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.