Forecast Consultant

Description

Location: role can be based either London or North West  

About J+D Forecasting   

At J+D we work alongside Pharmaceutical Forecasters, Analysts, Business Insights Managers and Marketing Departments to create forecasting solutions that meet the needs of both individuals and pharmaceutical companies. Within the last couple of years, J+D has invested heavily in product development with strong support from our sales and marketing functions to reach some of the largest pharmaceutical and biotech companies in the world. The success of these initiatives has resulted in significant growth in both revenue and overall size of the business. Recently J+D Forecasting has been bought by Evaluate, a Norstella company, which will bring many benefits for J+D and our customers, as well as allowing us to further accelerate the growth of our forecasting capabilities.   

Why Norstella? Norstella unites market-leading companies that all have a shared goal of improving patient access. Each organization (Evaluate, MMIT, Panalgo, The Dedham Group) delivers must-have answers for critical strategic and commercial decision-making.     

Together, we help our clients:    

•        Assess the market need and competitive landscape 
•        Know precisely which drugs to prioritize in their portfolios 
•        Find out where the launch difficulties will be—before they’re difficulties 
•        Track and improve market access post-launch 

By combining the efforts of each organization under Norstella, we can offer an even wider breadth of expertise, cutting-edge data solutions and expert advisory services alongside advanced technologies such as real-world data, machine learning and predictive analytics.  At Norstella, we don’t just deliver information and insights. We deliver answers you can act on.    

SCOPE OF ROLE   

We are looking for an Forecast Consultant to be part of our Client Implementation Team here at J+D. You will be:    

• Working on forecasting solution implementation projects, you will be involved in project management, understanding client needs, design / review of solution scoping documents, analysis of data, solution testing and report writing, as and when required. You will play a key role in the delivery of our forecasting platform SaaS based solution, FC365.
• As an Implementation Consultant, you will be expected to work to tight deadlines and excellent writing, analysis, attention to detail, interpretation, communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• You will be expected to either be managing components of complex projects, or be responsible for the overall management of simple projects.
• You will personally be involved in project management, liaising with internal and external clients on an on-going basis. It is therefore essential that you are customer focused, responsive and proactive, with a commitment to the delivery of the highest quality of care and service. It will also be important that you are familiar with Excel and extremely comfortable reviewing, analysing and interpreting large volumes of numerical information.

What will you achieve within the first 12 months?   

• Become an integral member of the J+D team, being seen as a key contact on projects for clients and forming strong and productive working relationships across all key departments.
• Further develop your understanding of pharmaceutical forecasting.
• Successfully implement the core J+D forecasting solutions (FC365, custom models and FC+) across a range of pharmaceutical forecasting projects.
• Meaningful contribution to internal innovation, process and / or product development initiatives.

HOW YOU`LL SUCCEED   

• Managing components of projects, playing a significant role in complex projects and leading management of relatively simple projects, including supporting junior analysts
• Undertake interviews with senior stakeholders, and complete data audits, identify client requirements to scope and design the overall project.
• Develop / review solution scoping documents that provide the basis for the technical development and implementation of the solution
• Be a key link between the technical team and the client throughout the forecasting solution development process.
• Play a key role in ensuring high quality deliverables from project initiation to delivery, including testing.
• Support project implementation via training with key stakeholders in the client’s business
• Respond proactively to client requests and solve their ongoing short and long-term forecasting challenges.
• Provide forecasting specialised consultancy support by completing specific forecasting activities for customers, such as model population, scenario running, secondary data analysis, etc.
• Be involved in non-project specific activities, such as delivering forecasting training, managing FC+ solution, contributing significantly to internal company initiatives, etc.
• Support sales activity through identifying upsell opportunities within existing projects, drafting simple proposals and potentially supporting sales team in specific, pre-determined BD activities

WHAT IT TAKES   

• Relevant professional experience
• Scientific academic and / or data background
• Pharmaceutical industry knowledge
• Knowledge / application of forecasting techniques and/or forecasting cycles and/or business process requirements
• Commercial / consultancy experience
• Project management experience
• Proactive and able to work well both independently and as part of a team

WHAT WE OFFER YOU   

• Pension contribution of 6%
• Life Insurance
• Employee Wellness Assistance Program

The guiding principles for success at Norstella:     

01:  Bold, Passionate, Mission-First      

We have a lofty mission to Smooth Access to Life Saving Therapies and we will get there by being bold and passionate about the mission and our clients.  Our clients and the mission in what we are trying to accomplish must be in the forefront of our minds in everything we do.       

02:  Integrity, Truth, Reality     

We make promises that we can keep, and goals that push us to new heights.  Our integrity offers us the opportunity to learn and improve by being honest about what works and what doesn’t.  By being true to the data and producing realistic metrics, we are able to create plans and resources to achieve our goals.       

03:  Kindness, Empathy, Grace     

We will empathize with everyone's situation, provide positive and constructive feedback with kindness, and accept opportunities for improvement with grace and gratitude.  We use this principle across the organization to collaborate and build lines of open communication.       

04:  Resilience, Mettle, Perseverance     

We will persevere – even in difficult and challenging situations.  Our ability to recover from missteps and failures in a positive way will help us to be successful in our mission.     

05:  Humility, Gratitude, Learning     

We will be true learners by showing humility and gratitude in our work.  We recognize that the smartest person in the room is the one who is always listening, learning, and willing to shift their thinking.       

Equal Opportunities Statement    

Norstella is an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. Our ethos is to respect and value people’s differences, to help everyone achieve more at work as well as in their personal lives so that they feel proud of the part they play in our success. We believe that all decisions about people at work should be based on the individual’s abilities, skills, performance and behaviour and our business requirements. Norstella operates a zero tolerance policy to any form of discrimination, abuse or harassment. We know that sometimes the 'perfect candidate' doesn't exist, and that sometimes the best opportunities are hidden by self-doubt. We disqualify ourselves before we have the opportunity to be considered. Regardless of where you came from, how you identify, or the path that led you here, you are welcome. If you read this job description and feel engaged and excited, we’d love to see you apply.