Associate Director, Early/Portfolio

Role Summary

The Associate Director, Forecasting, Early Portfolio Analytics, plays a critical role within Worldwide Commercial Excellence by independently developing, maintaining, and delivering forecasts for one or more therapeutic areas. This role is responsible for generating high-quality, objective forecasts that inform brand strategy, enterprise planning cycles, and cross-functional decision-making. The Associate Director integrates insight streams (market research, competitive intelligence, chart audits), ensures assumptions are transparent and evidence-based, and collaborates closely with Finance, MAx, Commercial, and Worldwide partners. At this level, the role focuses on hands-on model execution, rigorous quality control, and the application of AI-first forecasting tools through calibration and structured improvements. This position is ideal for an analytically strong, intellectually curious forecasting professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is excited to apply AI-enabled forecasting methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead the end-to-end forecasting process for assigned brands or therapeutic areas, delivering accurate, objective output grounded in transparent assumptions.
• Integrate insights from market research, competitive intelligence, and chart audits to strengthen assumptions and contextualize forecast outcomes.
• Support short-term (1- and 3-year) and long-range (10-year) forecasting cycles with structured, analytically rigorous projections.
• Translate complex business questions into structured forecasting analyses and scenario plans.
• Develop, maintain, and execute AI-first forecasting models (Excel-based, algorithmic, or data-enabled), ensuring calibration, documentation, and alignment with enterprise standards.
• Conduct scenario analyses and sensitivity assessments to highlight drivers of uncertainty and enable strategic discussions.
• Provide feedback to Forecasting Transformation, Data Science, and BI&T teams to improve forecasting logic, data pipelines, and assumption structures.
• Ensure consistency in forecasting logic across therapeutic areas and planning cycles to support broader enterprise alignment.
• Partner with Finance, MAx, Commercial, Pricing, Medical, and Worldwide teams to align assumptions and ensure a unified forecasting narrative.
• Participate in cross-functional reviews to explain forecast drivers, risks, and opportunities, providing an unbiased point of view.
• Ensure forecasts reflect real-time market dynamics, competitive signals, customer behavior, access changes, and operational considerations.
• Support enterprise planning cycles (P-cycles, Budget, LTFP) by providing timely and accurate inputs.
• Maintain rigorous quality control across datasets, assumptions, model logic, and outputs.
• Ensure transparency, audit readiness, and reproducibility of forecasting deliverables through strong documentation and consistent structure.
• Identify opportunities to streamline tools, templates, and processes to enhance clarity and efficiency.
• Support adherence to standardized forecasting practices and enterprise model-risk guidelines.
• Partner with Data Science, BI&T, and Forecasting Transformation teams to assist with model calibration, testing of new model components, and alignment with existing methodologies.
• Contribute to capability building by sharing best practices, structured approaches, and high-quality forecasting principles with peers.
• Provide informal mentorship and day-to-day guidance to analysts and senior analysts, supporting capability development within the forecasting community.
• Model structured thinking, data integrity, intellectual curiosity, and an enterprise-minded approach to decision support.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships and contribute to a culture of transparency, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical forecasting, commercial analytics, or related quantitative fields.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proficiency in forecasting methodologies, scenario modeling, and use of pharmaceutical secondary data (e.g., IQVIA, Symphony).
• Experience developing or using Excel-based, algorithmic, or AI-enabled forecast models.
• Familiarity with Python or comparable analytical tools to support model calibration or analytical enhancements (preferred, not required).
• Strong ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and data-storytelling skills, with the ability to present clearly to cross-functional partners.
• Ability to operate in a dynamic environment, manage ambiguity, and apply structured problem-solving.
• Demonstrated commitment to rigorous quality control, model accuracy, and methodological transparency.
• Intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and enthusiasm for embedding AI-first thinking into forecasting capabilities.