Forecasting Solutions Architect (Associate Director or Director)

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, Algorithms, Analytical and Problem solving, AWS, Data management, Data science techniques, Design, Effective communication skills, Forecasting, IT, Leadership Skill, Machine learning techniques, Microsoft-Excel, Python Programming, R Programming, SQL

Job Description

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Forecasting Solutions Architect to join an exceptional team that creates advanced analytical solutions to support decision-making in pharma development and portfolio strategy. This position will design an end-to-end forecasting platform, primarily for revenue with potential expansion to cost. The platform will support forecasting teams in building models, aggregating evidence, and consolidating data for in-line / pipeline, short- / long-term forecasts. This role will report to the Forecasting & Integration Lead. In addition, there will be multiple opportunities to collaborate on projects outside of forecasting within the broader DS/AI Portfolio & Development team, including development operations, pipeline, portfolio, and ecosystem solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Forecasting solution design:

• Develop robust, scalable forecasting models, incl. machine learning (ML) algorithms, and centralized data platforms.
• Model factors such as epidemiology, patient flow, competitive dynamics, pricing trends and loss of exclusivity.
• Stay informed about advancements in pharma forecasting methodologies and tools.

Collaboration:

• Engage key stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into technical specifications.
• Work with the Forecasting & Integration Lead to weigh tradeoffs in development such as time, quality, and cost.
• Work closely with data scientists and domain experts to ensure compatibility of forecasting solutions with other tools.
• Collaborate with the DS/AI Strategy and Process Design Lead to develop solution overviews.
• Collaborate with domain leads in the DS/AI Portfolio & Development team on select projects beyond forecasting.

Data analysis and modeling:

• Analyze forecast input data (incl. sales, epidemiology, competition) to assess quality and pre-processing needs.
• Develop ML models to support aggregation of forecasting assumptions while accounting for uncertainty.

Solution deployment:

• Lead the deployment of forecasting solutions, striving for seamless integration with existing systems.
• Collaborate with IT to optimize data pipelines and establish efficient data management practices.

Optimize forecasting performance:

• Continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of forecasting models, including validation of ML models.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the business impact of forecasting models, such as quality and efficiency.

Technical documentation:

• Document specifications (e.g., architecture, data flows, algorithms) to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
• Keep documentation up to date as solutions are optimized or expanded.

Qualifications & Experience

Education and experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Math, Bio Informatics, Operations Research or equivalent working experience in a highly analytical field
• 5+ years of experience working as a Solutions Architect or similar role, preferably focusing on pharma revenue forecasting for the Associate Director level
• 7+ years of experience working as a Solutions Architect or similar role, preferably focusing on pharma revenue forecasting for the Director level

Technical knowledge:

• Expertise in statistical analysis, machine learning, and data modeling
• In-depth experience using programming languages such Python, R, or similar
• Experience with spreadsheet models including Excel VBA, and preferably PyXLL
• Experience with data manipulation, analysis, and querying using SQL or similar
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS
• Preferably, experience with pharma forecasting techniques such as demand vs epi-based, baselining, event modeling
• Preferably, experience with time series analysis and simulation
• Preferably, experience with off-the-shelf forecasting platforms

Domain knowledge:

• Deep interest in the drug development and commercialization process
• Preferably, experience with pharmaceutical industry analytics including data sources, market research, sales data, or real-world data

Leadership and communication:

• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Preferably, prior experience managing or mentoring other developers

Analytical problem-solving:

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to weigh tradeoffs in solution development such as cost, time, quality and risk

Project management:

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver high-quality results within specified deadlines