Full Job Description
Cengage is seeking a highly analytical and strategic Forecasting & Planning Analyst. This role supports revenue growth through sophisticated forecasting, territory optimization, and business insights powered by advanced technology. The ideal candidate has strong experience in sales analytics, forecasting methodologies, territory planning, and business intelligence, combined with a passion for applying AI and automation to revenue operations. Experience with tools like Gong, Excel, SFDC, ChatGPT, PBI, and ability to identify market trends, monitor sales performance, and provide role execution support for sales planning are valued skills.
This role involves close collaboration with Sales Management, Finance, and Central Analytics teams. It translates forecasting and planning data into actionable strategies and delivers performance insights that support business growth.
What you'll do here:
- Lead Sales Forecast Cadence. Monitor and interpret sophisticated data sets to identify trends, opportunities, and patterns that inform decision-making processes.
- Monitor and refine planning strategies. Assess sales targets and geographical regions models, capacity planning, coverage ratios, and efficiency assumptions. Provide data-driven recommendations to optimize territory design and align quotas, including support for mid-year adjustments. Partner closely with Finance and Sales leadership to ensure plans are equitable, executable, and aligned to revenue targets.
- Supporting the sales team. Partner with sales leadership and teams to refine strategies, improve execution, and support sales goal attainment.
- Owning planning & forecasting interlock with cross functional teams. Ensure that quota and territory plans are tightly connected to forecasting processes, enabling accurate performance tracking, risk identification, and scenario modeling.
- Leverage CRM and forecast data to ensure quality, consistency, and structure required for accurate sales reporting, benchmark measurement, and performance insights.
- Work with collaborators across departments to align sales initiatives, quotas, data definitions, and analytical methodologies with broader organizational objectives.
- Providing actionable insights. Deliver data-driven insights by translating sophisticated data into clear, compelling stories that highlight key performance drivers, business implications, and actionable recommendations to improve sales performance and drive business growth.
- Establish forecasting policy, documentation, and change-control processes; maintain a single source of truth.
- Find opportunities for process automation and operational efficiency using AI tools and workflow technologies.
Skills you will need here:
- 12+ years in sales forecasting, GTM planning, or business intelligence roles with growing scope and complexity.
- Expert proficiency in Excel, CRM platforms, Gong, and data visualization tools (e.g., PBI).
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex data into executive ready narratives.
- Strong collaborator management skills with experience influencing at the leadership level.
- Recognized as a subject matter expert in forecasting and sales planning practices.
- Certifications in analytics, program management, or CRM platforms are a plus.
- Familiarity with AI tools, predictive analytics, and generative AI applications.
Compensation
At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. Click here to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy.
The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.
In this position, you will be eligible to participate in the company's discretionary incentive bonus program. This position's bonus target amount, which is not guaranteed and is dependent on individual performance and overall company results among other factors, is provided below.
15% Annual: Individual Target
$88,600.00 - $115,200.00 USD