Lead Analyst, Ad Forecasting & Inventory Yield

About Roku and the Role

Roku is the leading TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, aiming to connect the global TV ecosystem by linking consumers, content publishers, and advertisers. As a fast-growing public company, Roku offers opportunities to impact millions of TV viewers worldwide and gain experience across various disciplines.

The Lead Analyst for Ads Forecasting & Inventory Yield functions as a key contributor and subject-matter expert within the forecasting and yield team. This role is focused on maximizing profitable advertising revenue across Roku's AVOD platform through deep analytics, strategic leadership, and hands-on execution. The position reports to the Senior Manager of Ad Forecasting & Inventory Yield within Revenue Operations and is based in New York City, operating on a hybrid schedule (Monday to Thursday in-office, Friday remote).

Primary Responsibilities

• Be the main direct responsible individual for comprehensive forecast reporting—covering demand, supply, and yield metrics—with insights into revenue, gross profit, fill rates, and other critical KPIs for the Roku ads ecosystem.
• Manage global demand forecasts and in-quarter revenue pacing, developing tools for scenario planning, performance tracking, and executive-level decision support.
• Create and sustain analytical models to evaluate forecasting accuracy, detect discrepancies, assess risks and opportunities, and influence strategic direction.
• Lead regular cross-departmental meetings with Revenue Operations, Finance, and Product teams to convert forecasting data into pricing and yield optimization strategies.
• Identify and drive initiatives that improve monetization and enhance gross profitability.
• Establish standardized metrics and consolidate reporting for clear insights into inventory, yield, and product health for Revenue Operations and leadership.
• Oversee the development roadmap of the team's dashboards, prioritizing improvements, reducing technical debt, and promoting automation; delegate tasks to junior team members.
• Take ownership of specific ad products and system processes linked to monetization and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Business Automation, Data Engineering, and Product groups to align reporting needs with data infrastructure; champion cross-functional projects to address gaps.
• Lead presentations to senior leadership connecting analytics to broader business strategies.
• Provide ad hoc analytical support for new ad unit exploration and related business development efforts.

Qualifications and Experience

• 7 to 10+ years in digital advertising, streaming/CTV, or related fields specializing in inventory, yield, forecasting, revenue operations, or business analytics.
• Proven success partnering with senior leaders (Directors, VPs, Executives) in high-growth media/technology or streaming contexts.
• Experience managing complex projects from inception through implementation with minimal supervision.
• Skilled in mentoring junior analysts and effectively assigning work responsibilities.

Technical and Domain Expertise

• Advanced proficiency in SQL, data visualization, Excel modeling, and crafting executive presentations.
• Deep familiarity with digital ad serving platforms, industry standards, programmatic buying and selling, and auction mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of monetization strategies including pricing floors, packaging, and supply-demand balancing with influence on product roadmaps.
• Excellent skills in Excel for advanced formulas, modeling, and scenario analysis, alongside PowerPoint for high-level storytelling.
• Experience with business intelligence tools such as Looker or Tableau to build dashboards and automate analytics processes.

Key Personal Attributes

• Clear, concise, and solution-focused communication capable of confidently presenting complex analyses to executive audiences.
• Exceptional project management, capable of handling multiple large-scale initiatives independently and keeping leadership informed.
• Autonomous decision-making with the ability to build consensus and gain stakeholder alignment prior to execution.
• Recognized organizational expert in specific skill areas.
• Self-driven and results-focused, emphasizing measurable impact and practical execution.
• Collaborative and positive, fostering strong cross-team partnerships without political bias.

Work Environment and Benefits

The role functions primarily on-site Monday through Thursday with flexible remote work on Fridays. Roku provides a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage options, equity, life and disability insurance, parental leave, wellness programs, and paid time off, subject to location eligibility.

Roku values diversity, inclusivity, and offers reasonable accommodations during the hiring process.

Additional Information

Salary for this New York-based position ranges from $150,000 to $170,000 annually, determined by candidate skills, certifications, and geography. Roku maintains a culture centered on collaboration, independence, humility, innovation, and focus on company success.