Role Overview

The Business Planning & Forecast Manager at Lyft is a pivotal strategic position at the intersection of finance, operations, and business strategy. Reporting to the Global Planning leadership, you'll own end-to-end forecasting processes that inform multi-million dollar resource decisions. Your work ensures Lyft has the optimal staffing levels to meet rider demand while optimizing costs and supporting growth.

In this role, you'll develop sophisticated models linking operational metrics like driver supply, rider demand, and market trends to financial outcomes. Collaborating with cross-functional teams across operations, finance, product, and executive leadership, you'll create short-, mid-, and long-term plans that align resources with Lyft's ambitious objectives. This isn't just number-crunching—it's strategic influence that directly impacts Lyft's bottom line and service quality.

San Francisco-based, this position offers the chance to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your insights drive real-world impact. With Lyft's commitment to innovation and inclusion, you'll thrive in a culture that values bold thinking and collaboration.

Key challenges include navigating ambiguous datasets, balancing competing priorities like cost control and service levels, and presenting complex analyses to C-suite executives. Success metrics focus on forecast accuracy, planning cycle efficiency, and business outcomes from your recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• Own comprehensive forecasting and capacity planning for Lyft's global operations, delivering models that guide staffing and resource allocation worth millions.
• Build advanced financial and operational models that translate business drivers (demand patterns, market expansion) into precise staffing needs and budget forecasts.
• Partner closely with VP-level operations and finance leaders to craft scenarios optimizing service levels, cost efficiency, and scalable growth.
• Lead all quarterly and annual planning cycles, synthesizing diverse stakeholder inputs into actionable, cohesive strategies.
• Deliver high-impact presentations to executive leadership, translating data insights into compelling business recommendations.
• Continuously enhance forecast accuracy and planning processes using cutting-edge data analytics and process improvements.
• Develop multi-horizon staffing plans (short-term tactical, mid-term strategic, long-term visionary) perfectly aligned with corporate goals.
• Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, risks, and opportunities in rider demand and supply dynamics.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless execution of planning outputs across global teams.
• Monitor real-time performance metrics and pivot forecasts dynamically in response to market shifts.
• Influence key decisions on budget allocation, hiring waves, and operational scaling through evidence-based insights.
• Champion best practices in workforce management tools like Verint and NiCE for superior planning outcomes.
• Mentor junior planners while driving personal ownership of high-stakes projects from ideation to implementation.

Qualifications

To succeed as Lyft's Business Planning & Forecast Manager, you'll need:

• 6+ years in high-impact roles like management consulting (McKinsey, BCG), investment banking, strategic finance, demand planning, or corporate FP&A.
• Elite financial modeling prowess, thriving with messy, ambiguous data to produce crystal-clear insights.
• Executive-level communication skills—proven ability to distill complexity for senior stakeholders.
• Self-starter track record: owning projects end-to-end in ambiguous environments.
• Deep experience modeling operational-to-financial linkages (e.g., supply-demand to P&L impact).
• Bachelor's degree minimum; MBA from top program highly preferred.
• Expert-level Excel (VBA/macros) and SQL; bonus for BI (Tableau, Looker) and WFM tools (Verint, NiCE).
• Strategic agility: zoom from granular details to enterprise vision effortlessly.
• Resilience in hyper-dynamic settings with fluid priorities—Lyft moves fast.

Cultural fit is key: curiosity, ownership, and a passion for mobility innovation.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive total compensation for this senior role ranges from $165,000–$220,000 base salary, plus equity, bonuses, and comprehensive perks. Lyft's benefits package stands out:

• Top-tier medical, dental, vision with family coverage.
• Mental health support via Lyft's wellness programs.
• Family-building assistance including fertility benefits.
• Childcare subsidies and pet care perks.
• 401(k) with generous matching.
• Unlimited PTO for salaried + 12 holidays; 15 PTO days for hourly.
• 18 weeks parental leave for all parents.
• Commuter subsidies + Lyft Pink perks.
• Equity grants and professional growth stipends.

Why Join Lyft?

Lyft isn't just a rideshare company—it's reimagining urban mobility. As Business Planning & Forecast Manager, you'll shape how millions move daily. Our San Francisco HQ buzzes with mission-driven talent tackling real problems: reducing congestion, electrifying fleets, expanding access.

Work-life integration is real here: flexible hours, remote-friendly policies, and a culture of belonging. Lyft's DEI commitment means everyone thrives. Plus, exclusive Lyft Pink access lets you experience our product firsthand.

Grow your career with internal mobility, leadership tracks, and world-class L&D. Past planners have advanced to director roles, influencing Lyft's global expansion.

How to Apply

Ready to forecast Lyft's future? Submit your resume, cover letter highlighting modeling experience, and LinkedIn. Tell us: 'Describe a time your forecast drove major business impact.'

Interviews: 30-min recruiter chat, technical modeling test, stakeholder panels, exec round. We hire for potential and fit.

Lyft is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.