Role Overview

The Business Planning & Forecast Manager at Lyft is a pivotal strategic role at the intersection of finance, operations, and business strategy. Reporting to the Global Planning leadership, you'll own end-to-end forecasting processes that ensure Lyft has the optimal staffing and resources to meet surging demand across global markets. Based in vibrant Toronto, Canada, this position demands a blend of analytical rigor, strategic foresight, and executive communication skills.

In this role, you'll develop sophisticated models that translate market trends, driver supply, rider demand, and operational metrics into actionable staffing plans. Your forecasts will directly impact Lyft's ability to scale efficiently, optimize costs, and deliver exceptional service. Expect to collaborate with C-suite executives, operations directors, and finance teams to balance growth ambitions with fiscal responsibility. With Lyft's commitment to innovation and inclusion, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment where your insights shape the future of urban mobility.

This is not just a planning job—it's a leadership opportunity to drive business outcomes in a high-growth tech company. Ideal candidates bring 6+ years of experience from management consulting, investment banking, strategic finance, or FP&A, coupled with proven expertise in workforce management tools like Verint and NiCE.

Key Responsibilities

As Business Planning & Forecast Manager, your impact will be immediate and far-reaching. Here's what you'll do daily:

• Lead comprehensive forecasting and capacity planning for Lyft's global operations, owning models that guide multi-million dollar resource decisions.
• Build advanced financial and operational models connecting key business drivers—like rider demand and driver availability—to staffing needs and budget forecasts.
• Collaborate with senior leaders in operations and finance to craft scenarios optimizing service levels, cost efficiency, and aggressive growth targets.
• Orchestrate quarterly and annual planning cycles, integrating diverse stakeholder inputs into unified, data-backed strategic plans.
• Deliver compelling presentations to executive leadership, translating complex analyses into clear recommendations that drive company-wide decisions.
• Champion forecast accuracy improvements by leveraging data analytics, machine learning insights, and process optimizations.
• Develop short-, mid-, and long-term staffing strategies ensuring the right talent is available at peak demand times.
• Analyze operational trends, identify risks, and recommend proactive adjustments to capacity plans.
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, operations, and product teams to align resources with evolving business priorities.
• Monitor KPIs such as forecast variance, utilization rates, and cost per trip to refine planning methodologies.
• Implement BI tools and SQL queries to automate reporting and enhance decision-making speed.
• Support M&A activities and market expansions with robust capacity forecasting.
• Foster a culture of data-driven planning across the Global Planning team.

These responsibilities position you as a trusted advisor to Lyft's top executives, with direct influence on profitability and scalability.

Qualifications

To succeed in this demanding role, you need:

• 6+ years in high-stakes environments like management consulting (McKinsey, BCG), investment banking (Goldman Sachs, RBC), strategic finance, demand planning, or corporate FP&A.
• Elite financial modeling skills, proficient in handling ambiguous, large-scale datasets with Excel mastery and SQL expertise.
• Executive presence: Proven ability to present intricate forecasts to C-level audiences with clarity and confidence.
• Self-starter track record: End-to-end project ownership from ideation to execution.
• Direct experience modeling operational metrics (e.g., supply-demand balance) to financial P&L impacts.
• Bachelor's degree minimum; MBA from a top program (Rotman, Ivey, Harvard) highly preferred.
• Technical toolkit: Advanced Excel (VBA/macros), SQL, BI platforms (Tableau, Looker), WFM systems (Verint, NICE).
• Strategic agility: Seamlessly toggle between granular data dives and high-level strategy.
• Resilience in fast-paced settings with ambiguous priorities and tight deadlines.
• Bonus: Experience in rideshare, logistics, or tech scale-ups; Python/R for advanced analytics.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive compensation for Business Planning & Forecast Manager roles at Lyft in Toronto ranges from $140,000 - $180,000 USD base annually, plus performance bonuses, equity, and comprehensive perks. Lyft's total rewards package includes:

• Extended health, dental, vision coverage.
• Life insurance, short/long-term disability.
• Mental health programs and counseling.
• Family-building support (IVF, adoption).
• Childcare subsidies and pet insurance.
• Lyft-funded Health Savings Account.
• RRSP matching for retirement.
• Unlimited PTO for salaried (with approval); 15+ days for hourly.
• 18 weeks paid parental leave.
• Professional growth stipends, stock options.

This package supports your well-being while you drive Lyft's success.

Why Join Lyft?

Lyft isn't just a rideshare company—it's a mission-driven organization connecting communities and creating economic opportunities. In Toronto, our office buzzes with innovation, diversity, and impact. As a Business Planning & Forecast Manager, you'll:

• Work on global scale: Influence operations across North America and beyond.
• Grow your career: Fast-track to director-level roles with executive visibility.
• Thrive in culture: Inclusive environment prioritizing belonging, flexibility, and unlimited PTO.
• Make real impact: Your forecasts enable seamless rides for millions, powering sustainable growth.
• Enjoy Toronto perks: Vibrant city life, tech hub networking, and Lyft commuter benefits.

Lyft's commitment to DEI, employee wellness, and innovation makes it the ideal place for ambitious planners.

How to Apply

Ready to shape Lyft's future? Submit your resume, cover letter highlighting forecasting wins, and LinkedIn profile via our careers portal. We're hiring now—interviews include case studies on capacity modeling and exec presentations. Toronto-based candidates preferred; relocation support available. Join us and drive the future of mobility!