Supply Chain Vendor Forecast Analyst

In this role, you will be responsible for improving forecast accuracy across PTZ and Stock Held products by monitoring performance, identifying trends and anomalies, and addressing root causes of variance. You will enhance supplier visibility through reliable forecast insights, challenge and refine ordering logic, and drive data-led system improvements. Using strong analytical and coding skills, you will work with large datasets to generate insights, support automation, and deliver clear reporting. You will also work closely with internal teams and suppliers to resolve queries, share insights, and ensure effective collaboration and continuous improvement, while maintaining compliance with forecasting standards and GSCOP requirements.

Your New Role:

• Forecast Review & Monitoring
  • Review forecast outputs for PTZ and Stock Held articles on an ongoing basis.
  • Spot and investigate trends, anomalies, and outliers in forecast and ordering behaviour.
  • Assess forecast performance with the goal of improving SMAPE accuracy.
• Supplier Visibility (VFA)
  • Use forecast insights to help improve the quality and reliability of information suppliers see via VFA.
  • Identify forecast issues that may reduce supplier confidence or operational planning effectiveness.
• System & Logic Improvement
  • Review and challenge DC ordering logic and related forecasting rules.
  • Recommend and support system changes based on evidence from forecast performance and data analysis.
  • Ensure recommended changes are measurable and aligned with improving forecast accuracy.
• PTZ Supplier Focus
  • Review and optimise ordering and forecast drivers impacting PTZ suppliers.
  • Analyse store-level forecast patterns and their impact on DC and replenishment decisions.
• Compliance & Standards
  • Apply knowledge of industry standards for forecasting practices.
  • Ensure forecast approaches and improvements support GSCOP compliance for forecast accuracy.
• Data Handling & Coding
  • Work with large volumes of data to perform analysis, reconciliation, and validation.
  • Use coding skills to automate checks, generate insights, and improve reporting/analysis efficiency.
  • Maintain clear documentation of analysis methods, findings, and recommended actions.
• Queries and Internal Stakeholder Engagement
  • Resolve supplier & internal queries: Investigate forecast-related exceptions, provide clear, evidence-based answers, and identify recurring root causes (PTZ and Stock Held focus).
  • Improve feedback methods & training: Enhance how feedback is captured/escalated and create/troubleshoot training materials to support understanding and adoption of forecasting changes via VFA.
  • Deliver governance reporting: Produce regular reporting on forecast performance (SMAPE), trends/outliers, query themes, and the impact of system changes, ensuring continuous improvement.

What Success Looks Like

• Improved SMAPE accuracy through targeted analysis and effective system changes.
• Reduced frequency of forecast issues caused by incorrect logic or overlooked outliers.
• Increased supplier confidence through improved visibility and forecast reliability via VFA.
• Demonstrable compliance with GSCOP expectations for forecasting accuracy.

About you:

• Strong understanding of forecasting best practices and performance measurement (including SMAPE).
• Working knowledge of GSCOP compliance requirements related to forecast accuracy.
• Good understanding of PTZ, Stock Held, and end-to-end forecast/order logic (DC ordering and store-level forecasting).
• Coding ability to analyse large datasets and support automation (e.g., SQL and/or Python/R—specific tooling can be discussed).
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to make recommendations backed by evidence.
• Strong data analysis skills, including:
  • Trend and outlier detection
  • Root-cause analysis of forecast variance
  • Ability to link data patterns to system logic and business impact

What You’ll get in Return

• Salary starting from £48,225 rising to £52,930
• 12-month FTC
• Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, with the opportunity of 2 days a week remote working (changing to 1 day a week remote working from January 2027)
• 5 weeks’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• In office flexi-time
• Full training provided
• Pension scheme
• Private employee medical insurance after 4 years
• Company sick pay scheme
• Company maternity, paternity and adoption pay after 1 year
• Long service rewards
• Access to MyBenefits, where you can find a wide range of benefits, including our bike to work scheme, shopping and cinema discounts, health cash plan, a FREE will, travel and discounted gym memberships, as well as a host of benefits to support your financial and wellbeing needs
• Access to a free, 24/7, confidential virtual GP service for all Aldi Colleagues and their children (under the age of 16)

You’ll need to live within 90 minutes of your main working location.

Please be aware that this role does not fulfil the requirements for visa sponsorship.

Aldi is an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and are dedicated to promoting a culture of inclusion, providing an environment in which collaboration, respect and fairness are essential. We value diversity and are dedicated to treating all of our colleagues and prospective colleagues fairly and with respect.

If you’re looking for a career that gives you more, apply today!