At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse data to optimise vending operations and enhance sales performance.
- Company: Join a growing team within Compass Group UK & Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a dynamic and supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on revenue and customer experience through data-driven decisions.
- Qualifications: Strong numeracy, advanced Excel skills, and analytical mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: East Kilbride/Scotland. Please note this is an office based role.
About the role
Excel is a leading vending operator, recently incorporated within a national network of businesses forming the Amplifi arm of Compass Group UK & Ireland. As a Retail Operations Analyst, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our vending operation. Working closely with the Operations and Finance teams, you’ll use data, planning and analysis to optimise machine visits, stock allocation and pricing — maximising sales while minimising vend‑outs and operational inefficiencies. This is a hands‑on, analytical role ideal for someone who enjoys working with numbers, spotting trends, and making data‑driven decisions that have a direct commercial impact.
Key responsibilities
- Review operator visit schedules to ensure routes are efficient and demand‑led
- Add or remove machine visits based on performance and telemetry data
- Analyse and adjust machine stock mix and planograms to maximise sales return
- Update planogram pricing and push agreed pricing changes to machines
- Review and approve operator stock requests, liaising with the warehouse team for picking
- Analyse operator stock takes and flag exceptions to the Operations Supervisor
- Monitor retail price exception dashboards, investigating discrepancies between systems and machine telemetry
- Provide holiday cover for other Operations Analysts when required
- Support wider finance and operational teams with ad‑hoc analysis and reporting
What we’re looking for
- Strong numeracy and analytical skills
- Advanced Excel skills (essential)
- Excellent attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
- Strong planning and organisational skills
- Clear and confident communication skills (written and verbal)
- A proactive, problem‑solving mindset with the ability to work independently
Experience & qualifications
- Previous experience in an analytical, operations, retail, supply chain or planning role preferred
- HND in Business, Accounting or Science (or equivalent) desirable
Why join us?
- Be part of a growing business within Compass Group UK & Ireland
- Work in a role with real influence on revenue, efficiency and customer experience
- Join a collaborative operations team where data and insight drive decision‑making
- Opportunity to develop analytical, commercial and operational expertise
Retail Operations Analyst employer: Foodbuy
Excel, as part of the Amplifi arm of Compass Group UK & Ireland, offers a dynamic work environment in East Kilbride where your analytical skills can directly influence operational efficiency and revenue growth. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and data-driven decision-making, employees are encouraged to develop their expertise while enjoying a supportive culture that values innovation and problem-solving. Joining our team means being part of a growing business that prioritises employee development and offers meaningful opportunities for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Operations Analyst
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Foodbuy, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Foodbuy!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Operations Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Foodbuy, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Foodbuy and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Foodbuy that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
