At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform complex data into actionable insights for demand planning and supply chain decisions.
- Company: Leading manufacturing business with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for European travel.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career growth and international exposure.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in supply chain analytics.
- Qualifications: Experience in data analysis, strong Excel skills, and ability to communicate insights effectively.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a highly analytical Data Analyst supporting the Demand Planning & Supply Chain function, to join a leading manufacturing business. This role is ideal for a data focused analyst who may not have owned demand planning previously but has worked closely alongside Demand Planning and Supply Chain teams, providing large-scale data, insight, and analysis to support forecasting and planning decisions.
The role plays a critical part in transforming complex customer and SKU-level data into accurate, decision-ready insight that feeds Demand Planning, S&OP, and Supply Chain execution. Although the role is UK-based full time, there are European travel requirements (typically once per month), alongside monthly customer visits across the UK. We are looking for someone who is driven, adaptable, and flexible, and comfortable working in an international environment.
Key Responsibilities- Act as the primary analytical support to Demand Planning and Supply Chain teams, owning the extraction, validation, and transformation of large customer and SKU-level data sets to support accurate forecasting and planning decisions.
- Analyse and consolidate 13-week customer forecasts, critically reviewing forecast submissions for accuracy, bias, and anomalies.
- Compare historical sales data against new forecasts, identifying trends, seasonality, volatility, and variance to support robust demand planning.
- Produce detailed, decision-ready reports and dashboards using advanced data analytics tools (e.g. SQL, Python, Power BI) to support forecasting accuracy and performance tracking.
- Support the monthly S&OP process by providing analytical insight, scenario modelling, risks, and opportunities to senior stakeholders.
- Work closely with Demand Planning, Sales, Production, and Supply Chain teams, attending customer reviews and internal planning meetings to ensure alignment.
- Provide customers and internal teams with clear forecasting data, performance reports, and demand updates, ensuring complex data is communicated clearly and effectively.
- Monitor FGI (Finished Goods Inventory) data, highlighting risks relating to shortages, excess stock, or demand volatility.
- Support production lifecycle management, including product introductions, phase-outs, and stock build strategies through data-driven insight.
- Identify performance trends, inefficiencies, and value opportunities within demand and supply data to support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Operate effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, managing multiple data streams and changing priorities.
- Support European teams and cross-regional projects, particularly those involving the introduction or enhancement of new data analytics and planning software.
- Proven experience in a Data Analyst, Supply Chain Analyst, or Commercial Analyst role within manufacturing, FMCG, or a complex operational environment.
- Strong experience working with large, complex data sets, particularly SKU-level, customer-level, and time-phased data.
- Demonstrated ability to validate, challenge, and interpret data to support forecasting and planning decisions.
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data modelling, reporting).
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insight for non-technical stakeholders.
- High attention to detail with strong ownership of data accuracy and integrity.
- Comfortable working in a highly fast-paced, change-driven environment.
- Experience working alongside Demand Planning or S&OP teams, providing analytical support rather than owning the plan.
- Hands-on experience with SQL, Python, Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytics tools.
- Exposure to ERP / planning systems such as SAP, SAP IBP, APO, or similar.
- Experience supporting system implementations, upgrades, or analytics-led transformation projects.
- Understanding of demand planning, forecasting, and supply chain processes, even if not previously owned.
- Experience working within European or international supply chain environments.
Supply and Demand Planning Analyst employer: Frank Wills Recruitment
Join a leading manufacturing business in Cheshire as a Supply and Demand Planning Analyst, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values analytical expertise and collaboration. With hybrid working options and opportunities for European travel, you will be part of a team that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning and development, while enjoying the benefits of a supportive environment that encourages innovation and data-driven decision-making.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply and Demand Planning Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those working in supply chain and demand planning. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal project that highlights your data analysis abilities. Use tools like SQL or Power BI to showcase your insights and make it easy for potential employers to see what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to data analysis and supply chain processes. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you can bring value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to get noticed and shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Supply and Demand Planning Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supply and Demand Planning Analyst role. Highlight your experience with data analysis, especially in supply chain contexts, and don’t forget to mention any tools like SQL or Python that you’ve used.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data analysis and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention your adaptability and experience working in fast-paced environments.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, provide examples of how you've transformed complex data into actionable insights. We want to see your ability to analyse trends and support decision-making processes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Frank Wills Recruitment
✨Know Your Data Tools
Make sure you brush up on your skills with SQL, Python, and Power BI before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles, especially in relation to demand planning and supply chain analytics.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Think about how your previous experience aligns with tasks like analysing customer forecasts and producing decision-ready reports. This will help you demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to analyse data or solve problems on the spot. Practise explaining your thought process clearly, as you'll need to translate complex data into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
✨Show Your Adaptability
Since the role requires flexibility and adaptability, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully navigated change in fast-paced environments. Highlight any experiences where you managed multiple data streams or shifting priorities.