At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse data to drive operational improvements and support strategic initiatives.
- Company: Join a leading tech company focused on innovation and transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for future leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a CEO-sponsored programme while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Excel, Power BI, and a passion for data-driven decision making.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Are you an exceptional Data Analyst with advanced Excel and Power BI expertise, a passion for operational improvement, and the ability to turn complex data into actionable business insights?
We are looking for a Data Analyst to join our Operational Excellence (Op Ex) programme on a 6-month contract role, with the possibility of extension.
You will be required to work onsite Mon - Thurs, Fri - WFH.
As part of our ongoing OI30 strategy, this role will support one of our five key strategic priorities: improving productivity by 30% across the group.
Sponsored by the CEO, the programme focuses on site-by-site business transformation using data-driven decision making, lean principles, digital automation and close collaboration with senior leaders across the business.
This is a high-impact opportunity for someone who thrives on analysing large datasets, developing forecasting and planning models, automating manual reporting processes, and building Power BI solutions that drive operational performance.
You will work across multiple sites and functions, supporting transformation initiatives with robust analytics, forecasting, visualisation and performance management capabilities.
- What you’ll be doing
- Configure-to-Order Workstream
- Develop parts-level forecasts through analysis of historical sales, demand and production data.
- Build forecasting models that translate product demand into component-level requirements using generalised Bills of Materials (Bo Ms).
- Develop analytical tools that identify part commonality across product families and child Bo M structures.
- Support the supply chain function by translating demand forecasts into inventory and supplier stocking requirements.
- Design and maintain forecasting models that support decision-making across Operations, Supply Chain and Procurement.
- Supply Chain SIOP Support
- Take ownership of the Line of Balance process, including automating data extraction, transformation and reporting.
- Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards to visualise SIOP performance and key operational constraints.
- Build scenario models to evaluate different production, supply chain and inventory planning options.
- Own and continuously improve production load and capacity models.
- Provide analytical support for supply and demand balancing activities across the business.
- Procurement Automation
- Automate KPI extraction and reporting processes for the Procurement team.
- Develop automated reporting solutions to reduce manual effort and improve data accuracy.
- Create dashboards and reporting tools that provide visibility of supplier and procurement performance.
- Identify opportunities to streamline reporting processes through data automation and digital solutions.
- Supply Chain Performance Analytics
- Develop and maintain internal performance management dashboards and KPI reporting.
- Design Power BI solutions that provide clear visibility of operational performance against targets.
- Analyse supplier performance data and develop vendor performance management dashboards.
- Generate actionable insights to support supplier reviews, operational decision making and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Establish standardised reporting and performance measurement processes across supply chain functions.
- Communicating weekly with senior site leadership to review findings, align assumptions and maintain momentum.
- Presenting insights, recommendations and programme phasing to executive-level project sponsors.
- Role-modelling best practice and coaching site process owners to build capability and confidence.
- Defining Tactical Implementation Plans to deliver impactful foundations and transformational change.
- Delivering agreed actions with strong senior site sponsorship.
About you
We are looking for someone who combines exceptional analytical capability with practical business understanding and a passion for automation.
You will be comfortable working with large, complex datasets, building sophisticated analytical models, and presenting insights to senior stakeholders.
You will be known for your ability to quickly understand business problems, create scalable analytical solutions, and deliver high-quality outputs at pace.
Experience and qualifications
- Degree qualified in a relevant discipline, or equivalent practical experience in the field.
- Proven experience as a data analyst, business intelligence analyst, supply chain analyst or operational performance analyst role.
- Experience working in manufacturing, operations, supply chain or engineering environments is highly desirable.
- Experience developing forecasting, planning or capacity needs.
- Potential to grow into a future leadership role.
- Professional skills and abilities
- Confident using Microsoft Word, Power Point
- Expert-level Excel skills with the ability to work quickly and efficiently with large datasets with advanced knowledge of: Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts, Power Query, XLOOKUP and advanced lookup functions, Complex formulas and modelling techniques, Data validation and transformation, VBA/Macros (desirable)
- Ability to analyse datasets and synthesise insights from workshops, interviews and process observations.
• Power BI & Data Visualisation experience including
- Data modelling
- DAX
- Power Query
- Dashboard development
- Performance optimisation
- Executive-level reporting
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to create and articulate impactful messages.
- Automation & Analytics, strong capability in process automation and reporting automation.
Including: Experience building repeatable and scalable analytical solutions, Understanding of data structures, data cleansing and data governance principles, Ability to convert complex datasets into meaningful business insight and recommendations.
- Experience with SQL, Python, Power Automate or similar automation tools would be advantageous
- Ability to lead work scopes and design processes with cross-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to play a visible role in a CEO-sponsored transformation programme with real business impact.
You will work closely with senior stakeholders, influence how operational teams work, and help create sustainable improvements across the group.
If you are energised by transformation, continuous improvement and delivering results through people, we would welcome your application.
About Us
At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we develop world-leading tools for engineering micro- and nano-scale structures.
Our technologies enable innovation across industries, helping customers push the boundaries of science and technology.
#LI-AC1
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.
Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs.
Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations.
Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Data Analyst - OpEx (Contract role) employer: Oxford Instruments plc
Oxford Instruments plc is an exceptional employer located in Belfast, offering a dynamic hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are encouraged to grow within a collaborative environment, benefiting from a comprehensive package that supports both professional development and personal well-being. Join a team that is at the forefront of scientific innovation, making meaningful contributions to research and industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Analyst - OpEx (Contract role)
✨Tap into Online Data Science Communities
Join online communities focused on data science like Kaggle, LinkedIn groups, or Reddit threads. These are goldmines for temporary gigs, as you can network with professionals and potentially hear about opportunities at companies like Oxford Instruments plc before they're even advertised!
✨Show Off Your Skills With Projects
Got some cool data science projects? Showcase them on platforms like GitHub or create a personal portfolio website. This visibility is crucial for landing temporary roles—let recruiters see your actual skills in action, which can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Check Out Specialist Job Boards
For temp roles, hit up job boards dedicated to tech and data science, like Stack Overflow Jobs or DataJobs. These platforms often feature openings that you won’t find on general job sites, including contracts with companies like Oxford Instruments plc.
✨Leverage University Resources
If you're currently at uni or recently graduated, tap into your school's career services. They often have connections with companies looking for temporary data science interns or contract workers, and they might even host job fairs with employers like Oxford Instruments plc.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Analyst - OpEx (Contract role)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Data Projects:When applying for a temporary data science role at Oxford Instruments plc, make sure to showcase any relevant projects you've worked on. Whether it's a personal project, an academic undertaking, or contributions to an open-source initiative, detailing these experiences can really set you apart and demonstrate your practical skills.
Emphasise Your Analytical Skills:In your CV and cover letter, focus on the specific analytical skills that are key to data science. Mention any experience with statistical tools, programming languages like Python or R, and data visualisation software. Don't forget to include any certifications that may bolster your expertise!
Show Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, it's important to convey your adaptability and willingness to learn. In your cover letter to Oxford Instruments plc, emphasise how quickly you can get up to speed with new tools or projects. Highlight any previous experiences where you've had to adjust to new environments or challenges.
Craft a Unique Data-Driven Cover Letter:Instead of the usual generic cover letter, spice it up with some data! Maybe you’ve improved a process by 20% in a past role or cleaned a dataset with over a million entries. Use these stats to your advantage to grab Oxford Instruments plc’s attention and show the tangible impact of your work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Instruments plc
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
For a data science gig, it's crucial to demonstrate your analytical abilities. Be ready to discuss previous projects and the methodologies you used. Think about how you can quantify your impact—did your analysis improve efficiency or save costs? These are the stories that will stick with interviewers at Oxford Instruments plc.
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
You might face technical questions on tools relevant to data science, like Python, R, or SQL. Prepare to solve a problem live—perhaps they'll ask you to write a simple query or code snippet. It’s cool to talk about them, but we need to show we can do it in practice, especially in a temporary role where quick results matter.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new tools or workflows. Share examples of how you've thrived in fast-paced environments before, and how you can hit the ground running at Oxford Instruments plc.
✨Prepare a Portfolio of Your Work
Bring your portfolio to the table—showcase projects where you've leveraged data science techniques to solve problems. Whether it’s a GitHub repository or a set of case studies, having tangible examples of your work will help you stand out and show what you bring to the team at Oxford Instruments plc.
