IBP Data Analyst

Cheshire West and Chester
3 weeks ago
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IBP Data Analyst (Demand Planning and Transformation team.)

Location - Cheshire

Hybrid working Model / Excellent Benefits/ Bonus

European Travel required (minimal)

We are recruiting for an IBP Data Analyst to support the Demand Planning and Transformation team. This is a highly data and reporting focused role, requiring strong analytical intelligence and the ability to interpret complex demand planning data across large SKU portfolios supporting UK manufacturing sites and European customer portfolios.

The role will focus on identifying trends, risks, and variances within forecasting and supply chain data, producing clear data-driven insights and reports to support operational and strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will also support the development and enhancement of data dashboards and reporting tools, helping to improve visibility and insight across demand planning and supply chain performance. Experience using analytical platforms such as Power BI, SAP IBP, or similar data tools is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support demand forecasting activities for key customers across complex SKU portfolios, analysing forecast data and highlighting risks, trends, and variances.

  • Analyse and consolidate 13-week customer forecasts, critically reviewing forecast submissions for accuracy, bias, and anomalies.

  • Compare historical sales data vs. new forecasts, identifying trends, seasonality, volatility, and variances to create a realistic and achievable demand plan.

  • Develop and maintain rolling demand plans, translating customer forecasts into actionable production and inventory requirements.

  • Support and actively contribute to the monthly S&OP process, providing clear insights, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

  • Work closely with Sales, Production, Supply Chain, and Operations teams, attending customer review meetings and internal planning forums.

  • Present and communicate demand planning insights, reports, and data analysis to internal stakeholders and customer teams, translating complex data into clear and actionable information.

  • Analyse historical demand, forecast, and sales data across large SKU portfolios to identify trends, volatility, and demand patterns.

  • Apply product segmentation techniques to group SKUs based on demand behaviour and commercial impact, using these insights to support forecasting accuracy, reporting, and supply chain planning decisions.

  • Support production lifecycle management, including product introductions, phase-outs, and stock build strategies within planning systems.

  • Prepare and deliver data-driven reports and presentations to senior management, clearly explaining complex data and assumptions.

  • Identify trends, performance gaps, and value opportunities within demand data to support continuous improvement.

  • Operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-change manufacturing environment, managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines.

  • Support European and cross-regional teams on projects related to the implementation and enhancement of new data analytics and planning tools.

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance data quality, reporting efficiency, and forecasting visibility.

  • Drive improvements in forecasting accuracy, data quality, and planning processes through automation, system optimisation, and best practice.

    Essential:

  • Proven experience within an FMCG or manufacturing environment ( Advantage but not essential) analysing demand planning and forecasting data.

  • Strong experience working with large, complex data sets, including SKU-level, customer-level, and time-phased demand data.

  • Demonstrated ability to challenge forecast inputs and build robust demand plans based on data, not assumptions.

  • Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data modelling, reporting dashboards).

  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, commercial insight for non-technical stakeholders.

  • High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and ownership of data integrity.

    Highly Desirable:

  • Experience/Knowledge using ERP / planning systems such as SAP, SAP IBP, APO, or similar.

  • Exposure to advanced data analytics tools such as: SQL for data extraction and manipulation, Python for forecasting models, automation, or advanced analysis, Power BI / data visualisation and reporting

  • Understanding of S&OP / IBP frameworks and supply chain optimisation principles.

  • Experience working with European or international supply chains

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