Job Title: Graduate Planning & Data Analyst
Leicester, LEC, GB, LE49JD
Main Duties/Responsibilities
1. Data Capture & Integrity Management
• Source Data Collection: Responsible for the daily collection of raw operational data from the production floor, including machine uptime, labor hours, and output volumes.
• Data Auditing: Perform regular "sanity checks" and audits on captured data to ensure absolute accuracy before it is used for planning or reporting.
- Inventory Tracking: Capture and maintain real-time data regarding raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods to prevent shortages and excess.
2. Dashboard Development & Visualisation
- Performance Visualisation: Build, update, and maintain functional dashboards (using Excel or Power BI) that track key metrics.
• Stakeholder Reporting: Prepare clear visual reports for production meetings, helping stakeholders quickly identify trends and operational bottlenecks.
- Automation of Reporting: Streamline existing manual reporting processes to ensure data is updated with minimal delay.
3. Capacity & Resource Planning Support
• Production Scheduling Support: Work closely with the Master Production Scheduler (MPS) to align daily production schedules with available labor and machine capacity.
• Scenario Modelling: Help simulate "what-if" scenarios (e.g., the impact of a machine breakdown or an urgent order) to help the team pivot quickly.
- Resource Allocation: Monitor resource constraints and provide data-backed recommendations on how to best distribute personnel and equipment to meet targets.
4. Daily Operational Problem Solving
• Bottleneck Identification: Use data captured from the floor to pinpoint specific areas where production is slowing down and propose immediate solutions.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the "data bridge" between the planning office and the production floor, ensuring communication is based on accurate facts.
5. AI & Automation:
• Process Mapping: Document current manual planning workflows to identify candidates for AI-driven automation.
• Continuous Learning: Proactively up-skill in AI tools and frameworks to transition traditional planning into "intelligent" planning.
6. AI Integration:
- Lead and Assist in the deployment of intelligent AI agents designed to automate routine data entry and predictive scheduling.
- Train internal stakeholders to use AI agents and provide support in challenges and issues.
Essential And Desirable Skills
Essential Skills
• Education: A recently completed Bachelor’s/ master’s degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Business Analytics, or a related quantitative field.
• Advanced Data Manipulation: High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the use of advanced formulas (XLOOKUP, Index/Match), PivotTables, and Power Query for data cleansing.
• AI & Automation Interest: Familiarity with the concept of AI agents and how they can be applied to supply chain efficiency.
• Data Visualisation: Proven ability to build and manage functional dashboards (Excel or Power BI) that translate raw data into clear operational insights.
• Data Accuracy & Auditing: A meticulous approach to data capture, with the ability to identify discrepancies and ensure high integrity in inventory and production records.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong competency in capacity planning and resource management logic (balancing labor, machinery, and time constraints).
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Ability to work effectively on a fast-paced production floor and communicate clearly with the Master Production Scheduler and other stakeholders.
- Innate Curiosity: A proactive "investigative" mindset with a strong desire to understand the root causes of operational challenges.
Desirable Skills
• Programming Foundations: Basic knowledge of Python or SQL, or a demonstrated interest in learning these to automate manual data tasks.
• Process Mapping: Experience in documenting workflows and identifying "friction points" that are suitable for automation.
• Inventory Modelling: Previous exposure to inventory optimisation techniques (e.g., Safety Stock calculations or EOQ modelling) during academic projects or internships.
• Lean/Six Sigma: Foundational understanding of Lean manufacturing principles to help minimise waste in the production area.
Qualifications or Relevant Work Experience
- Recently completed Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the following.
• Supply Chain Management / Logistics
• Industrial or Systems Engineering
• Business Analytics / Data Science
Desirable Experience
• Internship/ Experience: Any previous experience, internship or placement within a manufacturing, production, or logistics environment.
• Programming: Basic exposure to SQL or Python, specifically for the purpose of automating repetitive data tasks.
• Production Floor Familiarity: Comfort working in a "boots-on-the-ground" production environment and interacting directly with shop-floo