Supply Chain Analyst

The Supply Chain Analyst will support the effective flow of stock throughout the business, from supplier and warehouse through to the retail store network. The role will use data, reporting and analysis to identify opportunities to improve stock availability, inventory levels, supply chain efficiency and overall commercial performance. Working closely with Buying, Merchandising, Distribution Centre and Store teams, the Supply Chain Analyst will provide accurate and timely insight to support effective decision-making and ensure the right stock is available in the right place at the right time. Scope The Supply Chain Analyst will play a key role in analysing supply chain performance and identifying opportunities to improve stock flow and availability across the business. Reporting to the Head of Allocations, the role will work closely with Buying and Merchandising teams to understand product requirements, sales performance, stock levels and upcoming events. You will analyse data and provide recommendations that support optimal inventory management and maximise sales and availability. The role will also work closely with the Distribution Centre and store network to identify and resolve stock-related issues, monitor supply chain performance and ensure agreed stock levels and service measures are achieved. This is an excellent opportunity for an analytical individual looking to develop their career within retail supply chain, with exposure to multiple areas of the business and opportunities for progression. Role Responsibilities

• Analyse stock, sales, availability and supply chain data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Monitor stock levels across the Distribution Centre and retail store network, identifying potential overstock and stock shortage issues.
• Support the maintenance of appropriate stock levels across departments and product categories.
• Produce regular and ad-hoc reports and analysis to support Supply Chain, Buying and Merchandising decision-making.
• Monitor product availability and identify lines requiring further investigation or corrective action.
• Analyse sales and stock performance to highlight fast-moving, slow-moving and underperforming products.
• Work closely with Buying and Merchandising teams to understand current and future stock requirements.
• Support the planning and preparation of stock for seasonal events, promotions and key trading periods.
• Monitor stock movements through the supply chain and identify any issues that may impact product availability.
• Investigate supply chain exceptions and work with relevant teams to identify and implement solutions.
• Support the optimisation of stock allocation and replenishment across the store network.
• Monitor supplier, warehouse and store-related stock issues and escalate where appropriate.
• Provide analysis to support inventory optimisation and minimise excess and obsolete stock.
• Support the creation, maintenance and accuracy of supply chain systems and data.
• Assist with forecasting, demand planning and stock planning activities where required.
• Identify opportunities to improve supply chain processes, reporting and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate data and ensure all reporting is delivered within agreed deadlines.
• Work collaboratively with Distribution Centre, Buying, Merchandising, Finance and Store teams.
• Provide support to the Supply Chain Management team on projects and ad-hoc analysis as required.
Key Measures
• Maintain and improve agreed core product availability targets.
• Accurate and timely completion of weekly and monthly supply chain reporting.
• Effective identification and resolution of stock availability issues.
• Improved stock availability across stores and key product categories.
• Reduction of excess, aged and slow-moving inventory.
• Effective stock management across the Distribution Centre and store network.
• Accurate supply chain data and reporting.
• Delivery of agreed supply chain and inventory KPIs.
• Successful support of seasonal, promotional and key trading events.
• Identification and implementation of opportunities to improve supply chain efficiency.
  
  Strong analytical and numerical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Commercially focused with an interest in retail, supply chain and inventory management.
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to analyse and manipulate large data sets. Knowledge of PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP and other Excel functions would be advantageous.
• Experience using reporting, ERP, WMS or supply chain systems would be advantageous.
• Able to interpret data and translate analysis into clear and practical recommendations.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate issues and identify root causes.
• Able to work quickly and accurately under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work with stakeholders at all levels.
• Able to build effective working relationships across Buying, Merchandising, Distribution and Store teams.
• Highly organised, proactive and able to prioritise competing workloads.
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a wider team.
• Possess a high degree of self-motivation, initiative and commercial awareness.
• Comfortable challenging existing processes and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Previous experience within retail, supply chain, logistics, merchandising or inventory management would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office applications would be advantageous.
• A relevant degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Business, Analytics, Mathematics, Economics or a related discipline would be desirable.
  
  Poundstretcher is one of the UK's leading discount retailers.
Founded in 1981, Poundstretcher has a network of over 300 stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You'll find everything you need for your home at Poundstretcher, from food and drink, health and beauty and household cleaning essentials to gardening, storage, stationery and children's toys - all at market leading prices. We even have a range of fur-tastic deals on pet food and pet accessories in-store that are guaranteed to keep your furry friends tails wagging. At the heart of our business are our people There are over 3,000 of us across the UK dedicated to delivering the best possible service to our customers. So, whatever you're after, we're here to help. So why not pop into your local Poundstretcher store and see what we have to offer. We'd love to see you! Leading Discount Retailer 3000+ Employees 300+ Stores Nationwide