Channel & Support Analyst - Supply Chain

Summary

Do you have a passion for Retail and love using Data to find solutions? Then we have an opportunity for a Channel Performance & Support Analyst to join our Supply Chain Planning which might be of interest! This role plays a meaningful role in aligning our stock flow strategy with commercial trading objectives. It acts as the central communication point between our Retail Teams, E-Commerce Trading & Operations, and Distribution Operations to ensure that clear, consistent, and timely messages are shared in relation to stock movement, availability, and that impact on our sales plan.

All the details

By utilising data and insights, to challenge and collaborate with our Forecasting and Inventory (F&I) teams to improve Demand Weighted Availability (DWA) performance. It requires a comprehensive overview of the business to balance both channel-specific and Business Unit (BU) priorities are aligned to enable strategic decision-making across both Retail and E-Commerce.

We are looking for someone who is commercially focused, data driven analyst with a strong numerical skillset and a genuine passion for retail and supply chain planning. They will be confident working with large and complex data sets, using a range of analytical tools to identify trends, exceptions, and opportunities that drive performance. A solid understanding of demand forecasting, inventory planning methodologies, and end to end supply chain processes is essential, alongside experience applying continuous improvement approaches to improve outcomes.

Success in the role also depends on strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively, influence decisions, and align priorities across Retail, E Commerce, and Operational teams.

What you'll do

Your key accountabilities will include

• Optimising Forecasting & Inventory performance by addressing forecast accuracy, stock placement, enhancing DWA, reducing operating costs, and improving inventory turns through continuous improvement plans
• Monitor store performance against similar stores/grades/formats to find opportunities for improving trade
• Coordinate the control of backstage stock with stores, retail operations, and space teams to minimise the operational impact on stores and maximise the stock available to our customers
• Investigate sales and stock flow queries for the wider team, conducting root cause analysis and gaining consensus on actions to minimise unproductive backstage stocks
• Manage actions within the critical path action plan for the Supply Chain & Logistics contribution to new store openings and renewal stores, collaborating closely with BU's to ensure we optimise availability in these stores

Who you are

Your skills and experience will include

• Number orientated analyst with strong mathematical skills with a commercial approach and a strong interest in retail Store and Supply Chain Planning
• Proficiency with tools for extracting, structuring, and analysing large data sets i.e. Data Bricks, Hadoop, Beam, SQL, Python, XLS, PPT with an awareness of data trends and exceptions
• Experience using various tools and techniques to collate and interpret feedback from different data sources and an understanding of Continuous Improvement frameworks and approaches
• Knowledge of statistical forecasting systems and techniques, and how to apply them for strategic and tactical outcomes
• Understanding of inventory planning standard methodologies, sales forecasting, and supply chain processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen, take feedback onboard, influence outcomes, and collaborate with a wide range of key partners to achieve positive business results

What's in it for you

Being a part of M&S is exactly that - playing your part to bring the magic of M&S to our customers every day. We're an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and ever evolving business built on doing the right thing and bringing exceptional quality, value, service to every customer, whenever, wherever and however they want to shop with us.

Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special

• 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
• Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days!
• Discretionary bonus schemes awarded based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business.
• A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
• A…