Sales & Operational Planning Analyst

Position: Sales & Operational Planning Analyst
Sales & Operational Planning Analyst

Job Introduction

Are you passionate about turning data into insight that drives real business decisions?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a nationally critical planning function at the heart of our organisation.

As an Sales & Operational Planning Analyst, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how we balance customer demand, operational capability and financial performance.

Sitting at the centre of our national Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning (SIOP) process, you’ll work with teams across commercial, supply chain, operations and finance to deliver accurate, trusted plans that inform senior decision-making and support sustainable growth.

This role is ideal for a detail-driven, analytically curious professional who enjoys working with complex data and making a visible impact on business performance.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you’ll be responsible for supporting the end-to-end monthly Sales & Operational Planning,cycle and providing high-quality insight to senior stakeholders. You’ll:

Gather, validate and consolidate demand, supply, inventory and financial data to ensure accuracy and integrity across the Sales & Operational Planningprocess
Analyse forecast accuracy, identify trends and root causes, and provide recommendations to improve planning performance
Reconcile demand and supply plans, identifying risks, constraints and opportunities ahead of pre-Sales & Operational Planning and executive Sales & Operational Planningforums
Support the structured monthly Sales & Operational Planningcycle, coordinating inputs, preparing meeting materials and tracking agreed actions
Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards, executive summaries and MD-level packs that translate complex data into clear, actionable insight
Analyse inventory levels, production requirements and stock risks to support optimisation and operational planning
Monitor volume profiles and transport capacity, highlighting opportunities to improve logistics efficiency
Work closely with commercial, supply chain, operations, finance and MESS colleagues to align plans and resolve data conflicts
Track planned versus actual performance, producing variance analysis and highlighting areas for management focus
Support continuous improvement by enhancing planning processes, automating reporting and improving data flows, including the use of Anaplan and Power BI
Respond to ad-hoc analytical requests and communicate insights clearly to a range of stakeholders

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who combines strong analytical capability with a collaborative mindset. You’ll ideally bring:

Skills & behaviours

Exceptional attention to detail, with a strong focus on data accuracy and quality
A naturally curious, analytical approach and the ability to get behind the numbers
Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple work streams to tight deadlines
A collaborative, proactive style, with confidence working across functions and levels
Clear communication skills, with the ability to explain complex analysis to non-technical audiences
Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, cyclical planning environment

Experience & background

Experience in supply chain planning, demand planning, operations analysis or a similar analytical role
Strong experience in data analysis, reporting and visualisation
Advanced Excel skills and experience using business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau
An understanding of forecasting, demand planning or S&OP/IBP processes (desirable)

Experience with planning or ERP systems such as Anaplan or SAP is advantageous
A degree in a relevant analytical discipline such as Business, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Engineering or similar

Why Tarmac

We don't just offer a job, we offer a career.

Alongside this role, you'll have access to industry-leading rewards, development opportunities, and a culture that puts people first, including:

Bonus scheme
Enhanced holiday entitlement
Contributory pension scheme
Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
Access to our Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
Access to join our…