Business Analyst - OpEx (Contract role)

 

Are you an exceptional Data Analyst with advanced Excel and Power BI expertise, a passion for operational improvement, and the ability to turn complex data into actionable business insights? We are looking for a Business Analyst to join our Operational Excellence (OpEx) programme on a 6-month contract role, with the possibility of extension. You will be required to work onsite Mon - Thurs, Fri - WFH.

 

As part of our ongoing OI30 strategy , this role will support one of our five key strategic priorities: improving productivity by 30% across the group. Sponsored by the CEO, the programme focuses on site-by-site business transformation using data-driven decision making, lean principles, digital automation and close collaboration with senior leaders across the business.

 

This is a high-impact opportunity for someone who thrives on analysing large datasets, developing forecasting and planning models, automating manual reporting processes, and building Power BI solutions that drive operational performance. You will work across multiple sites and functions, supporting transformation initiatives with robust analytics, forecasting, visualisation and performance management capabilities.

 

What you’ll be doing

• Configure-to-Order Workstream
  • Develop parts-level forecasts through analysis of historical sales, demand and production data.
  • Build forecasting models that translate product demand into component-level requirements using generalised Bills of Materials (BoMs).
  • Develop analytical tools that identify part commonality across product families and child BoM structures.
  • Support the supply chain function by translating demand forecasts into inventory and supplier stocking requirements.
  • Design and maintain forecasting models that support decision-making across Operations, Supply Chain and Procurement.

 

• Supply Chain SIOP Support
  • Take ownership of the Line of Balance process, including automating data extraction, transformation and reporting.
  • Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards to visualise SIOP performance and key operational constraints.
  • Build scenario models to evaluate different production, supply chain and inventory planning options.
  • Own and continuously improve production load and capacity models.
  • Provide analytical support for supply and demand balancing activities across the business.

 

• Procurement Automation
  • Automate KPI extraction and reporting processes for the Procurement team.
  • Develop automated reporting solutions to reduce manual effort and improve data accuracy.
  • Create dashboards and reporting tools that provide visibility of supplier and procurement performance.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline reporting processes through data automation and digital solutions.

 

• Supply Chain Performance Analytics
  • Develop and maintain internal performance management dashboards and KPI reporting.
  • Design Power BI solutions that provide clear visibility of operational performance against targets.
  • Analyse supplier performance data and develop vendor performance management dashboards.
  • Generate actionable insights to support supplier reviews, operational decision making and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Establish standardised reporting and performance measurement processes across supply chain functions.

 

• Communicating weekly with senior site leadership to review findings, align assumptions and maintain momentum.
• Presenting insights, recommendations and programme phasing to executive-level project sponsors.
• Role-modelling best practice and coaching site process owners to build capability and confidence.
• Defining Tactical Implementation Plans to deliver impactful foundations and transformational change.
• Delivering agreed actions with strong senior site sponsorship.

About you
We are looking for someone who combines exceptional analytical capability with practical business understanding and a passion for automation. You will be comfortable working with large, complex datasets, building sophisticated analytical models, and presenting insights to senior stakeholders.

 

You will be known for your ability to quickly understand business problems, create scalable analytical solutions, and deliver high-quality outputs at pace.

 

Experience and qualifications

• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline, or equivalent practical experience in the field.
• Proven experience as a data analyst, business intelligence analyst, supply chain analyst or operational performance analyst role.
• Experience working in manufacturing, operations, supply chain or engineering environments is highly desirable.
• Experience developing forecasting, planning or capacity needs.
• Potential to grow into a future leadership role.

 

Professional skills and abilities

• Confident using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint
  • Expert-level Excel skills with the ability to work quickly and efficiently with large datasets with advanced knowledge of: Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts, Power Query, XLOOKUP and advanced lookup functions, Complex formulas and modelling techniques, Data validation and transformation, VBA/Macros (desirable)
• Ability to analyse datasets and synthesise insights from workshops, interviews and process observations.
• Power BI & Data Visualisation experience including:
  • Data modelling, DAX, Power Query, Dashboard development, Performance optimisation, Executive-level reporting
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to create and articulate impactful messages.
• Automation & Analytics, strong capability in process automation and reporting automation. Including: Experience building repeatable and scalable analytical solutions, Understanding of data structures, data cleansing and data governance principles, Ability to convert complex datasets into meaningful business insight and recommendations.
• Experience with SQL, Python, Power Automate or similar automation tools would be advantageous
• Ability to lead work scopes and design processes with cross-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

 

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to play a visible role in a CEO-sponsored transformation programme with real business impact. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, influence how operational teams work, and help create sustainable improvements across the group.

 

If you are energised by transformation, continuous improvement and delivering results through people, we would welcome your application.

 

About Us

At  Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology , we develop world-leading tools for engineering micro- and nano-scale structures. Our technologies enable innovation across industries, helping customers push the boundaries of science and technology.

 

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.

 

Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.