Operations Analyst

Simon Howie Foods; Perth; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced holidays

Staff discount (20%)

Job summary

Simon Howie Foods, a respected meat producer based in Perthshire, is seeking a data-driven Operational Analyst. This hands-on role turns sales trends, customer demand and production data into clear, actionable plans that boost factory efficiency, stock control and supply chain performance.

You will work with manufacturing, logistics and commercial teams to develop production planning models, monitor seasonal shifts and identify opportunities to improve planning tooling and operational visibility.

Qualifications

• Experience in production planning, forecasting, supply chain analysis or similar analytics role.
• Strong Excel skills and data reporting capabilities.
• Understanding of fast-moving supply chains and adapting forecasts to demand.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work with multiple teams.
• Proactive in developing operational tools to aid production and planning.
• Experience in meat production or FMCG is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Analyse weekly sales trends, historical data and customer demand to create accurate production forecasts.
• Develop and maintain production planning models to optimise raw material usage, factory output and stock levels.
• Work with manufacturing, logistics, commercial and supply chain teams to align plans with demand.
• Monitor seasonal trends and promotions to prevent shortages, waste or overproduction.
• Provide clear data insights to support operational decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, reporting and visibility.

Skills

Excel

Data analysis

Forecasting

Production planning

Cross-functional work

Job description

Simon Howie Foods is one of Scotland’s best-known food producers, proudly based in Perthshire and recognised for high-quality meat products supplied to major supermarkets and customers across the UK. As the business continues to grow, strong planning, accurate forecasting and joined-up operational decision-making are becoming increasingly important to how we deliver for our customers.

We are looking for a data-driven Operational Analyst to join our team, with a key focus on production planning, forecasting and operational performance. This is a hands-on role at the heart of the business, helping to turn sales trends, customer demand and production data into clear plans that support factory efficiency, stock control and supply chain performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse weekly sales trends, historical data and customer demand to create accurate production forecasts.
• Develop and maintain production planning models to optimise raw material usage, factory output and stock levels.
• Work closely with manufacturing, logistics, commercial and supply chain teams to align production plans with demand.
• Monitor seasonal trends, promotions and supply chain changes to help prevent shortages, waste or overproduction.
• Provide clear, timely data insights that support operational decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Help identify opportunities to improve planning processes, reporting and overall operational visibility.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in production planning, forecasting, supply chain analysis or a similar analytical role, ideally within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong Excel skills and confidence working with data, reporting tools and planning models.
• A good understanding of fast-moving supply chains and the ability to adapt forecasts to changing demand.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the confidence to work across different teams and challenges where needed.
• Proactive approach in developing operational tools to aid production as well as the overall operation.
• A practical, commercially aware approach and an interest in how decisions made in planning influence wider operational performance.
• Experience in meat manufacturing or food production would be a strong advantage.

We offer a competitive salary, staff discounts, career development opportunities and the chance to be part of a supportive team with a strong focus on quality, performance and continuous improvement.

Non-salary Benefits

Depending on length of service our staff have access to several non-salary benefits:

• Enhanced holidays
• 20% Staff discount in our shops

Simon Howie Foods is an award-winning business supplying retailers and wholesale customers across the UK. With a diverse product range including Haggis, Bacon, Burgers along with other meat and vegetarian products we produce more than 20million packs each year.

As a top 5 Scottish food brand we are looking for ambitious people to join the team and help drive growth.

Right to work in the UK required. We are unable to offer sponsorship at this stage.