Productivity and Systems Analyst

Gist Limited; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

M&S discount

25 days’ annual leave + holidays

Healthcare cash plan discounts

Annual bonus scheme

Pension or life assurance (up to 4x)

Job summary

Gist Limited is seeking a Productivity and Systems Analyst to support Excel-based planning tools across its UK retail distribution network. The role focuses on standardising planning tools, reducing manual effort, and preparing data for a Spotfire data warehouse.

You will work with cross-functional teams to define future planning tools, manage stakeholders, and explore AI-enabled enhancements, including moving away from Excel to a dedicated system.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of warehouse processes including intake, picking and dispatch.
• Proven operational performance experience with KPIs and resource planning.
• Advanced Excel capability including VBA and macros.

Responsibilities

• Develop and standardise planning tools across the retail distribution network.
• Collaborate with IT and third-party providers to support delivery of planning solutions.
• Own weekly warehouse performance insights and data feeds to the data warehouse.
• Assist in transitioning from Excel to a standalone system-driven warehouse planning platform.

Skills

Advanced Excel

VBA

Data analysis

KPIs

Tools

Blue Yonder Dispatch

Job description

Productivity and Systems Analyst - (PSA1.1)

At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food.

From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time.

As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.

The Opportunity

Our Change Delivery team have an exciting opportunity for a Productivity & Systems Analyst where you will provide systematic support for our excel based planning tool across our retail distribution network.

This pivotal role will see you delivering a consistent planning solution across the network, enabling clear comparison between contract performance and the integration of data into our Spotfire data warehouse.

What you'll be doing

Reporting into the Head of Warehouse Change, you will work closely with retail distribution warehouse teams where you will support in the standardisation of current planning tools while collaborating with the optimisation team to define, develop and shape scalable, technology-led solutions. You will:

• Develop and implement new RDC warehouse productivity planners ensuring consistency.
• Produce clear, toolkits and guides to enable local utilisation and less reliance on central operations.
• Ensure planner control and protection preventing corruption or deviation from standardised processes.
• Drive standardisation in tool usage across the network.
• Streamline input processes and develop supporting tools to reduce manual effort for colleagues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define future state of warehouse planning tools, including requirements to transition away from Excel.
• Manage stakeholder relationships across internal IT teams and third-party providers to support delivery and ongoing improvement of planning solutions.
• Support other functions in the development of systemic rotas, ensuring reliable inputs into reporting systems.
• Own and deliver weekly warehouse performance insights to support informed decision-making.
• Develop and maintain standardised data feed into the chosen data warehouse to improve data accessibility and interpretation.

In addition, you will support the evolution of the tool introducing A.I driven capabilities to enhance usability, provide intelligence support and improve reporting insights. Assessing and validating future solutions to transition from Excel into a standalone system driven warehouse resource allocation platform.

What we're looking for

To be successful in your application you will have a strong understanding of warehouse processes including intake, picking and dispatch and proven operational experience knowledgeable in operational performance, operating KPIs and resource planning. You will have proven data analytical experience with advanced Excel capability including VBA and Marcos.

It goes without saying that you will have strong communication skills able to build strong working relationships with stakeholders at all levels, with natural problem solving and influencing skills.

It would be desirable, however not essential if you have an understanding of Blue Yonder Dispatch Solution, understand operational data stores and data warehouses and an interest in A.I tools such as Copilot or Gemini.

Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum
Hours:Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Location:This role can be based anywhere in the UK, individuals must be comfortable with hybrid working and travel as and when needed.

What’s in it for you?

As well as a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:

• 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
• Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
• Attractive annual bonus scheme, based on M&S performance and personal objectives
• Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4 times salary)
• Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme
• A first-class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
• Cycle to work scheme

Why Gist?

When you join Gist, you're joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group.

You'll have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, work alongside experienced leaders and contribute to one of the UK's leading food supply chains.

Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow.

Whether you're leading a site operation, delivering transformation or shaping future strategy, your work will make a real difference.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger.

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.