Demand Analyst

SF Partners are working with a business based in Solihull who are looking for a Demand Analyst to join the team Overview The Customer Demand Analyst is responsible for interpreting, validating, and managing customer demand signals to ensure accurate production planning and on time delivery performance. Operating within a Tier 1 automotive environment, this role acts as the key link between OEM customers, internal operations, and the supply chain network. The analyst ensures that demand fluctuations, schedule changes, and volume adjustments are understood, communicated, and executed with precision.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyse, and validate customer forecasts, EDI releases, and schedule changes.
• Translate customer demand into actionable production and material requirements.
• Maintain accurate demand data within ERP/MRP systems to support planning and capacity decisions.
• Communicate demand changes, risks, and opportunities to production, purchasing, logistics, and program teams.
• Track customer order performance, delivery adherence, and premium freight risks.
• Collaborate with OEM customer contacts to resolve discrepancies, clarify requirements, and align on delivery expectations.
• Support inventory planning by identifying demand trends, slow moving stock, and potential obsolescence.
• Coordinate with supply chain teams to ensure material availability for fluctuating customer volumes.
• Prepare demand reports, dashboards, and KPIs for leadership review.
• Participate in cross functional meetings to support launch readiness, engineering changes, and volume ramp ups.
• Identify root causes of demand related issues and support corrective actions to improve forecast accuracy and delivery performance.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, customer specific requirements, and internal supply chain standards.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in automotive manufacturing or Tier 1 supplier environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of demand planning, forecasting, and EDI processes.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, QAD, Plex, etc.).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast paced, high volume environment.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort with data analysis tools.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and supply chain best practices is an advantage