The Visual Pak Companies is hiring: Manufacturing Data Analyst in Waukegan

Manufacturing Data Analyst

Position Title: Manufacturing Data Analyst
Reporting to: Director of Supply Chain
Department: Supply Chain

Visual Pak Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visual Pak does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.

Position Purpose / Summary

The Manufacturing Data Analyst enhances supply chain performance through data‑driven insights and strategic reporting. This role supports the broader Supply Chain function, focusing on improving forecast accuracy, enabling effective Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP) reporting, inventory optimization, and advanced analytics to support demand planning and operational efficiency.

Direct Reports

None.

Position Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate and timely business intelligence to support Supply Chain and SIOP functions.
• Lead development of key reports and dashboards related to forecast accuracy, inventory health, supplier performance, and production efficiency.
• Own SIOP data tracking and provide weekly and monthly updates, highlighting gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Planning and Commercial teams to align demand forecasts with operational capabilities and identify risks.
• Maintain and continuously improve databases, data models, and reporting tools to support proactive decision‑making.
• Analyze historical data to identify trends, variances, and improvement areas in production planning and material availability.
• Validate ERP data (e.g., routings, BOMs) for accuracy, act as gatekeeper for master data changes.
• Work with Planning and Operations teams to define and quantify operational improvements; track KPIs to measure progress.
• Collaborate with sourcing teams to highlight supply risks and support strategic vendor analysis.
• Support the monthly forecasting cycle and scenario planning efforts across various product categories.
• Participate in benchmarking and best practice sharing to support “World Class” supply chain processes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Forecast accuracy and bias (measured monthly and quarterly)
• Timeliness and quality of SIOP reporting deliverables
• Data integrity (ERP master data, reporting accuracy)
• On‑time delivery of analytics reports and dashboards
• Inventory turns and supply‑demand alignment metrics
• Operational efficiency insights and implemented improvements
• Routing accuracy
• Operational efficiency
• Uptime

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Analytics, Business Management or equivalent work experience.
• 5 years of experience in supply chain or manufacturing operations, specializing in data analysis, forecasting, and strategic business operations.
• 2 years of experience directly supporting and managing Sales, Inventory and Operations (SIOP) planning.
• Familiarity with packaging or contract manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data sets and translate into actionable insights.
• Experience with demand forecasting, inventory analysis, or production planning.
• Solid understanding of financial and operational metrics.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Displays efficient time‑management skills by meeting deadlines while multi‑tasking, stopping/starting work assignments, and redirecting attention as necessary.
• Recognizes and respects confidentiality in various formats.

Technology / Software

• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Power Query, SUMIF, etc.).
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Microsoft Navision or similar).
• Power BI, Tableau, or other data visualization tools preferred.
• Experience with statistical tools for forecasting and trend analysis (e.g., time series, regression models).
• SharePoint and collaborative tools for reporting process enhancements.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting 15 pounds at a time.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) – Retirement Savings with Company match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Dependent Care Accounts (DCA).
• Dependent Care Subsidy.
• Childcare & Elder Care Resources.
• Tuition/Education Assistance.
• Active & Fit Direct – Affordable access to thousands of gyms and fitness centers.
• Geode Health – Mental health support.
• Commuter Benefits.
• Health Advocate Services – Expert help navigating healthcare and benefits.
• Benefit Hub – Employee perks and discount marketplace.
• Pet Insurance.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays.
• Short & Long‑Term Disability Insurance.