Business Excellence Analyst

Role Overview

The Business Excellence Analyst supports day-to-day operational performance across the Avoca business by combining reporting, analysis, investigation, process improvement and store-level support. The position focuses on turning operational data into useful insight, spotting risks and trends, resolving reporting or system issues, and helping introduce improvements that strengthen efficiency, compliance and profitability.

This is a strong opportunity for someone with a sharp analytical mindset who wants to grow their career in operations, retail and business improvement. The assignment is a fixed-term contract lasting 6 months.

Reporting Line

This role reports to the Business Excellence Manager.

Location

Avoca Head Office / Hybrid, Glencap Commons North, County Wicklow, Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and circulate weekly and monthly operational reports.
• Review performance data across stock, waste, labour and wider operations.
• Look into unusual variances and determine the underlying causes.
• Help maintain and improve reporting dashboards.
• Track KPI performance across stores and flag any problem areas.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy in operational reporting systems.
• Support the cycle count process across all locations.
• Examine stock take outcomes and investigate major discrepancies.
• Review stock adjustments, write-offs and transfer movements.
• Identify patterns linked to shrinkage, waste and inventory losses.
• Work alongside store teams to improve stock accuracy and inventory controls.
• Contribute to business improvement work across retail, cafe and food production operations.
• Help review current processes and suggest better ways of working.
• Find opportunities to simplify reporting and cut down manual administration.
• Support the rollout of new systems, controls and procedures.
• Assist with operational audits and compliance checks.
• Support store teams with reporting, systems and operational processes.
• Provide coaching and guidance on reporting tools and standard operating procedures.
• Help investigate operational problems and work toward practical solutions.
• Develop productive working relationships with General Managers and operational colleagues.
• Create, update and manage Standard Operating Procedures.
• Keep operational documentation accurate and current.
• Support the introduction of new operational initiatives and controls.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong analytical ability and a structured approach to solving problems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Capability to interpret data and recognise trends.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good organisational skills and effective time management.
• Ability to work independently while handling several priorities at once.
• Strong communication skills and stakeholder management experience.
• Experience in retail, hospitality or other multi-site operations is an advantage.
• Background in stock control and inventory management is desirable.
• Experience building reports and dashboards is desirable.
• Familiarity with EPOS and reporting systems is desirable.
• Experience supporting operational improvement projects is desirable.
• Curious, investigative and comfortable asking questions.
• Process-focused with a strong continuous improvement mindset.
• Willingness to challenge established ways of working where appropriate.
• Proactive, practical and solution-oriented.
• Detail-conscious while keeping commercial priorities in mind.
• Collaborative team player with a positive approach.

What Success Looks Like

• Reports are delivered accurately and on time across the business.
• Operational performance and risks are easier to see and understand.
• Stock variances and process inefficiencies are reduced.
• Compliance with operational controls and procedures improves.
• Operational improvement initiatives are delivered successfully.
• Strong relationships are built with stores and support teams across the business.

Additional Information

This position is offered as a fixed-term contract for 6 months.

The role is based in a hybrid working arrangement, with Avoca Head Office as the primary location.