Commercial Business Analyst

About

My client is in search of a suitably qualified and experienced individual to assume the above-mentioned role. The successful incumbent will provide insightful and timeous employee cost reporting. This role demands both a sharp analytical acumen and a deep technical understanding of their ERP systems, as the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, relevance, and timeliness of employee cost data and its strategic interpretation. The position offers a unique opportunity to influence decision-making at the highest levels by transforming raw data into actionable intelligence within a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment and assist with the automation of the commercial reporting layer which supports the business to control costs and drive key saving initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Monthly Employee Cost Reporting: Prepare, review, and distribute comprehensive monthly employee cost reports using the company's ERP system, ensuring accuracy and clarity for stakeholders at all management levels. Reporting will be compiled for various divisions & explain key deviations.
• Data Integrity & Validation: Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure that employee-related data is complete, up-to-date, and accurately reflected within the ERP system.
• Business Insight Generation: Analyze trends, variances, and drivers of employee costs, translating findings into clear, actionable business insights that facilitate cost management, budgeting, and strategic workforce planning.
• ERP System Leverage: Leverage deep knowledge of our ERP system to extract, manipulate, and interpret employee cost data, optimizing reporting processes through automation and best practices. This will include development of automated employee cost dashboards & assist with BI development on other key cost metrics and developing fully integrated commercial reporting dashboards used to control costs within the business.
• Point of Contact: Act as the primary point of contact for management and department heads regarding employee cost information; provide consultative support, respond to ad hoc queries, and deliver regular presentations on findings.
• HR Compliance: Embed controls and procedures to ensure employee cost remain within plan (overtime and rest periods).
• Proactive Reporting: Daily and weekly pro-active reporting on employee cost overtime.
• Ad-hoc Analysis & Projects: Assist with ad-hoc commercial analysis & contribute to cross-functional projects aimed at optimizing the company's fixed cost structure, supporting ERP upgrades, and integrating new workforce analytics tools.
• BBBEE Optimization: Optimize spent into BBBEE.
• Negotiation Support: Wage, salaries and benefits calculator into negotiations.
• Methodology Improvement: Identify and implement improvements in reporting methodologies, data visualization, and analytical approaches to enhance the value and usability of employee cost insights.
• Compliance: Uphold the highest standards of data privacy, security, and regulatory compliance when handling employee information and cost data.
• ERP Super User: Serve as a super user for the company's ERP system, acting as the primary subject matter expert for employee cost modules.
• User Support & Training: Provide user support, troubleshoot system issues, train new users, and collaborate with IT on ERP enhancements, updates, and testing.
• Process Documentation: Participate in system configuration and process documentation to ensure best practices are followed and knowledge is effectively shared across the business.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Analytics, Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in business analysis, financial reporting, or cost analysis, ideally within a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in working with complex ERP systems; proficiency in relevant modules and advanced reporting features is essential.
• Strong analytical skills with proven success in interpreting large datasets, identifying cost drivers, and providing strategic business recommendations.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex data to non-technical stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of employee cost components such as salaries, benefits, taxes, and variable compensation, and their impact on manufacturing cost structures.
• Commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.

Desired Skills

• Commercial Business Analysis

Desired Work Experience

• 5 to 10 years

Desired Qualification Level

• Degree