Data Analyst

Production Data AnalystJob DescriptionThe Production Data Analyst plays a key role in supporting the production management team by extracting, organizing, and analyzing data from Microsoft Business Central ERP and other sources, with heavy use of Excel. This position focuses on reporting, cost and variance analysis, and providing clear insights to improve productivity, efficiency, and product quality. The role offers significant opportunity for rapid learning and professional growth, with a potential career path toward production leadership over the next several years.Responsibilities

• Extract, organize, and consolidate production and financial data from Microsoft Business Central ERP and other systems into Excel for analysis and reporting.
• Analyze performance metrics, efficiency, capacity utilization, labor productivity, scrap rates, and yield to provide actionable insights to the production management team.
• Develop and maintain accurate data sets and spreadsheets that support monthly production planning and ongoing operational decision-making.
• Perform cost and variance analysis to support budgeting, forecasting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify bottlenecks in production processes and recommend data-driven process improvements to enhance productivity and quality.
• Solve complex analytical problems and present clear, strategic recommendations to support production growth and operational excellence.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying and implementing enhancements to processes, efficiency, and product quality based on data analysis.
• Provide cross-coverage for other administrative roles as needed to ensure smooth production operations and information flow.
• Continuously develop job knowledge, analytical skills, and understanding of manufacturing operations and KPIs.
• Prepare and build PowerPoint presentations and decks to communicate analysis, findings, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Perform other duties within the scope of the role as assigned to support production management and operational goals.
• Demonstrate flexibility, including willingness to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines or support production requirements.

Essential Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, and advanced spreadsheet functions.
• Ability to export data and reports from ERP or financial software, particularly Microsoft Business Central, into Excel and transform them into usable formats.
• Experience managing and analyzing large data sets to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
• Understanding of manufacturing key performance indicators such as scrap rate, yield, capacity utilization, and labor productivity.
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis and financial analysis, especially in a production or manufacturing context.
• 5+ years of business experience utilizing Excel heavily, or a bachelor’s degree with at least 1+ years of experience using Excel extensively.
• Ability to identify bottlenecks and recommend process improvements based on data-driven insights.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make informed, strategic recommendations.
• Trainable mindset with eagerness to learn, grow, and take on new responsibilities.
• Effective communication skills for explaining analytical findings and collaborating with production and administrative teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment and familiarity with production workflows.
• Background in cost analysis and budgeting to support financial planning and variance analysis.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Business Central ERP or similar enterprise resource planning systems.
• Ability to build clear and professional PowerPoint presentations to communicate data and recommendations.
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant certifications in fields such as business, finance, data analytics, or operations are preferred.
• Willingness to learn new processes, systems, and industry practices quickly and effectively.
• Comfort participating in technical discussions about Excel usage, data exports from financial software, and manufacturing operations.

Work EnvironmentThis is a full-time, onsite role in a production-focused environment with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including a half-hour lunch. The position works closely with the production management and administrative teams, using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Business Central ERP, and PowerPoint on a daily basis. The environment is oriented toward continuous improvement, collaboration, and operational excellence, offering opportunities to learn manufacturing processes and grow into more senior production leadership roles over time.Contact Me: Kaitland Clawson, Recruiter Practice LeadView my availability here:Book a MeetingLinkedIn Connect

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Newport News, VA.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Newport News,VA.

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.