Principal Data Analyst

Principal Data AnalystWestern Digital is seeking a highly analytical, strategic, and operationally focused Supply Chain Planning Principal Data Analyst to lead the development, execution, and automation of complex business scenarios that support executive decision-making across the company.This role will serve as a key partner to Supply Chain Planning, Finance, Operations, Commercial, Product Management, and Executive Leadership teams, helping structure and evaluate critical business scenarios associated with Western Digital's Long-Range Plan (LRP), annual operating plans, capital investment strategies, manufacturing capacity decisions, customer demand shifts, product transitions, and other strategic initiatives.The successful candidate will not only perform advanced scenario modeling and business analysis but will also define and execute a multi-year roadmap to automate data integration, dashboarding, and modeling capabilities through close partnership with IT, Data Engineering, and Digital Transformation teams.This position will routinely support business reviews and strategic recommendations presented to the CEO, COO, CFO, and other executive leaders, requiring exceptional analytical rigor, executive communication skills, and business acumen.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Scenario Modeling & Executive Decision SupportLead the development and execution of complex business scenarios supporting Western Digital's Long-Range Planning process.Translate ambiguous business questions into structured analytical models and actionable recommendations.Evaluate demand, supply, manufacturing, capital, inventory, sourcing, and product roadmap scenarios.Analyze risks, opportunities, constraints, and sensitivities across multiple business assumptions.Quantify the financial, operational, and customer impacts of strategic alternatives.Support executive-level business reviews, board materials, and strategic planning processes.Drive rapid-turnaround analyses for urgent executive requests and emerging business issues.Supply Chain & Capital AnalyticsDevelop integrated models linking demand forecasts, manufacturing output, inventory, capital investments, product transitions, and financial outcomes.Partner with Supply Chain Planning teams to evaluate network and capacity optimization opportunities.Analyze manufacturing loading strategies, factory utilization, inventory positions, and supply-demand balances.Support capital planning processes through investment scenario evaluations and business case development.Identify operational bottlenecks and recommend data-driven solutions.Automation & Digital TransformationDevelop and own a strategic roadmap to automate scenario modeling, reporting, and decision-support processes.Partner closely with IT, Data Engineering, Business Intelligence, and Digital Transformation teams to improve analytical capabilities.Lead requirements definition for data architecture, data governance, and reporting solutions.Implement scalable self-service dashboards and executive reporting tools.Reduce manual data collection, consolidation, and analysis activities through process automation.Champion best practices in data management, analytics, and model governance.Executive Communication & InfluencePresent complex analytical findings in concise, executive-level narratives.Create clear visualizations and dashboards to communicate key business insights.Influence cross-functional leaders through fact-based recommendations.Facilitate alignment among Supply Chain, Finance, Operations, Product Management, and Executive leadership teams.Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on strategic planning decisions.Team Leadership & Capability BuildingEstablish modeling methodologies, standards, and best practices.Mentor analysts and planning teams on advanced analytical techniques.Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.Drive adoption of enhanced analytical tools and processes across the organization.QualificationsRequired ExperienceBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Business Analytics, Data Science, Economics, Statistics, or related field.8+ years of experience in analytics, supply chain planning, operations strategy, finance, consulting, or business intelligence roles.3+ years of experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives.Strong experience supporting executive-level decision-making through advanced analytics.Experience developing scenario models for strategic planning, capital investment, operations, or supply chain optimization.Preferred ExperienceExperience within semiconductor, storage, technology hardware, electronics manufacturing, or related industries.Experience supporting Long Range Planning (LRP), Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), Integrated Business Planning (IBP), or strategic planning processes.Experience in manufacturing and supply chain environments with internal production operations.MBA or advanced degree in Operations Research, Engineering, Analytics, or Business preferred.Technical SkillsAdvanced AnalyticsExpert-level Excel modeling capabilities.Strong statistical analysis and forecasting expertise.Advanced scenario planning and sensitivity analysis.Financial and operational modeling experience.Data & Analytics ToolsSQLPythonPower BITableauAlteryx (preferred)Snowflake (preferred)Databricks (preferred)Additional CapabilitiesData visualization and executive storytelling.Business intelligence platform development.Data architecture and analytical workflow design.Process automation and digital transformation experience.Key CompetenciesStrategic ThinkingExecutive PresenceAnalytical Problem SolvingBusiness AcumenCross-Functional LeadershipStructured CommunicationDecision-Making Under AmbiguityContinuous Improvement MindsetInfluencing Without AuthorityCustomer and Business Outcome Focus