Category Analyst Jobs
Category analysis is a key strategic role, assisting with the profitability of the company by minimising waste and eliminating overstocking and under-ordering. The modern role involves a good deal of computer analysis but also plenty of interpersonal work with suppliers and those at the customer-facing side of the business.
Much of the work will be involved with identifying trends and predicting future events that will influence the needs of the categories under your control, particularly by identifying opportunities and threats. Just as important will be looking into your own past actions and judging whether or not they corrected the problem and if there was improvement, identifying areas where even more efficiency can be introduced into the system.
Regular contact with suppliers will be required as it is they who will ultimately determine whether your plans can be fulfilled. Since they will have their own supply needs, the accuracy and timeliness of your projections will be key to maintaining supply.
The category analyst will also need to keep abreast of new procurement technologies and systems as these might be able to provide long-term efficiencies to the company.
Depending on the size of the employer, the category analyst will report directly to senior management or to intermediated category managers.
The skills required
Superb analysis skills will be required for this role, and although much of the number crunching will be computerised, there’s a strong human element to the role. The category analyst will be required to keep in touch with national and global news and cultural events which could influence future opportunities negatively or positively. You must have the confidence in your results to take action in a timely and effective manner.
Experience of the specific sector in question is usually considered an advantage in category analysis, as some trends might be unknown to outsiders. Good Excel experience will usually be considered essential, and skills in SAP, Oracle and Business Objects are often required.
Category Analyst Jobs in Fareham
The market town of Fareham lies towards the south of Hampshire, with Gosport to its south, Portsmouth to the south east and Southampton 10 miles (15 km) to the west. The south east of the town touches Fareham Lake, which forms the port of Portsmouth and Gosport, but at this point it is only navigable by small craft, and the marina has plenty of them on show.
As well as having historic links to the maritime centres to its south and west, Fareham carved out a reputation as a master of the clay-based industries, making bricks, tiles and chimney pots with their distinctive red hue. Although they are used all over the country, the most famous building made of Fareham red brick is the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Fareham is seen as a slightly more upmarket place to live than the port towns and cities nearby. It is well connected by road, rail and sea, and has lots of green space and the beautiful Hampshire countryside to the north. It has also become quite a notable centre for light industry and retail, with several retail areas and a technology park in the town. There could well be opportunities for Category Analyst jobs in Fareham, and certainly in the seafaring locations within a few miles along the coast. This has always been a region of industry, and it looks set to continue with further investment and development.
Popular locations
Discover category analyst opportunities with Cast UK
Cast UK are dedicated to filling roles in the procurement sector, so whether you are looking for promotion or moving home or just feel the need to try something different, please give us a call.
Because of the calibre of talent we provide, employers consider us a vital part in their recruitment process. Many employers trust us to provide a shortlist for interview, saving them time and money and ensuring the candidates we suggest are best suited to the roles.
We are always welcoming new candidates, so do get in touch and get yourself on our books, even if you’re not looking for work right now; you never know what opportunities will arise in the near future!
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Category Analyst for your business or find you a job as a Category Analyst then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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