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 Tamworth
The town of Tamworth is the largest town in Staffordshire, although the largest settlement is the city of Stoke-on-Trent. Due to its south-eastern location, however, the town probably has more of an affiliation with Birmingham; Tamworth is just 12 miles (20 km) from the centre of Birmingham, and 6 miles (10 km) from Sutton Coldfield. The M42 passes to the east, connecting Birmingham with the M1, and to the west the M6 toll road heads north and south.
The town has a rich history, and was once larger than Birmingham; indeed it was even the capital of Mercia under Kind Offa in the 9th century. It was raided and destroyed by the Danes and re-founded by Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great. There was probably a Saxon fort in the town, but it is thought that Tamworth Castle was built on its grounds; the castle still stands to this day. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the town became industrialised, mainly thanks to the abundant coal nearby. Canals and railways came, and engineering, brick and tile making and the textile industries grew up. In latter years, Tamworth was the home of the Reliant factory, famous for its Robin and Scimitar cars; the factory no longer exists, however.
Tamworth, with its links to both Birmingham and Staffordshire, and thanks to its ideal location in the midlands, is a perfect place to find Category Analyst positions, and they become available reasonably frequently here and in its surrounding area. It is certainly worth taking a look or contacting Cast UK directly to talk about your needs.
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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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