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 Taunton
Taunton has a long history and features particularly heavily in Britain’s religious past, with a monastery being located there in the tenth century. The town is still home to some of the most impressive churches in the UK, particularly the Church of St James, which dates back to the 14th century and has a 34 metre high tower which overlooks the Somerset county cricket ground. Taunton is the county town and administrative centre, and this accounts for a good proportion of its employment.
The town of Taunton is located towards the south west of Somerset, and is joined to Exeter and Bristol by the M5 Motorway. Thirteen miles (21 km) to the north is the Bristol Channel, and 23 miles (37 km) to the south is the English Channel. The railway that passes through the town loosely mirrors the motorway route, and the Western Union Canal linked Taunton in 1839.
Taunton is a relatively affluent town, and it is currently undergoing a major regeneration programme. There is some manufacturing and other light industry in the town, although it is mainly a service-based economy. Thee facts, along with good communications by road and rail make the town a reasonably good place to seek Category Analyst work.
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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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