Group Supply Chain Analyst jobs
Any business needs to constantly be on the lookout for inefficiencies and better ways to do things in the future, but in supply chain the costs of inefficiency can be massive. Unnecessary transportation, warehousing and waste can add millions to the costs of a large company or group, but the danger is that such costs can go unnoticed or can be relics of old ways of doing things that were never updated.
The group supply chain analyst will be in charge of gathering and using data within a business group and looking for areas where savings can be made, whilst all the time remaining alert to potential impacts on customer satisfaction. Chasing down inefficiencies in a supply chain can sometimes feel like squeezing air out of an inflatable bed – squeezing here can make a bulge there – so the analyst will have to be mindful that they are dealing with a whole system, not just a series of parts. If might sometimes be beneficial to leave superficial inefficiencies in place if they benefit the entire chain.
Often, the group supply chain analyst will not have executive powers and will be part of a team of analysts, perhaps working under a materials, planning and logistics (M, P & L) manager. In such cases the analyst will need to be focused on improving and maintaining service in a small section of the chain while those senior to him or her make the business decisions.
The skills required
The group supply chain analyst will need to be an expert at both looking at the big picture (i.e. the whole supply chain) and analysing the micro data (e.g. fuel usage on a particular journey, warehousing costs etc.). They will need to eat, drink and sleep statistics and will have an excellent grasp of mathematics.
A thorough understanding of the supply chain and logistics industries will be a distinct advantage, and experience of related industries, such as procurement or retail, will certainly do the applicant no harm.
Gathering and manipulating data will be the nuts and bolts of the job, but ultimately the data and any conclusions will need to be presented in a clear and concise manner, be it verbally, through presentations or digitally. It will therefore be vital that the group supply chain analyst will be a great communicator who is equally comfortable dealing with fellow employees and senior and middle management.
Group Supply Chain Analyst Jobs in Lowestoft
On the north-eastern tip of Suffolk, 7 miles (11 km) south of Great Yarmouth and 21 miles (33 km) south east of Norwich, is the port town of Lowestoft. The town has a long history as a fishing and freight port town, and some of the earliest evidence of settlement in the UK has been found here. Unfortunately, the town's location and its harbouring of vessels and materials for the war efforts meant that it was bombed and shelled during both world wars, as was the case with many towns on the east coast.
Lowestoft got its railway link in the 19th century and this helped the town to boom as its trawlers' catches could be taken away to the cities quickly. The railway also stimulated other industry to set up there, as it made imports and exports simple by land and sea. Until the 1990s there were several multinational companies in the town, but they have largely gone now, and tourism plays a vital role – Lowestoft does have very attractive sandy beaches. Another well known industry was Lowestoft porcelain, which was among the finest in the world in its day.
It is not uncommon for Group Supply Chain Analyst jobs to become available in Lowestoft and the surrounding area as the docks are still active, even if they are not at the same level as they were fifty years ago. There is still a major Birds Eye factory in the town, and the headquarters of Hoseasons Holidays is located there. Much employment comes from the oil and gas industries, too, and recently Lowestoft has become a key site for the manufacture of renewable energy equipment, from solar panels to offshore wind turbines. There is a population of around 65,000 and several ,moderately populated towns along the coast, which can all add up to a reasonably active logistics and supply chain sector.
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Cast UK’s supply chain opportunities
Cast UK’s founder members and consultants all come from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for in their staff and careers respectively. Cast UK is a growing force in the UK recruitment industry, mainly because these are the only sectors we deal with. That means that many employers often come to us first to create a candidate shortlist because they know we’re tightly focused on delivering the best people to them.
Applicants approach Cast UK for many reasons, whether seeking more job fulfilment or simply relocating for personal reasons, so it’s good to know that we always have the complete range of positions available nationwide. Please see what’s available in your region and if you’ve seen something you’re interested in, do get in touch – whether it’s today or tomorrow, we might have the ideal position for you.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Group Supply Chain Analyst for your business or find you a job as a Group Supply Chain Analyst then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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