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 Luton
Situated in Bedfordshire, around 30 miles north of London, Luton is a thriving community that is home to a number of big businesses. It is also located in the London commuter belt, meaning those who live here have a wide choice of options when it comes to finding Group Supply Chain Analyst vacancies.
Since the 17th century, Luton has been known for its hat making industry, and this is a tradition that continues today, although it is now a more niche market.
Vauxhall Motors has been based in Luton since 1905 and its headquarters are still located here. Although the firm's passenger car production has been moved to Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, some commercial vehicles - mainly vans - are still produced at the IBC Vehicles plant.
Other companies based in Luton, or which have major facilities in the city, include AstraZeneca pharmaceuticals, Ernst & Young, Experian, Siemens AG and Whitbread, a hospitality chain.
Luton is also home to one of the main airports that services the London area. It sees around ten million passengers every year and is one of the UK's busiest airports. EasyJet, Ryanair, Thomson Airways and Monarch Airlines are all based here and the airport also processes cargo for Atlantic Airways, BA, DHL, MNG and Varig Logistica.
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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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