Materials Analyst jobs
The materials entering a factory are of equal importance to the customers. Without them arriving on time and in the right amounts, the whole process can grind to a halt, and customers might start looking elsewhere for their goods. The job of the materials analyst will be to make sure that the flow of raw materials or assembled components reach the factory at a speed that keeps productivity going whilst not filling up the stock room.
Since every business is forever seeking efficiency and lower costs, the materials analyst will also be required to constantly check sources of materials and methods of delivery to ensure that the company is always paying the best possible price and receiving the optimum service from the suppliers.
The materials analyst will also need to help secure a constant stream of materials by keeping an eye on the marketplace so that the company is alert to events which could threaten supply or efficiency. Should a potential issue be discovered, the decision will then have to be made whether to secure supply from elsewhere, perhaps temporarily and possibly at a higher price, and it will be the materials analyst’s data and projections that will be used to make such decisions.
The skills required
The ability to gather data from diverse sources and wring the most relevant information out of them will be the materials analyst’s key skill. Since most data is essentially white noise, the analyst who can cut straight to the information required will be highly valued.
He or she will also need to be confident and assertive enough to present the findings of the analysis to the board, buyers or procurement department depending on the company structure. Wrong decisions can of course be costly, but if arrived at logically and with the company’s best interests at heart, and without the benefit of hindsight of course, they can have a positive effect on future decisions. It is important that materials analysts are not discouraged by such eventualities, so strength of character will be essential.
Material Analyst Jobs in Northern Ireland
The smallest country in the UK, Northern Ireland has traditionally been associated with industries like shipping, rope making and textile manufacture. In fact, during the American Civil War, the supply of cotton from the States was cut and Belfast gained the nickname Linenopolis, as Irish linen helped to alleviate problems caused by the shortage.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Belfast was home to many of the world's top shipbuilders, including Harland and Wolff, the firm that went on to build the RMS Titanic, her sisters the Britannic and Olympic and other vessels like the HMS Belfast during the early 20th century.
Northern Ireland has also seen its share of violence and civil unrest, during a period known as the Troubles, which lasted from the late 1960s until the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Since then, the country has grown more stable and a number of redevelopment projects have helped to turn Northern Ireland into a thriving place with an economy based mainly in the service sector - although many of the older business are still in operation. What's more, there are plenty of opportunities for those seeking Material Analyst vacancies.
Just some of the companies with regional headquarters or other facilities in the region include DuPont and Caterpillar. In addition, Short Brothers, one of the first companies in the world to produce aircraft, moved to Northern Ireland in 1948 - today it owned by Bombardier Aerospace and produces flight control systems and other components.
Popular locations
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. We are a growing force in the UK recruitment industry, mainly because these are the only sectors we deal with. 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. They might be seeking more job fulfilment, they could have been made redundant or they might simply be relocating for family 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 Material Analyst for your business or find you a job as a Material Analyst then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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