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 West Bromwich
Only five miles north-west of Birmingham, West Bromwich is a large town that offers a number of options for those seeking Material Analyst roles.
For hundreds of years, West Bromwich was mainly an agricultural area and the town first rose to prominence during the 19th century when deposits of coal were discovered in the region.
It grew quickly as a coal mining town and associated industries also arrived. Indeed, the area became known as the Black Country due to the smoke and soot that resulted.
Until the latter half of the 20th century, West Bromwich's economy was based mainly on manufacturing, with one of its main products being metalwork for the automotive industry. Textiles and chemicals were also produced.
The town suffered significant job losses during the 1970s, as more and more factories were moved to locations abroad in order to make use of cheaper workforces.
Today, West Bromwich's economy is mainly based in retail and the service sector; this is particularly due to recent investments to regenerate the area - with large shopping centres like Queen's Square. West Bromwich Building Society has been based in the town for more than 160 years, while the region's main employers are based in the public sector, including Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.
Manufacturing, however, does still play a part in the local economy, with products including building supplies and technology.
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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