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.
Materials Analyst Jobs in the West Midlands
Home to a number of cities and towns, including Birmingham - often called Britain's Second City - as well as Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton, the West Midlands has long been a centre of industry and commerce for the UK and it's an ideal location for anyone seeking Materials Analyst jobs.
During the Middle Ages and throughout the Industrial Revolution, Coventry was known for producing wool and cloth. Meanwhile, other parts of the region were known for their metalwork - Birmingham for its small arms and Wolverhampton for locks, ironmongery and brass work.
In addition, the West Midlands region was a prime source of raw materials like coal and iron ore, something that became increasingly important throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
As time moved on, the focus of the region shifted and car manufacturing overtook the other industries, while bicycle production was also a large part of the local economy for many years.
Today, the West Midlands area is home to a number of tech companies, as well as food and beverage manufacturers, with Nikon, Hitachi maxell, Fujitsu, Muller Dairy Ltd, Bulmers Cider, Cadbury UK, Marmite, Coors Brewers and Bird's Custard just a few examples.
Other brands that call the area home include Michelin Tyres, Dechra Pharmaceuticals, Volvo Group UK and the National Express Group.
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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