Strategic Sourcing Analyst jobs
Driving down costs of procurement will always be a key part of increasing profits, and long-term solutions need to be found to making it happen. The strategic sourcing analyst will usually be employed by larger companies with multimillion pound turnovers and a wealth of data to draw on. At this scale, seemingly tiny changes in sourcing strategy can be converted into hundreds of thousands in savings once implemented.
The role will involve a good deal of data analysis, with the analyst looking deeply into every aspect of the company’s sourcing and identifying savings or flagging up areas where there is the potential for saving, for example renegotiating contracts with certain suppliers or seeking the change suppliers. The successful strategic sourcing analyst will be a creative thinker who can come up with non-direct ways of making savings.
Because strategic sourcing takes place over the longer term, short-term gains might often prove not to be economically optimal, for example if they tie the client into contracts that could have been negotiated more advantageously if a guarantee of future custom could have been written in.
The analyst will also have to present his or her conclusions and recommendations to the board in order for them to be made company policy. There will then follow a stage of follow-up analysis to check the performance of the changes.
The skills required
A good head for figures will be a key requirement for this role. It’s possible that several strands of negotiations could be going on simultaneously, with an optimum solution being concealed within them. Someone mathematically astute enough to have an instinct for finding the best deals and having their suspicions backed up by computerised analysis could be the ideal candidate, although such people could be few and far between!
Much of the work will involve meeting with other departments of the company and also with suppliers and those tendering for supply contracts, so someone who is at ease talking business and negotiating on the company’s behalf will be well suited to the role.
Needless to say, this will require superb communication skills, and an ability to think on one’s feet whilst being armed with a thorough knowledge of the employer’s strategic aims.
Strategic Sourcing Analyst Jobs in the East Midlands
Comprising counties like Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, the East Midlands is a wonderful choice for those seeking Strategic Sourcing Analyst vacancies.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, many scientific discoveries were made in the East Midlands. It was a pivotal place for the Industrial Revolution, being home to what many call the first modern factory - John Smedley's textile production facility at Lea Bridge, which was opened in 1794.
Some of the earliest military tanks were manufactured in Lincoln, while jet engines were also developed in the region - with the first jet aircraft flying from RAF Cranwell in 1941.
Meanwhile, Derby was home to a Rolls-Royce factory that produced Merlin aero-engines until 1950, as well as a railway works. The Corby Steelworks in Northamptonshire was one of the largest facilities of its type in the middle of the 20th century.
Today, manufacturing is still a major part of the economy of the East Midlands. A number of big-name firms operate in the region, including Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Triumph Motorcycles, Toyota, Caterpillar and LaFarge Aggregates. There's also Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, which builds Formula One engines in Brixworth.
What's more, Bombardier Transportation in Derby produces new rolling stock for London Underground, and is the only remaining train manufacturer in the UK - it also builds Turbo Star and ElectroStar overground units.
Popular locations
Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
Cast UK is growing in the UK logistics, procurement and supply chain recruitment industry, partly because these are the only sectors we deal with. People approach us for many reasons, whether seeking more job fulfilment or simply relocating with the family, so it’s good to know that we always have the complete range of positions available nationwide.
Our founder members and consultants all come from these sectors, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for in their staff and careers respectively. As we only deal with these fields, many employers come to us first to create a candidate shortlist because they know we’re tightly focused on delivering the best people to them.
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 Strategic Sourcing Analyst for your business or find you a job as a Strategic Sourcing Analyst then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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