Supply chain data analyst
A single supply chain for one product can be a pretty complex thing, but when a manufacturer has dozens of different products and components to move, small inefficiencies can multiply into large black holes on the balance sheet. That’s why the supply chain data analyst is such a crucial role in a busy firm. They will use their experience and digital skills to perform supply chain data analytics on the whole process, seeking out those costly inefficiencies.
What happens once such failings have been found depends on the issue at hand, the specific role and the structure of the company. Most of the time, the supply chain analyst will report their findings to management, as the remedial actions might require re-negotiation of contracts or major restructuring of activities – if these are needed. Other times, the analyst might have some authority to put in place fixes, and report their discoveries and results to the board.
Whatever the specifics of the position, the supply chain data analyst will work alongside the logistics and supply chain teams, and often with external customers and suppliers, searching out ways to increase profitability given the copious amounts of data available. They might also be involved with projecting figures for supply chains that are still at the proposal stage.
The skills required
First and foremost, the supply chain analyst will have a solid background in logistics and/or supply chain, and will completely understand how the industry works. That’s crucial for understanding the possibilities and limitations of the remedial work you can perform.
You should be skilled at using the major supply chain software packages so you can take deep dives into the stats, but you may well find most of your time poring over Excel sheets that you have created or which have been created by someone else. Either way, you’ll need to be a data analytics master, able to interpret trends, patterns and opportunities from an array of digital sources. Finally, you’ll be able to communicate complex solutions to management to justify your decisions.
Supply chain data 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 Supply chain data 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.
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Supply chain analyst jobs
If you’re a supply chain data analyst with the requisite skills and experience, you need to speak to Cast UK as we might be sitting on the perfect job for you. We were founded on supply chain and logistics recruitment, and although we’ve diversified since those days, it’s still a core part of our business, and we understand the needs of supply chains and companies that rely on their efficient operation. Follow the link below to register your details with us.
If you’re on the lookout for a supply chain analyst for your business, you’ve found the perfect recruitment partner. We’ve always got the most talented candidates on our list. Call us on 0333 121 3345 to talk to us today.
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