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 the South West
A region that encompasses Bristol, Gloucester, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, as well as the Isles of Scilly, the South West is a diverse area that offers a broad range of opportunities for those seeking Supply chain data analyst positions.
As demonstrated by the ancient monuments like Stonehenge and the Roman ruins in Bath, the South West has been settled for thousands of years. In fact, the oldest complete human skeleton ever found in the UK was discovered in Cheddar Gorge and dates back to around 7150 BC.
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, much of the South West relied on fishing and shipping, particularly in Bristol, a city which harboured vessels that traded with Ireland, Iceland and the Americas. Later, it became known for coal mining, as well as heavy industry.
Today, aeronautics is an important part of the South West economy, and a number of companies have facilities in the region - such as Airbus UK, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. There's also Defence Equipment and Support - the MoD's procurement and logistics agency.
Cheese, clotted cream and other dairy products are made in the region, with companies including Dairy Crest, which makes Cathedral City and Davidstow. Other food and beverage manufacturers include Ginsters, Ryvita, Kraft Foods UK and Beverage Brands, makers of WKD vodka. Meanwhile GSK manufactures Lucozade and Ribena in Coleford.
In addition, Princess Yachts, Siemens Traffic Controls, Merlin Entertainments, Endsleigh Insurance, Westland Helicopters and Wincanton plc are all based in the region.
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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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