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 Widnes
At the north-eastern edge of Cheshire lies Widnes, a town of around 60,000 population built on heavy industry, particularly chemicals, where ICI had a huge presence for decades before fragmenting in the 1990s. The chemical industry chose Widnes partly for the plentiful supply of water, just like Runcorn, to which it is joined by a railway and road bridge over the Mersey.
The centre of Liverpool is 11 miles (17 km) to the west, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport just 4 miles (7km) form the centre of Widnes. Although not actually in Widnes, the Jaguar Land rover car production plant is just outside the town in Halewood, and it has been a large employer of people from Widnes. For decades the plant was owned by Ford, and the locals still cal the main boulevard that passes it “The Ford Road”. Under the new management, the factory is doing extremely well, helped by a local enthusiastic workforce.
Widnes has two musical claims to fame, one certain, one apocryphal. First was the Stone Roses’ Spike Island gig, the pinnacle of the Madchester scene in 1990. The second claim is that Paul Simon wrote “Homeward Bound” at Widnes Station, although Simon isn’t 100% sure himself!
Widnes has retained many of its industrial plants, although they are no longer owned by the giant ICI, and have been taken over by a multitude of companies. The well-connected town is handy for Liverpool, Warrington, St Helens and Runcorn, and has the M62 at its northern point. All this makes it a good place to locate any logistics operations, and indeed, Supply chain data analyst jobs or similar positions have been through our system in Widnes.
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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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