Supply Chain Analyst Job Description
Job Title: Supply Chain Analyst
Overview/Summary of the role:
A Supply Chain Analyst is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and optimizing the overall supply chain operations of a company. They analyze data, identify trends, develop strategies, and make recommendations to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability. The role requires a deep understanding of procurement, production, and logistics processes as well as the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Analyze supply chain data and identify trends and patterns
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for procurement, production, and logistics
- Identify areas for improvement in the supply chain process and develop strategies to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement supply chain improvements
- Develop and maintain supply chain metrics, reports, and dashboards for management and key stakeholders
- Conduct regular supply chain audits to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
- Monitor supplier performance and develop supplier relationships to drive cost savings and improve quality
- Support the development of procurement and production plans to meet customer demand while minimizing inventory levels
- Participate in developing and implementing inventory management strategies
- Manage the flow of goods through the supply chain, including inbound and outbound logistics, inventory management, and order fulfillment
Qualifications and Skills:
Hard Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent data analysis and statistical skills
- Proficiency in data visualization and data analysis tools (such as Tableau, Power BI, Excel, or Access)
- Familiarity with supply chain management software (such as SAP, Oracle, or JDA)
- Understanding of logistics and transportation operations
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and six sigma methodologies
Soft Skills:
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong project management skills
- Creative and innovative thinking
Education and Experience:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, operations management, or related field
- 3-5 years of experience in a supply chain analyst or related role
- Strong understanding of supply chain processes and principles
Preferred:
- Master's degree in supply chain management or related field
- Certification in supply chain management (such as APICS, ISM, or CSCMP)
- Experience with international supply chain operations
- Experience in the manufacturing or retail industry.Licensing (if applicable):
There are typically no licensing requirements for Supply Chain Analysts.
Typical Employers:
Supply Chain Analysts can be employed by a wide range of organizations, including manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, transportation companies, and consulting firms.
Work Environment:
Supply Chain Analysts typically work in office settings and may be required to travel occasionally. They work closely with teams of professionals, including supply chain and logistics professionals, finance professionals, and IT professionals. They may also work with suppliers, customers, and other external stakeholders.
Career Pathways:
Supply Chain Analysts typically have a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, logistics, or a related field. They may start their careers as supply chain coordinators or analysts and move up to more senior roles, such as Supply Chain Manager, Operations Manager, or Director of Supply Chain.
Job Growth Trend (USA and Global):
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Logisticians (which includes Supply Chain Analysts) in the United States is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The globalization of business and the increasing use of technology in supply chain management are expected to drive demand for logistics professionals. The job growth trend for Supply Chain Analysts is also strong on a global scale, as many companies increasingly focus on optimizing their supply chain operations to remain competitive.Career Satisfaction: Supply chain analysts generally report high levels of job satisfaction due to the opportunity to work on various projects and the chance to solve complex problems. They also enjoy the ability to work with various departments and stakeholders within a company, making the job both challenging and rewarding.
Related Job Positions: Related positions include supply chain manager, logistics analyst, inventory analyst, operations analyst, procurement analyst, and demand planner.
Connected People: Supply chain analysts usually work with various departments within a company, including operations, finance, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics. They may also interact with suppliers, customers, and transportation providers.
Average Salary: According to payscale.com, the average salary of a supply chain analyst in the USA is $61,115 per year, in the UK it is £30,873 ($40,581), in Germany it is €50,000 ($54,587), in India it is ₹490,505 ($6,685), and in Brazil it is R$82,406 ($15,006).
Benefits Package: Supply chain analyst job packages typically include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and sick leave. They may also offer tuition reimbursement, bonuses based on performance, and work from home options.
Schedule and Hours Required: Supply chain analysts usually work full-time, Monday to Friday, during regular business hours. However, sometimes they may work outside of normal business hours to ensure deadlines are met or to communicate with international suppliers.Level of Autonomy:
As a supply chain analyst, you will have a certain level of autonomy in your work. You will be responsible for analyzing and monitoring supply chain performance, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending solutions. However, you will also work as part of a team, collaborating with other supply chain professionals to ensure that goals and objectives are met. While you will need to be self-motivated and able to work independently, you will also need to be able to communicate effectively and work well with others.
Opportunities for Professional Development and Advancement:
There are many opportunities for professional development and advancement as a supply chain analyst. You can pursue advanced degrees in supply chain management, logistics, or business administration to enhance your skills and broaden your expertise. You can also seek certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) to demonstrate your proficiency and commitment to the field. With experience, you can advance to higher-level positions such as supply chain manager, logistics manager, or operations manager.
Specialized Skills or Knowledge Required:
To be successful as a supply chain analyst, you will need to have a strong understanding of supply chain concepts, methodologies, and best practices. You will need to have experience with data analysis, statistical modeling, and forecasting. Knowledge of logistics, transportation, inventory management, and procurement will also be crucial. Additionally, you will need to be proficient in using supply chain software and tools such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Transportation Management System (TMS), and Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Physical Demands:
There are no significant physical demands for a supply chain analyst role. Most of the work is done in an office environment and involves sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. You may need to occasionally travel to visit suppliers or attend meetings, but this is not a regular part of the job.
Tools and Technologies Used:
As a supply chain analyst, you will use a variety of tools and technologies to perform your job. You will use software such as ERP, TMS, and WMS to manage and optimize the supply chain. You will also use data analysis tools such as Excel, Tableau, and Power BI to analyze and interpret supply chain data. Communication tools such as email, phone, and video conferencing will also be essential for collaborating with team members and suppliers.Work Style:
A supply chain analyst must have a strong work ethic and be able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. They should be well-organized and have excellent time management skills. They should be able to work independently and take ownership of their work. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to analyze and interpret data are also important qualities for a supply chain analyst.
Working Conditions:
Most supply chain analysts work in an office setting, but some may travel to manufacturing facilities or distribution centers. Depending on the company and industry, supply chain analysts may work regular business hours or have flexible schedules to accommodate global supply chains. The job may require occasional overtime or weekend work during peak periods.
Team Size and Structure:
Supply chain analysts often work as part of a larger supply chain or logistics team within a company. The size and structure of the team will depend on the size and complexity of the company's supply chain operations. A typical team may include supply chain managers, planners, buyers, and warehouse managers.
Collaboration and Communication Requirements:
A successful supply chain analyst must work closely with other departments, particularly inventory control, production, and logistics. Effective communication, both verbal and written, is essential to ensure coordination across different departments and to maintain accurate data. Supply chain analysts must be able to present their findings to management and collaborate with vendors and suppliers as needed.
Cultural Fit and Company Values:
Supply chain analysts must align with the company's culture and values. They should have a commitment to quality, be customer-focused, and possess a strong work ethic. They should also embrace diversity and be open to working with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Overview/Summary of the role:
A Supply Chain Analyst is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and optimizing the overall supply chain operations of a company. They analyze data, identify trends, develop strategies, and make recommendations to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability. The role requires a deep understanding of procurement, production, and logistics processes as well as the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Analyze supply chain data and identify trends and patterns
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for procurement, production, and logistics
- Identify areas for improvement in the supply chain process and develop strategies to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement supply chain improvements
- Develop and maintain supply chain metrics, reports, and dashboards for management and key stakeholders
- Conduct regular supply chain audits to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
- Monitor supplier performance and develop supplier relationships to drive cost savings and improve quality
- Support the development of procurement and production plans to meet customer demand while minimizing inventory levels
- Participate in developing and implementing inventory management strategies
- Manage the flow of goods through the supply chain, including inbound and outbound logistics, inventory management, and order fulfillment
Qualifications and Skills:
Hard Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent data analysis and statistical skills
- Proficiency in data visualization and data analysis tools (such as Tableau, Power BI, Excel, or Access)
- Familiarity with supply chain management software (such as SAP, Oracle, or JDA)
- Understanding of logistics and transportation operations
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and six sigma methodologies
Soft Skills:
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong project management skills
- Creative and innovative thinking
Education and Experience:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, operations management, or related field
- 3-5 years of experience in a supply chain analyst or related role
- Strong understanding of supply chain processes and principles
Preferred:
- Master's degree in supply chain management or related field
- Certification in supply chain management (such as APICS, ISM, or CSCMP)
- Experience with international supply chain operations
- Experience in the manufacturing or retail industry.Licensing (if applicable):
There are typically no licensing requirements for Supply Chain Analysts.
Typical Employers:
Supply Chain Analysts can be employed by a wide range of organizations, including manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, transportation companies, and consulting firms.
Work Environment:
Supply Chain Analysts typically work in office settings and may be required to travel occasionally. They work closely with teams of professionals, including supply chain and logistics professionals, finance professionals, and IT professionals. They may also work with suppliers, customers, and other external stakeholders.
Career Pathways:
Supply Chain Analysts typically have a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, logistics, or a related field. They may start their careers as supply chain coordinators or analysts and move up to more senior roles, such as Supply Chain Manager, Operations Manager, or Director of Supply Chain.
Job Growth Trend (USA and Global):
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Logisticians (which includes Supply Chain Analysts) in the United States is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The globalization of business and the increasing use of technology in supply chain management are expected to drive demand for logistics professionals. The job growth trend for Supply Chain Analysts is also strong on a global scale, as many companies increasingly focus on optimizing their supply chain operations to remain competitive.Career Satisfaction: Supply chain analysts generally report high levels of job satisfaction due to the opportunity to work on various projects and the chance to solve complex problems. They also enjoy the ability to work with various departments and stakeholders within a company, making the job both challenging and rewarding.
Related Job Positions: Related positions include supply chain manager, logistics analyst, inventory analyst, operations analyst, procurement analyst, and demand planner.
Connected People: Supply chain analysts usually work with various departments within a company, including operations, finance, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics. They may also interact with suppliers, customers, and transportation providers.
Average Salary: According to payscale.com, the average salary of a supply chain analyst in the USA is $61,115 per year, in the UK it is £30,873 ($40,581), in Germany it is €50,000 ($54,587), in India it is ₹490,505 ($6,685), and in Brazil it is R$82,406 ($15,006).
Benefits Package: Supply chain analyst job packages typically include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and sick leave. They may also offer tuition reimbursement, bonuses based on performance, and work from home options.
Schedule and Hours Required: Supply chain analysts usually work full-time, Monday to Friday, during regular business hours. However, sometimes they may work outside of normal business hours to ensure deadlines are met or to communicate with international suppliers.Level of Autonomy:
As a supply chain analyst, you will have a certain level of autonomy in your work. You will be responsible for analyzing and monitoring supply chain performance, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending solutions. However, you will also work as part of a team, collaborating with other supply chain professionals to ensure that goals and objectives are met. While you will need to be self-motivated and able to work independently, you will also need to be able to communicate effectively and work well with others.
Opportunities for Professional Development and Advancement:
There are many opportunities for professional development and advancement as a supply chain analyst. You can pursue advanced degrees in supply chain management, logistics, or business administration to enhance your skills and broaden your expertise. You can also seek certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) to demonstrate your proficiency and commitment to the field. With experience, you can advance to higher-level positions such as supply chain manager, logistics manager, or operations manager.
Specialized Skills or Knowledge Required:
To be successful as a supply chain analyst, you will need to have a strong understanding of supply chain concepts, methodologies, and best practices. You will need to have experience with data analysis, statistical modeling, and forecasting. Knowledge of logistics, transportation, inventory management, and procurement will also be crucial. Additionally, you will need to be proficient in using supply chain software and tools such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Transportation Management System (TMS), and Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Physical Demands:
There are no significant physical demands for a supply chain analyst role. Most of the work is done in an office environment and involves sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. You may need to occasionally travel to visit suppliers or attend meetings, but this is not a regular part of the job.
Tools and Technologies Used:
As a supply chain analyst, you will use a variety of tools and technologies to perform your job. You will use software such as ERP, TMS, and WMS to manage and optimize the supply chain. You will also use data analysis tools such as Excel, Tableau, and Power BI to analyze and interpret supply chain data. Communication tools such as email, phone, and video conferencing will also be essential for collaborating with team members and suppliers.Work Style:
A supply chain analyst must have a strong work ethic and be able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. They should be well-organized and have excellent time management skills. They should be able to work independently and take ownership of their work. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to analyze and interpret data are also important qualities for a supply chain analyst.
Working Conditions:
Most supply chain analysts work in an office setting, but some may travel to manufacturing facilities or distribution centers. Depending on the company and industry, supply chain analysts may work regular business hours or have flexible schedules to accommodate global supply chains. The job may require occasional overtime or weekend work during peak periods.
Team Size and Structure:
Supply chain analysts often work as part of a larger supply chain or logistics team within a company. The size and structure of the team will depend on the size and complexity of the company's supply chain operations. A typical team may include supply chain managers, planners, buyers, and warehouse managers.
Collaboration and Communication Requirements:
A successful supply chain analyst must work closely with other departments, particularly inventory control, production, and logistics. Effective communication, both verbal and written, is essential to ensure coordination across different departments and to maintain accurate data. Supply chain analysts must be able to present their findings to management and collaborate with vendors and suppliers as needed.
Cultural Fit and Company Values:
Supply chain analysts must align with the company's culture and values. They should have a commitment to quality, be customer-focused, and possess a strong work ethic. They should also embrace diversity and be open to working with people from different backgrounds and cultures.