Career Spotlight: Supply Chain Analyst

A.C.Coy News

Career Spotlight: Supply Chain Analyst

Supply chains are often complex with a variety of moving parts that transition products into a manufacturing or production process. Each supply chain has transportation routes for raw materials from vendors that the manufacturer uses to create the final product. This process can be rocky, plagued by delays, miscommunication, or errors. A supply chain analyst must iron out these processes to streamline the efficiency of the supply chain.

The role of supply chain analyst is one commonly filled by an A.C.Coy recruiter for some of the leading companies in the nation. Here’s a closer look at what a supply chain analyst does every day.

What Does a Supply Chain Analyst Do?

A supply chain analyst must be able to look at all of the moving parts and processes within the supply chain and implement improvements. This includes analyzing the entire life cycle of how raw materials flow into the manufacturing process. This could require:

Reviewing the Data.

A supply chain analyst must be able to look at production schedules and reconciliation reports. They must be able to review underperforming areas and spot any red flags around missed delivery windows or inefficient transportation routes. They may see a problem with how their warehouses are configured or the problem could be weather-related, with severe winter storms slowing down truck routes. Because supply chains are typically so complicated the job is also complex. Fortunately, there are databases and software tools out there to help with some of the heavy lifting.

Recommending Supply Chain Improvements.

Once you determine the business issues causing the problems, the supply chain analyst must find ways to improve and streamline these bumpy processes. This could require extensive research into process improvement. The supply chain analyst must be able to prove why the changes they are suggesting would be better for the company. This could require them to meet with various departmental stakeholders and even business leadership. Having presentation skills and the ability to negotiate with people, as well as understanding data visualization tools that could help plead their case, are important skills to have.

Collaboration.

A supply chain analyst must collaborate with colleagues from a variety of departments. They could meet with the production team to discuss workflow changes and the next meeting could be with packaging design to talk about how changes in warehouse storage could cut costs. The supply chain analyst could also be called upon to negotiate with vendors to address specific problems directly. This work has a direct impact on bottom-line revenue and sales.

Some of the skills needed for the job include:

  • Experience with supply chain
  • Inventory management skills
  • Expertise and a knack for mathematics
  • Computer and database skills
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Emotional intelligence and stress management
  • Project management experience
  • Experience with a variety of software such as Microsoft Excel or SQL analysis tools

Are You Looking for a Career Change?

If you are looking to further your career, the team at A.C.Coy would love to speak with you. We have a variety of jobs you may be interested in. Contact us to find out more.