Category Analyst Jobs
Category analysis is a key strategic role, assisting with the profitability of the company by minimising waste and eliminating overstocking and under-ordering. The modern role involves a good deal of computer analysis but also plenty of interpersonal work with suppliers and those at the customer-facing side of the business.
Much of the work will be involved with identifying trends and predicting future events that will influence the needs of the categories under your control, particularly by identifying opportunities and threats. Just as important will be looking into your own past actions and judging whether or not they corrected the problem and if there was improvement, identifying areas where even more efficiency can be introduced into the system.
Regular contact with suppliers will be required as it is they who will ultimately determine whether your plans can be fulfilled. Since they will have their own supply needs, the accuracy and timeliness of your projections will be key to maintaining supply.
The category analyst will also need to keep abreast of new procurement technologies and systems as these might be able to provide long-term efficiencies to the company.
Depending on the size of the employer, the category analyst will report directly to senior management or to intermediated category managers.
The skills required
Superb analysis skills will be required for this role, and although much of the number crunching will be computerised, there’s a strong human element to the role. The category analyst will be required to keep in touch with national and global news and cultural events which could influence future opportunities negatively or positively. You must have the confidence in your results to take action in a timely and effective manner.
Experience of the specific sector in question is usually considered an advantage in category analysis, as some trends might be unknown to outsiders. Good Excel experience will usually be considered essential, and skills in SAP, Oracle and Business Objects are often required.
Category Analyst Jobs in Norfolk
A county in the east of England, Norfolk is bordered by Lincolnshire, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire - the rest of it is surrounded by the North Sea.
There are a number of large communities in the region, which offer plenty of opportunities for those seeking Category Analyst positions. These include Norwich, the county town, as well as Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn and Thetford.
During its early history, Norfolk was important militarily, as it was vulnerable to invasion. Therefore, many forts were built in the region to defend the coastline.
Norfolk's economy has largely been based in agriculture throughout its past, particularly in sheep farming and wool production. Cereals like wheat and barley, sugar beet and rapeseed are also commonly produced.
A number of large companies are based in Norfolk, or have large facilities here. Aviva is a multinational insurance company that was previously known as Norwich Union. Colman's is also based in Norwich - famous for its spicy English mustard, these days it also produces various sauces and gravies. Bernard Matthews Farms is also situated in the area.
The ports at Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn are both busy locations, particularly for bulk cargo and products like timber and steel. Meanwhile, the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership has been established to create an enterprise zone to aid new businesses in the green energy sector.
Popular locations
Discover category analyst opportunities with Cast UK
Cast UK are dedicated to filling roles in the procurement sector, so whether you are looking for promotion or moving home or just feel the need to try something different, please give us a call.
Because of the calibre of talent we provide, employers consider us a vital part in their recruitment process. Many employers trust us to provide a shortlist for interview, saving them time and money and ensuring the candidates we suggest are best suited to the roles.
We are always welcoming new candidates, so do get in touch and get yourself on our books, even if you’re not looking for work right now; you never know what opportunities will arise in the near future!
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Category Analyst for your business or find you a job as a Category Analyst then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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