Group Supply Chain Analyst jobs
Any business needs to constantly be on the lookout for inefficiencies and better ways to do things in the future, but in supply chain the costs of inefficiency can be massive. Unnecessary transportation, warehousing and waste can add millions to the costs of a large company or group, but the danger is that such costs can go unnoticed or can be relics of old ways of doing things that were never updated.
The group supply chain analyst will be in charge of gathering and using data within a business group and looking for areas where savings can be made, whilst all the time remaining alert to potential impacts on customer satisfaction. Chasing down inefficiencies in a supply chain can sometimes feel like squeezing air out of an inflatable bed – squeezing here can make a bulge there – so the analyst will have to be mindful that they are dealing with a whole system, not just a series of parts. If might sometimes be beneficial to leave superficial inefficiencies in place if they benefit the entire chain.
Often, the group supply chain analyst will not have executive powers and will be part of a team of analysts, perhaps working under a materials, planning and logistics (M, P & L) manager. In such cases the analyst will need to be focused on improving and maintaining service in a small section of the chain while those senior to him or her make the business decisions.
The skills required
The group supply chain analyst will need to be an expert at both looking at the big picture (i.e. the whole supply chain) and analysing the micro data (e.g. fuel usage on a particular journey, warehousing costs etc.). They will need to eat, drink and sleep statistics and will have an excellent grasp of mathematics.
A thorough understanding of the supply chain and logistics industries will be a distinct advantage, and experience of related industries, such as procurement or retail, will certainly do the applicant no harm.
Gathering and manipulating data will be the nuts and bolts of the job, but ultimately the data and any conclusions will need to be presented in a clear and concise manner, be it verbally, through presentations or digitally. It will therefore be vital that the group supply chain analyst will be a great communicator who is equally comfortable dealing with fellow employees and senior and middle management.
Group Supply Chain Analyst Jobs in Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury has always been a market town, as shown by its distinctive roads to Telford, Whitchurch, Oswestry, Welshpool and Ludlow. During the Industrial Revolution the town was linked by Shrewsbury Canal, which linked to the Shropshire canal, but again, it was used more to bring goods in than to take them out – the town remained largely unindustrialised. Railways also came in the nineteenth century, making Wolverhampton and the North and South of England easily accessible.
The town does have a thriving light industry scene, and has two important business parks, Shrewsbury Business Park and the Battlefield Enterprise Park. Sometimes Group Supply Chain Analyst or similar jobs turn up in Shrewsbury or the surrounding area simply because it’s a relatively isolated town that has a large demand for goods to be brought in.
Although Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire, it is actually only the second largest in the county (after Telford), but still has a sizeable population of around 100,000. As it is so close to the Welsh border, it acts as a magnet for many of the Welsh towns and villages along the country’s eastern side as well as those in the surrounding area. This has led to Shrewsbury becoming a very healthy shopping town; it is also a very pleasant place to live, with much of its medieval town centre still standing. Shrewsbury does have one very notable claim to fame, too – it was the birthplace of Charles Darwin.
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Cast UK’s supply chain opportunities
Cast UK’s founder members and consultants all come from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for in their staff and careers respectively. Cast UK is a growing force in the UK recruitment industry, mainly because these are the only sectors we deal with. That means that many employers often come to us first to create a candidate shortlist because they know we’re tightly focused on delivering the best people to them.
Applicants approach Cast UK for many reasons, whether seeking more job fulfilment or simply relocating for personal reasons, so it’s good to know that we always have the complete range of positions available nationwide. Please see what’s available in your region and if you’ve seen something you’re interested in, do get in touch – whether it’s today or tomorrow, we might have the ideal position for you.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Group Supply Chain Analyst for your business or find you a job as a Group Supply Chain Analyst then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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