Hire a Supply Chain Analyst
In today’s fast-paced consumer industry, people purchase online all the time. While there are, of course, those who still prefer to shop in stores, a lot of folks have embraced the online experience. They resort to logging on to their phones, scroll through a website, pay, and wait for their orders to arrive. As customers, we expect to have a smooth transaction, expecting our orders to arrive on time and as scheduled. Any pause or delay will affect our customer service experience.
Do we ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes? Well, there are a lot of hardworking people whose jobs and functions must coincide to make each item is delivered without a glitch. No pause, no error, no delay. One such individual who contributes to this effort is the supply chain analyst. Under the supervision of a supply chain manager, analysts measure the effectiveness of the supply chain operations and work to improve them.
In searching for efficient supply chain analysts, recruiters need to create a job description that is not just accurate but compelling. After all, with all the job announcements listed each day, finding a way to stand out from the crowd is part and parcel of recruitment.
Responsibilities of a Supply Chain Analyst
Supply chain analysts aim to improve product delivery and distribution. From the point of origin to the end consumer, they study the different steps of the delivery process and the factors affecting them. Analysts review all the elements in the supply chain. They identify errors, pauses, causes of delay, delivery times, routes, schedules, and patterns. Supply chain analysts review and analyze data with the help of different systems and software.
To gather data and validate information, supply chain analysts speak with different staff, team members, and vendors involved in the delivery process. Working with the supply chain manager, analysts come up with ways to improve the business process. These recommendations are presented and submitted to the management team for their consideration.
Skills and Qualifications of a Supply Chain Analyst
For those who wish to apply as a supply chain analyst, a bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain, business management, or a similar field is required. Previous experience in the same role is also typically required. Candidates must be knowledgeable of the different software, tools, and systems to track the flow of merchandise. They must have the necessary computer skills to monitor the different steps in the delivery process.
To be successful as a supply chain analyst, other qualifications include inventory management and mathematical skills. Since supply chain analysts study data and draw conclusions from them, strong attention to detail and analytical skills are also a must. Candidates must be able to prioritize tasks and manage their time well. Additionally, communication and interpersonal skills are beneficial. Interacting with the management team and supply chain personnel is part of the job. Being able to listen well as well as give instructions are helpful.
