<p>The Supply Chain Analyst will analyse and optimise end-to-end supply chain activities to reduce cost, improve service and support commercial decisions. The role requires strong analytical skills, commercial awareness and the ability to collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders. The successful candidate will use data and systems to forecast demand, manage inventory and support continuous improvement.</p>
<p>This job description outlines the core responsibilities, required skills and typical qualifications for a Supply Chain Analyst role to help HR, recruiters and staffing agencies attract top candidates.</p>
<h2>Supply Chain Analyst Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Supply Chain Analyst supports supply chain planning and execution by analysing data, identifying trends and recommending operational improvements. The role liaises with procurement, logistics and operations teams to ensure a timely and cost-effective flow of goods.</p>
<p>Analytical work includes forecasting demand, monitoring inventory levels and producing management reports that inform purchasing, production and distribution decisions.</p>
<h2>Supply Chain Analyst Job Description</h2>
<p>The Supply Chain Analyst is responsible for gathering, analysing and presenting supply chain data to improve performance across forecasting, inventory management, supplier delivery and distribution. You will use ERP and planning systems to extract actionable insight, produce regular and ad hoc reports and translate complex data into clear recommendations for commercial and operational teams. The role often supports monthly S&OP cycles and collaborates with finance to validate cost and service trade-offs.</p>
<p>Key activities include developing demand and supply models, conducting root cause analysis for stock variances and working with suppliers to resolve delivery or quality issues. You will monitor key performance indicators such as fill rate, days of inventory and lead time variance, proposing corrective actions to meet agreed service levels and reduce working capital. Strong stakeholder management is essential, as the role influences procurement strategies, production plans and logistics routing to achieve business objectives.</p>
<p>The role requires comfort with large data sets and proficiency in spreadsheets, database queries and visualisation tools. You will be expected to document processes, maintain master data accuracy and support continuous improvement programmes, such as lean initiatives or supplier development projects. The ideal candidate combines analytical rigour with practical supply chain knowledge and the ability to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.</p>
<h2>Supply Chain Analyst Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Analyse demand patterns and prepare accurate forecasts to support procurement and production planning.</li>
<li>Monitor and reconcile inventory levels, investigate variances and recommend corrective actions.</li>
<li>Produce regular KPI reports and dashboards for supply chain performance review.</li>
<li>Support S&OP processes and coordinate with commercial, manufacturing and logistics teams.</li>
<li>Develop and maintain planning models, safety stock calculations, and reorder parameters.</li>
<li>Run root cause analysis on supply disruptions and implement preventive actions.</li>
<li>Work with suppliers to improve delivery performance and resolve quality or lead time issues.</li>
<li>Optimise distribution and logistics routes to reduce cost and lead time where possible.</li>
<li>Maintain accurate master data within ERP systems and support data governance.</li>
<li>Contribute to continuous improvement projects and drive process standardisation.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Supply Chain Analyst Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business, economics or a related discipline.</li>
<li>Proven experience in a supply chain, planning or analyst role within manufacturing, retail or distribution.</li>
<li>Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel capability; familiarity with SQL, Power BI or Tableau is advantageous.</li>
<li>Good understanding of forecasting techniques, inventory management and S&OP processes.</li>
<li>Experience using ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or similar planning tools.</li>
<li>Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.</li>
<li>Attention to detail, problem-solving mindset and ability to prioritise competing demands.</li>
<li>Knowledge of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.</li>
<li>Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.</li>
<li>Professionalism, commercial awareness and willingness to travel to supplier or distribution centres when required.</li>
</ul>