What does a methods analyst do?
Methods analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real methods analyst resumes:
- Manage inventory and supervise site payroll and invoice processing.
- Provide BOM review and analysis for new and existing technology.
- Function as technical expert in multi-platform connectivity issues between PC's, Netware and UNIX.
- Used work measurement, work simplification, and methods improvement techniques to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness of areas under study.
- Recruit as an SME to support eliminating HPLC impurity verification backlog for Hospira API production facility in Colorado.
- Work with pharmacy staff to develop discharge medication application for nursing and pharmacy staff to provide patients with clearer medication instructions.
- Coordinate military manpower requirements for mobilization.
Methods analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Methods Analysts are proficient in Process Improvement, Data Analysis, and Subject Matter Experts. They’re also known for soft skills such as Time-management skills, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Methods Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Process Improvement, 18%
Debit Requisition Process Improvement Team.
- Data Analysis, 14%
Managed a team through analysis, design, development and implementation of an automated PC-Mainframe connectivity data analysis system.
- Subject Matter Experts, 12%
position in which I interviewed subject matter experts, documented, and published procedures and methods.
- Management System, 10%
Developed a quality management system to assure policies, procedures and related documentation comply the standards regulations.
- Continuous Improvement, 9%
Helped implement 5S in lean manufacturing / continuous improvement.
- Motion Studies, 8%
Perform time, motion and micro motion studies to establish standard times and cost improvements.
Most methods analysts use their skills in "process improvement," "data analysis," and "subject matter experts" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential methods analyst responsibilities here:
Time-management skills. One of the key soft skills for a methods analyst to have is time-management skills. You can see how this relates to what methods analysts do because "management analysts often work under tight deadlines and must use their time efficiently to complete projects on schedule." Additionally, a methods analyst resume shows how methods analysts use time-management skills: "project management: delivered strategic research projects to the lobs based on an agreed upon timetable. "
Analytical skills. Many methods analyst duties rely on analytical skills. "management analysts must be able to interpret information and use their findings to make proposals.," so a methods analyst will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways methods analyst responsibilities rely on analytical skills: "provided bom review and analysis for new and existing technology. "
Communication skills. methods analysts are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to methods analyst responsibilities, because "management analysts must be able to convey information clearly in both writing and speaking." A methods analyst resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "researched, (staff analyst pc group) implemented and managed the pc lan-based communications to the ibm"
Interpersonal skills. For certain methods analyst responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "interpersonal skills." The day-to-day duties of a methods analyst rely on this skill, as "management analysts work with managers and other employees of the organizations for which they provide consulting services." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what methods analysts do: "applied interpersonal, analytical and computer skills to troubleshoot incoming problems and disbursed cases to the appropriate information systems team members. "
Problem-solving skills. Another crucial skill for a methods analyst to carry out their responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." A big part of what methods analysts relies on this skill, since "management analysts must be able to think creatively to solve clients’ problems." How this skill relates to methods analyst duties can be seen in an example from a methods analyst resume snippet: "conducted workflow analyses, cost-benefit studies, procedure development, and resolution of operational problems. "
The three companies that hire the most methods analysts are:
- ICONMA3 methods analysts jobs
- Moseley Technical Services2 methods analysts jobs
- Cogent Communications1 methods analysts jobs
Compare different methods analysts
Methods analyst vs. Business analyst-consultant
A business analyst-consultant is responsible for overseeing the project management and ensuring that the operations meet the agreed-upon project deliverables. Business analyst-consultants closely coordinate with the clients for their specifications and requirements, monitoring the resources and processes for the project completion, and aligning those to the clients' budget goals. A business analyst-consultant helps the development team on strategizing techniques for brand promotions with minimal costs with maximum quality and productivity. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on identifying business opportunities to drive revenues and increase profitability.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between methods analysts and business analyst-consultant. For instance, methods analyst responsibilities require skills such as "smes," "continuous improvement," "motion studies," and "iso." Whereas a business analyst-consultant is skilled in "strong analytical," "business process," "project management," and "business analysts." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Business analyst-consultants tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $105,940. In contrast, methods analysts make the biggest average salary, $83,261, in the finance industry.The education levels that business analyst-consultants earn slightly differ from methods analysts. In particular, business analyst-consultants are 7.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a methods analyst. Additionally, they're 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Methods analyst vs. Workforce management analyst
A workforce management analyst's role is to oversee the workforce in a company while developing better management strategies. Their responsibilities revolve around conducting research and analysis to identify employees' needs, detect vulnerabilities in human resources, monitor staff performance and attendance, address issues and concerns, ensure schedule compliance, and coordinate with different departments within the company. A workforce management analyst may also perform clerical tasks such as producing reports, creating presentations, and arranging schedules. Moreover, it is vital to ensure that all employees adhere to the company's policies and regulations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real methods analyst resumes. While methods analyst responsibilities can utilize skills like "subject matter experts," "smes," "continuous improvement," and "motion studies," workforce management analysts use skills like "call volume," "powerpoint," "schedule adherence," and "strong analytical."
Workforce management analysts earn a lower average salary than methods analysts. But workforce management analysts earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $68,779. Additionally, methods analysts earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $83,261 annually.In general, workforce management analysts achieve similar levels of education than methods analysts. They're 4.9% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Methods analyst vs. Planning analyst
As a planning analyst, you will be responsible for designing and implementing a company's business and marketing strategies with the goal of driving profits and reducing costs. You will propose measures to enhance an organization's overall efficiency, and guide managers on ways to strengthen profit margins through risk awareness reduced costs, and increased revenues. Other duties include conducting risk analyses to identify areas of potential failure, maintaining the business continuity program, and handling internal and external corporate communications with the investment community and industry analysts.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a methods analyst is likely to be skilled in "subject matter experts," "smes," "continuous improvement," and "motion studies," while a typical planning analyst is skilled in "project management," "customer service," "logistics," and "strong analytical."
Planning analysts earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $76,869. Comparatively, methods analysts have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $83,261.planning analysts typically earn similar educational levels compared to methods analysts. Specifically, they're 1.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Methods analyst vs. Technical business analyst
As a technical business analyst, one oversees the technical business project and solution implementation. Technical business analysts work with the technical team members and stakeholders for the mapping, analysis, and documentation of business projects and processes. People in the business world consider them as market technicians, chartists, securities traders, or researchers. The job also involves the documentation of redesigned computer systems and applications. Skills in computer programming, leadership, communication, and management are necessary.
Types of methods analyst
Updated January 8, 2025
