What does a supply chain analyst do?
A supply chain analyst is responsible for handling the supply chain operations of an organization, aligning processes, and identifying areas of improvement to initiate procedures and create smooth supply delivery transactions. Supply chain analysts monitor the adequacy of stock inventory, including the trends in the market industry, to meet the public demands and ensuring that the business provides those interests. They also evaluate the supply cycle, from the planning stages to the final distribution, and analyzing aspects to minimize complexities and cost-reduction without compromising the quality of services.
Supply chain analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real supply chain analyst resumes:
- Manage and develop various SQL queries to extract, analyze, and report trends and inventory needs.
- Raise capital, set up PMO office & lead cross-functional team to deliver a document management technology solution.
- Overhaul inventory management and replenishment methodology until introduction of ERP and policies upon ERP integration.
- Decrease overtime percentages significantly by restructuring workloads, and material cost savings by reducing inventory levels and implementing MRP principles.
- Coach and train staff to have a working knowledge of PeopleSoft for a successful go-live.
- Validate BOM entry and routing in BPCS and monitor product development and supply chain until first complete delivery.
- Prepare a complete BOM package, including core document, technical, cost, quality, logistics, requirements.
- Conduct SCM PMR's on site at the vendor covering delivery schedule, quality and any changes to BHTI forecast.
- Create a supply chain SharePoint page to help department become more efficient and less dependent on others to find important information.
- Support PeopleSoft project implementation activities :.
- Managed/Maintain SCM technologies and item master data (MDM) standardization/governance.
- Investigate the manufacturing of new medical products for FDA regulate environment.
- Restructure database by revising and rewriting existing SQL queries and scripts improve data operation efficiency.
- Reconcile inventory levels in enterprise ERP system and collaborate with multiple departments to ensure accountability.
- Work directly with business consultants to develop visual management tools and KPIs that increase process efficiency
Supply chain analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Supply Chain Analysts are proficient in Supply Chain, Logistics, and Customer Service. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer service skills, Organizational skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Supply Chain Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Supply Chain, 18%
Quantified potential cost savings to be realized by semiconductor companies by integrating and automating the supply chain using internet-based tools.
- Logistics, 8%
Determined all scenarios of returns including logistics, inventory points, quality investigation reports, end-user communication and accounting credit memos.
- Customer Service, 6%
Conducted sensitivity analysis of fuel price, warehouse size, production capacity and customer service level to obtain robust solution.
- Power Bi, 5%
Create vendor scorecards and dashboards using Microsoft Power BI to improve prompt deliveries.
- Continuous Improvement, 4%
Organized supply chain efforts focused on the continuous improvement of inventory management and order-to-delivery processes to minimize supply chain waste.
- Chain Management, 4%
Support external and internal Sarbanes-Oxley audits, and organize activities associated with Supply Chain Management related to IT.
Most supply chain analysts use their skills in "supply chain," "logistics," and "customer service" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential supply chain analyst responsibilities here:
Customer service skills. One of the key soft skills for a supply chain analyst to have is customer service skills. You can see how this relates to what supply chain analysts do because "logisticians must know the needs of their customers in order to coordinate the movement of materials between suppliers and customers." Additionally, a supply chain analyst resume shows how supply chain analysts use customer service skills: "set up and maintenance of item master, supplier, customer, bill of material in erp system. "
Organizational skills. Another essential skill to perform supply chain analyst duties is organizational skills. Supply chain analysts responsibilities require that "logisticians must be able to keep detailed records and simultaneously manage several projects in a fast-paced environment." Supply chain analysts also use organizational skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "introduce new scm tools and techniques by working with complex processes and organizational relationships to improve the supply chain. "
Problem-solving skills. supply chain analysts are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to supply chain analyst responsibilities, because "logisticians must handle unforeseen issues, such as delivery problems, and adjust plans as needed to resolve the issues." A supply chain analyst resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "identified and resolved multiple data integrity issues within the erp applications (baan and sap). "
Communication skills. A big part of what supply chain analysts do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to supply chain analyst responsibilities because "logisticians need strong communication skills to collaborate with colleagues and do business with suppliers and customers." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical supply chain analyst tasks: "provided support, communication, and collaboration between numerous departmental counterparts including distribution centers, consumer demand department, and vendors. "
The three companies that hire the most supply chain analysts are:
- Meta64 supply chain analysts jobs
- Interim HealthCare64 supply chain analysts jobs
- Uline42 supply chain analysts jobs
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Compare different supply chain analysts
Supply chain analyst vs. Planner/buyer
The role of buyers/planners is to ensure that office materials and equipment are well-supplied within their organization. They decide and purchase the materials needed for use or resale by their organization. They are responsible for evaluating prospective suppliers based on their cost, product quality, and delivery times. They are also the ones who negotiate contracts specifying the payment terms, price, and delivery schedules. Most employers prefer their buyer to have earned a bachelor's degree with a major in operations management or business management.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a supply chain analyst are more likely to require skills like "power bi," "continuous improvement," "chain management," and "data analysis." On the other hand, a job as a planner/buyer requires skills like "corrective action," "delivery dates," "quality issues," and "support production." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Planner/buyers tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $62,806. In contrast, supply chain analysts make the biggest average salary, $71,146, in the manufacturing industry.planner/buyers tend to reach lower levels of education than supply chain analysts. In fact, planner/buyers are 7.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain analyst vs. Buyer
A buyer's duties include product sourcing and comparing resources for the best product range that would suit the specific needs of the business. Buyers must have excellent communication and negotiation skills to evaluate items that most likely benefit the customer and improve the sales of daily operations with cost-efficient products. They also conduct extensive research for market and price trends while considering the highest quality standards. Buyers should also possess strong analytical skills to create purchase orders and statistical analysis.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, supply chain analyst responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "power bi," "continuous improvement," and "chain management." Meanwhile, a buyer has duties that require skills in areas such as "supplier relationships," "delivery dates," "procurement process," and "market trends." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Buyers may earn a lower salary than supply chain analysts, but buyers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $59,735. On the other hand, supply chain analysts receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $71,146.buyers earn lower levels of education than supply chain analysts in general. They're 8.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain analyst vs. Senior buyer
The job of senior buyers, or also known as purchasing agents, is to meet the material needs of an organization. They are responsible for finding suppliers, arranging the distribution to several retail outlets, and supervising other purchasing agents. They also look for new product streams and establish procurement strategies. Senior buyers typically begin their careers as assistant buyers or junior purchasing agents. Most employers usually prefer those with college degrees in marketing, business, and economics.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from supply chain analyst resumes include skills like "power bi," "chain management," "data analysis," and "sql," whereas a senior buyer is more likely to list skills in "product development," "project management," "vendor relationships," and "supplier relationships. "
Senior buyers earn the highest salary when working in the hospitality industry, where they receive an average salary of $81,144. Comparatively, supply chain analysts have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $71,146.Most senior buyers achieve a lower degree level compared to supply chain analysts. For example, they're 6.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain analyst vs. Purchaser
A Purchaser is responsible for buying goods and services from distribution centers to sell to customers or other companies. They conduct data analysis and research current market trends to identify public demands and generate resources that would increase the company's revenues and profitability. They also ensure the adequacy of supply inventories for deliveries, respond to customers' inquiries and concerns, and recommend products according to their needs and budget requirements. A Purchaser must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in documenting purchase transactions and negotiating contracts with suppliers and vendors.
Types of supply chain analyst
Updated January 8, 2025
