Why We Love It
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$77,470Potential Avg. Salary
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1.9%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Don't Take Work HomeCareer Attribute
A supply chain analyst has the responsibility of assessing the efficiency and performance of all processes of a business – from the seamless transport of commodities to warehouses, to stocking up popular products in the inventory.
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What is a Supply Chain Analyst?
Duties
As a supply chain analyst, you can expect to perform the following typical duties:
- Providing inputs related to data analytics and reporting for all verticals within the Supply Chain Department: this can range from lifecycle management and materials planning to distribution.
- Work on multiple projects in collaboration with other personnel in Supply Chain to evaluate and suggest improvements to the ‘end to end’ process for maximizing customer value.
- Communicate findings to provide clarity for various contexts such as financial reviews, supply chain strategy meetings and supplier feedback.
- Undertake detailed analysis of areas facing challenges and offer sound recommendations for optimizing processes on project-based assignments.
- Establish and nurture relationships with internal stakeholders to make certain that supply chain strategies are aligned with overall business goals while also addressing customer needs.
Day In The Life
Supply chain spend their days mainly evaluating various business processes that are currently in place for an organization. This means collecting information on aspects such as productivity, shipping procedures, expenditures, etc. and sharing findings via reports. You may also work in a supervisory capacity to optimize the performance of logistics workers and address challenges in the business process. Through accurate data analysis, the role of a supply chain analyst focuses on predicting and assessing business growth and performance levels, minimizing delays in shipment and processing, organizing inventories, etc.
An example of the daily workload is – a company may be using outdated software applications to print shipping labels at the warehouse, which is then leading to fewer shipments per day. It is up to the supply chain analyst to point out this problem for senior management, by running the data on how this is affecting other business variables. The report you present to high level management, would include pertinent numbers such as loss of income, versus costs of buying and installing new software. Ultimately, your primary job is to promote the most productive work environment while encouraging better service provision for all customers.
Work Schedule
Supply chain analysts enjoy a normal office work environment with regular business hours. Sometimes, you might also have to do site visits but there is usually no work during weekends, holidays or late hours.
Growth Of The Job
Supply chain management will enjoy a positive outlook in the years ahead. Career advancement is also possible for aspiring supply chain analysts – you can work your way up to logistics engineer, operations manager and logistics manager positions. When it is mid-career, candidates that possess functional experience in supply chain management will have an advantage over other qualified candidates. If you have advanced skills in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software packages, e.g. SAP or Oracle – this also leads to faster progress up the career ladder.
Typical Employers
Supply Chain Analysts are employed by a wide range of companies which retail businesses, manufacturing companies and logistics service providers. Some may also choose to work as consultants or freelancers on a project basis, depending on their specialty.
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How To Become a Supply Chain Analyst
If you are aspiring for a professional career in supply chain analysis, you must be very comfortable applying data analysis skills, and have a clear understanding of mathematical concepts. While it is not necessary for a supply chain analyst to have college training in a specific subject area, possessing a bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines like communications, software engineering, systems management or business studies is beneficial for candidates looking to have the upper hand. In recent times, employers also look for an accreditation to distinguish an experienced individual from others in the market. Joining an accredited training institution with APICS certification will help you succeed on this career path, with specialized training in inventory management and production.
Other skills you should cultivate in the field include an interest in planning and organization, to take the lead on projects and find immediate solutions to problematic business processes. Having superior communication skills is also helpful since you may act as a point of contact for colleagues in other departments like design, sales, and operations while also addressing issues with external vendors. Gain early experience in retail and inventory through internships and junior programs at the college level, for hands-on analytical skills.
Supply Chain Analyst Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$57,890Average
$77,470High Range
$115,960National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$28/hrAverage
$37/hrHigh Range
$56/hrHow do Supply Chain Analyst salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Supply Chain Analyst's can make an average annual salary of $77,470, or $37 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $57,890 or $28 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#152 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming a Supply Chain Analyst. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Supply Chain Analysts
- 1% Doctorate
- 10% Masters
- 33.3% Bachelors
- 11.3% Associates
- 27.5% College
- 15.3% High School
- 1.4% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
130,4002024 Est. Jobs
132,900Job Growth Rate
1.9%Est. New Jobs
2,500How does Supply Chain Analyst job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 2,500 jobs for a total of 132,900 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 1.9% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#553 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Supply Chain Analysts
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 28,500 | -2,800 | -3% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 11,600 | 600 | 1% |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 10,100 | 2,800 | 3% |
