Materials Analyst
A Materials Analyst works on analyzing materials requirement, ensuring optimal stock levels, forecasting supply needs, and coordinating with suppliers to manage inventory for a business.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Materials Analyst
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Materials Analyst is responsible for the management and analysis of materials within a manufacturing or production environment. This role involves tasks such as inventory tracking, forecasting demand, and evaluating supplier performance to ensure efficient use of materials and cost reductions.
Required Skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Time management and prioritization.
- Collaborative team player.
- Adaptability to changing business needs.
- Proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential issues.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of inventory management and supply chain principles.
- Ability to analyze large sets of data and generate actionable insights.
- Experience with database management and/or ERP systems is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Responsibilities
- Monitor inventory levels and ensure that material supplies meet production demands.
- Assist in developing inventory management policies and procedures.
- Analyze material usage patterns and forecast future demand.
- Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials.
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses to identify opportunities for cost savings.
- Support the implementation of materials management software and other analytical tools.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including procurement, production, and logistics.
- Prepare reports on inventory levels, supply chain progress, and other statistics relevant to materials management.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Materials Analyst is responsible for analyzing material requirements to ensure uninterrupted flow of materials for production. This role involves inventory analysis, forecasting supply needs, and liaison with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Required Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Effective communication and negotiation abilities.
- Proficiency in using spreadsheet and database software.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in material analysis, supply chain management, or a similar role.
- Solid understanding of inventory management practices and procurement processes.
- Working knowledge of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.
- Professional certification in supply chain or procurement is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Conduct detailed inventory analyses to determine the necessary materials and supplies.
- Work closely with procurement and supply chain teams to forecast and plan for current and future sourcing requirements.
- Analyze supplier performance to ensure compliance with company standards and expectations.
- Manage materials lifecycle including introduction, end-of-life disposal, and substitution for obsolete items.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable terms and ensure reliable supply.
- Collaborate with manufacturing and production teams to align material availability with production schedules.
- Implement continuous improvement processes to enhance supply chain efficiency.
- Prepare and present detailed reports on material availability, cost trends, and supply risks to management.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are looking for a Senior Materials Analyst with over 5 years of experience in materials management, supply chain, or a related field. The ideal candidate will be responsible for analyzing material requirements, supply chain logistics, and inventory levels to ensure that our production processes are optimized for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Required Skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and forecasting techniques.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions under pressure.
- Highly organized with attention to detail.
- Knowledge of industry regulations and standards related to materials management.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a materials analyst role or related position.
- Strong understanding of supply chain management principles and inventory control systems.
- Experience with ERP and materials management software.
- Proven ability to analyze complex data sets and provide actionable insights.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
Responsibilities
- Analyze and forecast material requirements to meet production schedules and inventory targets.
- Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to optimize material sourcing strategies.
- Develop and implement inventory management policies and procedures to reduce waste and improve turnover.
- Monitor supplier performance to ensure adherence to quality and delivery standards.
- Prepare detailed reports on materials usage, cost trends, and supply chain metrics.
- Conduct market research to identify emerging trends and potential risks in material supply.
- Work closely with production and engineering teams to facilitate material substitutions or design changes when necessary.
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