What Is a Supply Chain Analyst? (And How to Become One)
Supply chain analysts help facilitate and manage the complex world of supply chain for companies. There has never been a better time to become a supply chain analyst.
October 25, 2022
Article
As an entry-level supply chain analyst, you’ll play an important role in planning, analyzing, and monitoring an organization’s supply chain, to ensure efficient distribution. Get started on this career path with the resources below.
Learn the basics of supply chain analytics and operations
Unilever
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Leadership and Management, Problem Solving, Risk Management
4.7
4.7 stars
(201 reviews)
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Skills you'll gain: Supply Chain Systems, Supply Chain and Logistics, Planning, Strategy and Operations, Inventory Management, Leadership and Management, Operations Management, Business Analysis, Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Estimation, Forecasting, Microsoft Excel, Spreadsheet Software, Statistical Analysis, Strategy, Supplier Relationship Management, Warehouse Management, Process Analysis, Product Management, Transportation Operations Management, Material Handling, Shipping and Receiving
4.7
4.7 stars
(15K reviews)
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, Supply Chain Systems, Supply Chain and Logistics, Strategy and Operations, Leadership and Management, Inventory Management, Operations Management, Business Analysis, Planning, Operational Analysis, Market Analysis, Strategy, Business Intelligence, Process Analysis, Business Process Management, Forecasting, Warehouse Management, Data Management, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Customer Analysis, General Statistics, Retail Store Operations, Statistical Visualization, Data Model, Regression, Business Research, Statistical Tests, Basic Descriptive Statistics, Data Visualization, Data Science
4.6
4.6 stars
(2.1K reviews)
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Supply chain analysts use data and other analytical methods to improve an organization’s planning and distribution of manufactured goods. They advise an organization and its suppliers to drive efficiency and cost savings while maintaining quality assurance, on-time delivery, and inventory management.
As an entry-level supply chain analyst, you’ll be expected to know the basics of quantitative data analysis and supply chain management software. You’ll need to know how to use these tools to collect, organize, and synthesize data and present your recommendations to improve business operations.
Similar roles include data analyst, business analyst, business intelligence analyst, and supply chain manager.
Read more about entry-level supply chain analyst careers and tips:
Entry-level supply chain analysts can expect to make an average base salary of $63,166 with 0-1 years of experience, according to Glassdoor. That number goes up to $69,368 per year with 1-3 years of experience. Glassdoor. Supply Chain Analyst Salaries, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/supply-chain-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm. Accessed February 6, 2024.
Supply chain analysts are responsible for ensuring the right quantity of products get manufactured and distributed, from factory to warehouse to customer. They analyze inventory data, provide improvements to business operations, identify market trends, and implement software tools to make the process more efficient.
To become a supply chain analyst, you’ll want to gain skills in quantitative data analysis, pulling and inputting data in software (such as SAP or Oracle), problem solving, organization, and communication. Many entry-level supply chain analyst jobs want to hire candidates with bachelor’s degrees, so it might be helpful to earn your degree in supply chain management or business management. Build your skills with a professional certificate and start conducting supply chain analysis. Then, you’ll be ready to apply for entry-level jobs.