Commercial Analyst - Raw Materials (72519)

Job Description

• An established FMCG manufacturing business has an exciting opportunity for a Commercial Analyst - Raw Materials to join its supply chain team.
• This role will play a key part in optimising material planning, inventory performance, and supply reliability while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and manage costs
• The successful candidate will use their analytical and commercial expertise to turn supply chain data into actionable insights, support effective decision-making, and work closely with procurement, warehouse, supply chain, and operations teams.
• This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented and commercially driven professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Key Responsibilities

Material Planning

• Develop and execute raw material and packaging procurement plans based on production requirements, forecasts, and sales orders
• Monitor material usage and inventory levels to identify potential shortages, excess stock, and supply risks
• Coordinate material requirements to support uninterrupted production

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory records for raw materials and packaging materials
• Perform regular inventory reconciliations and collaborate with warehouse teams to ensure stock accuracy
• Monitor material shelf life and expiry dates, ensuring timely utilisation and appropriate action on obsolete materials
• Monitor slow-moving and dead stock by identifying ageing inventory, assessing risks, and recommending corrective actions
• Maintain accurate slow-moving and dead stock reports, including ageing, value at risk, and proposed actions

Supplier Monitoring

• Monitor supplier performance in terms of reliability, quality, and supply consistency
• Identify and address supply disruptions, delays, and potential material shortages
• Work proactively with relevant stakeholders to resolve supply-related issues

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyse inventory trends, material usage patterns, and demand forecasts to support effective material planning
• Prepare regular reports on material usage, inventory levels, stock risks, and potential production impacts
• Prepare stock ageing, variance, and exception reports to support decision-making and working capital management
• Identify trends relating to excess inventory, abnormal usage, write-offs, and stock adjustments
• Escalate material and inventory concerns with appropriate supporting data
• Provide insights and recommendations for continuous improvement in materials management and planning

Cost and Working Capital Management

• Optimise inventory levels while balancing material availability, production requirements, and cost
• Identify opportunities to reduce raw material and packaging procurement costs
• Support working capital improvement by reducing unnecessary stockholding and improving stock turnover
• Minimise exposure to obsolete, excess, and slow-moving inventory

Continuous Improvement

• Work with supply chain, procurement, warehouse, and operations teams to identify and implement process improvements
• Develop and implement strategies to improve material flow and reduce lead times
• Identify opportunities to optimise inventory levels and improve planning processes
• Support initiatives aimed at improving supply chain efficiency and operational performance

Qualifications and Skills

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field

Experience

• 2-5 years of experience in material planning, inventory management, supply chain operations, or a related field
• Experience within a manufacturing or production environment would be advantageous

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in ERP systems; experience with SAP would be advantageous
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret data and support informed decision-making
• Knowledge of inventory management principles, Material Requirements Planning MRP, and demand forecasting

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset
• Ability to adapt to changing requirements and priorities
• Ability to work effectively across supply chain, procurement, warehouse, and operations teams

Certifications - Advantageous

• APICS CPIM or other relevant supply chain or inventory management certifications

Work Environment

• The role may involve working in an office, manufacturing, warehouse, or production environment
• Occasional visits to warehouse or production facilities may be required
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment