What Does a Supply Chain Analyst Do?
A supply chain analyst is responsible for evaluating supply chain operations and performance to identify areas for improvement, cost reduction, and enhanced efficiency. These professionals collect and analyze data related to procurement, inventory, production, transportation, and vendor relationships to help companies meet demand while optimizing operational spend.
Their insights guide strategic decisions in logistics planning, warehouse management, and demand forecasting. Supply chain analysts play a key role in ensuring that products are delivered on time, inventory levels are balanced, and supply disruptions are mitigated. They also help implement new tools and processes to streamline operations and support company growth.
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Supply Chain Analyst Core Responsibilities
- Analyze supply chain data to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support decision-making
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) like inventory turnover, on-time delivery, and order accuracy
- Collaborate with procurement, logistics, production, and warehouse teams
- Build and maintain dashboards and reports to monitor supply chain health
- Evaluate vendor performance and recommend improvements or alternatives
- Support demand planning and inventory optimization strategies
- Conduct root cause analysis on disruptions or bottlenecks
- Identify opportunities for automation and digital supply chain tools
- Assist with ERP system implementation or enhancements
- Present findings and recommendations to leadership
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros)
- Experience with supply chain software and ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
- Strong understanding of logistics, procurement, and inventory management principles
- Data analysis using SQL, Python, or BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Familiarity with supply chain KPIs and metrics
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Ability to work cross-functionally and independently
- Adaptability in fast-paced or changing environments
Education
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business analytics, or related field
Certifications
- APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) – from ASCM
Recommended certifications include Six Sigma Green Belt and SCPro from CSCMP.
Supply Chain Analyst Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in manufacturing, retail, or e-commerce logistics
- Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS) or warehouse management systems (WMS)
- Exposure to automation tools or AI-driven forecasting platforms
- Background in sustainability or risk mitigation in supply chains
National Average Salary
Supply chain analyst salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Supply Chain Analyst is:
$77,252
Sample Supply Chain Analyst Job Descriptions
It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring a supply chain analyst. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Example 1: Junior Supply Chain Analyst
Position overview
The Junior Supply Chain Analyst supports day-to-day logistics and inventory operations by collecting, organizing, and validating supply chain data. This entry-level role provides foundational analysis that helps improve efficiency and accuracy in procurement, warehousing, and delivery functions.
Responsibilities
- Assist in tracking key supply chain metrics and data accuracy
- Maintain inventory reports and reconcile purchase order data
- Support vendor performance monitoring and delivery scheduling
- Help prepare visual reports and basic dashboards in Excel or Power BI
- Collaborate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure timely data updates
- Organize documentation and update ERP system records
- Identify minor data discrepancies and suggest potential resolutions
- Participate in ad hoc analysis and cross-functional projects
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, charts, formulas)
- Familiarity with ERP or inventory management systems
- Basic understanding of supply chain functions (inventory, logistics, procurement)
- Experience working with large datasets or reporting tools
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and strong attention to detail
- Clear communication and documentation abilities
- Organizational skills and follow-through on assigned tasks
- Ability to work effectively within a team environment
Education
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, operations, or related field
Certifications
None required
Recommended certifications include APICS CPIM Part 1 or Six Sigma White Belt for foundational knowledge.
Preferred qualifications
- Internship or coursework in supply chain or logistics
- Exposure to Microsoft Power BI or SQL
Example 2: Supply Chain Analyst (Mid-Level)
Position overview
The Supply Chain Analyst plays a key role in optimizing operations by analyzing logistics, inventory, and procurement data. This mid-level position supports demand forecasting, reporting, and vendor evaluation to help drive cost savings and performance improvements across the supply chain.
Responsibilities
- Analyze KPIs such as inventory turnover, fill rates, and lead times
- Maintain and improve dashboards using Excel, Power BI, or Tableau
- Conduct vendor scorecard analysis and performance reviews
- Support demand planning and reorder point optimization
- Collaborate with teams across logistics, procurement, and production
- Assist in identifying supply risks and recommending process improvements
- Monitor ERP system data and ensure master data integrity
- Develop regular and ad hoc reports for management
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Excel and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
- Experience with SQL or BI platforms for data analysis
- Understanding of procurement, inventory, and fulfillment processes
- Familiarity with supply chain KPIs and forecasting principles
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
- Clear and concise communication of findings and trends
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Collaboration across cross-functional teams
Education
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business analytics, logistics, or related discipline
Certifications
APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
Recommended certifications include Six Sigma Green Belt or Certified Supply Chain Analyst (CSCA).
Preferred qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in supply chain or logistics analytics
- Experience supporting inventory planning or S&OP processes
Example 3: Senior Supply Chain Analyst
Position overview
The Senior Supply Chain Analyst leads high-impact projects focused on cost optimization, process improvement, and data-driven decision-making. This role analyzes end-to-end supply chain operations and partners with leadership to improve forecasting, supplier performance, and logistics efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Lead complex supply chain data analysis to improve performance and cost control
- Build and refine forecasting models to support demand and inventory planning
- Drive process improvement initiatives across procurement, warehousing, and logistics
- Monitor supplier and carrier performance and recommend strategic actions
- Mentor junior analysts and support data governance practices
- Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to enhance ERP or reporting tools
- Present insights and recommendations to department leaders and executives
- Evaluate new technology or automation tools for supply chain enhancement
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced Excel, SQL, and experience with BI platforms (Tableau, Power BI)
- Deep understanding of supply chain metrics, planning, and procurement strategies
- ERP system experience (SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite)
- Experience with statistical modeling or forecasting tools
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking with strong business acumen
- Strong presentation and storytelling with data
- Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders
- Leadership qualities and mentoring experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, operations, or analytics (master’s preferred)
Certifications
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) – from ASCM
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Lean Certification
Recommended certifications include APICS CPIM or Project Management Professional (PMP) for advanced process involvement.
Preferred qualifications
- 5+ years of supply chain analytics or operations experience
- Experience leading cost reduction or process automation initiatives
- Background in multi-site or international supply chain environments