Commercial Analyst – Raw Materials

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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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