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Logistics & Warehousing

Supply Chain Analyst

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A supply chain analyst works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a company's supply chain operations. This involves analysing data on the movement of goods, inventory levels, purchasing trends, and supplier performance. Supply chain analysts use software tools to identify areas for cost savings, process improvements, and risk management. They often work closely with other departments such as purchasing, logistics, and production to ensure that products are delivered on time and within budget. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and good communication abilities are important in this role. Many analysts have degrees or professional qualifications in business, logistics, or supply chain management.

Supply Chain Analyst

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📊 Statistics

Average Starting Salary

Entry-level supply chain analysts in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £32,000 per year.

Experienced Salary Range

With experience, salaries can rise to between £35,000 and £50,000, and senior supply chain analysts may earn £60,000 or more.

Job Availability

There were over 18,000 supply chain and logistics analyst roles advertised in the UK in 2023, showing strong demand across manufacturing, retail, and technology sectors.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Inventory Analyst

Focuses on managing stock levels and ensuring products are available to meet customer demand while minimising excess inventory.

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Logistics Coordinator

Responsible for organising the transportation and storage of goods, making sure deliveries are made on time and efficiently.

Procurement Specialist

Handles purchasing goods and services for a business, negotiating with suppliers to get the best prices and quality.

Achieve Relevant Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A-Levels

Focus on subjects such as maths, business studies, or economics at GCSE and A-level to build a strong academic foundation.

Most employers expect a good set of GCSEs, including maths and English. For A-levels, subjects like maths, business, economics, or IT are particularly useful, as they provide analytical and numeracy skills essential for this role.

Obtain a Relevant Degree or Apprenticeship

Pursue a degree in supply chain management, logistics, business, or a related field. Alternatively, consider a higher apprenticeship in supply chain or logistics.

Many supply chain analyst roles require a university degree, though higher and degree apprenticeships are also highly valued. Courses in business, logistics, operations management, or data analysis will give you the technical skills needed. Apprenticeships offer the chance to earn while you learn and gain practical experience.

Gain Practical Experience

Secure Work Experience or Internship

Look for internships, placements, or part-time roles in supply chain, logistics, or business operations.

Work experience helps you understand the day-to-day activities in supply chain management and builds your CV. Many large companies offer summer internships or year-in-industry placements. This is also a great way to make professional contacts and learn from experienced colleagues.

Develop IT and Analytical Skills

Gain experience using data analysis tools such as Excel, and supply chain software like SAP or Oracle.

Supply chain analysts rely on technology to track inventory, forecast demand, and identify process improvements. Practice using spreadsheets for data analysis, and consider learning the basics of specialised supply chain software, which is often used in the industry.

Start Your Supply Chain Career

Apply for Junior Analyst Positions

Begin your career in an entry-level role such as Supply Chain Assistant or Junior Analyst.

Search for graduate schemes, junior analyst, or supply chain coordinator roles. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your analytical skills, relevant qualifications, and any industry experience. Show enthusiasm for continuous improvement and efficiency.

Continue Professional Development

Work towards professional qualifications from industry bodies such as CIPS or CILT, and stay updated with industry trends.

As you progress, you can enhance your career prospects by gaining professional qualifications, such as those from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) or the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). Attend industry events and training to keep your knowledge up to date.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Supply Chain Analyst. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Supply Chain Analyst's role involves analysing and evaluating supply chain processes, making recommendations for improvements, and supporting the management of supply chain operations. This closely aligns with the responsibilities of a Supply Chain Manager, who oversees and optimises the entire supply chain, requiring similar analytical skills and understanding of logistics and procurement.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

Trainee manager positions are open to graduates of most subjects though you may find it useful to do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in subjects like:

  • logistics
  • supply chain management
  • transport management
  • business management

You can find out about industry sponsored degree courses in supply chain management from NOVUS.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a Supply Chain Practitioner Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which could lead to an assistant position.

You might also be able to do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, such as:

  • Supply Chain Leadership Professional
  • Express Delivery Manager
  • Senior Procurement and Supply Chain Professional

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could start in a junior role like transport clerk and work your way up through training and promotion.

You can do work-based training courses through The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

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Further information

You can find more details about careers and training in the supply chain industry through The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

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