Supply Chain and logistics Analyst
Position Description
Supply Chain & Logistics Analyst
Department: Operations
Reports To: Operations Manager
Location: [Insert Location]
Employment Type: Full Time
Position Purpose
The Supply Chain & Logistics Analyst is responsible for analysing, optimising, and continuously improving the end-to-end supply chain across inbound logistics, inventory management, warehousing, and outbound distribution operations.
Supporting a chemical distribution business with approximately $400 million in annual revenue, this role ensures that inventory, logistics, and warehouse operations are managed in a manner that is cost-effective, efficient, scalable, compliant, and operationally robust.
The role provides analytical support to the Operations Manager and works closely with Procurement, Sales, Customer Service, Finance, warehouse teams, transport providers, and third-party logistics (3PL) partners to improve service levels, reduce costs, optimise inventory, and strengthen supply chain performance.
Key Responsibilities
Supply Chain Performance & Analysis
Analyse end-to-end supply chain performance and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
Develop and maintain supply chain KPIs, dashboards, and management reporting.
Conduct root cause analysis of operational issues and implement corrective actions.
Monitor supply chain performance against budget, service, inventory, and cost targets.
Provide recommendations to improve productivity, service, and profitability.
Support strategic projects and operational excellence initiatives.
Inbound Logistics & Lead Time Management
Monitor and analyse supplier lead times across local and international suppliers.
Measure supplier performance against service and delivery expectations.
Identify lead time variability and supply chain risks.
Analyse freight, shipping, customs, receiving, and warehouse lead time components.
Develop lead time reporting and exception management processes.
Partner with suppliers and procurement teams to improve inbound supply reliability.
Support contingency planning for critical products and supply disruptions.
Recommend inventory strategies based on lead-time performance and supply risk.
Inventory Management & Optimisation
Analyse inventory levels, stock turns, inventory ageing, slow-moving stock, and obsolete inventory.
Maintain inventory planning parameters including safety stock, reorder points, and minimum stocking levels.
Support forecasting and replenishment activities.
Optimise inventory holdings to balance customer service requirements and working capital objectives.
Monitor inventory accuracy and support cycle count programs.
Identify opportunities to improve inventory availability while reducing excess stock.
Analyse inventory movements between warehouses and locations to minimise unnecessary handling and transfers.
Warehouse & Storage Optimisation
Analyse warehouse utilisation, storage capacity, and inventory flow.
Identify opportunities to improve warehouse productivity and storage efficiency.
Support warehouse layout improvements and space utilisation initiatives.
Reduce handling costs through improved inventory movement and storage strategies.
Monitor warehouse KPIs including inventory accuracy, productivity, space utilisation, and operational efficiency.
Support safe and compliant storage practices for chemical and hazardous products.
Outbound Logistics & Distribution
Analyse transport performance, freight utilisation, customer delivery performance, and service levels.
Monitor and improve On-Time In-Full (OTIF) delivery performance.
Identify opportunities to optimise delivery routes and transport utilisation.
Analyse transport costs and recommend cost-saving initiatives.
Support logistics provider performance reviews and supply chain optimisation projects.
Monitor freight recoveries and customer delivery costs.
3PL & Transport Provider Management
Review, validate, and reconcile 3PL warehouse and transport provider invoices.
Ensure invoices align with approved contracts, agreed rates, and actual service activity.
Investigate billing discrepancies, overcharges, duplicate invoices, and pricing errors.
Validate storage, handling, freight, dangerous goods, and accessorial charges.
Partner with Finance to ensure timely approval and processing of logistics-related invoices.
Conduct periodic audits of 3PL and transport provider charges.
Monitor service provider performance against agreed service level agreements (SLAs).
Support contract reviews, rate reviews, and logistics provider performance assessments.
Identify opportunities to reduce freight, warehousing, and logistics costs.
Cost Management & Operational Reporting
Analyse supply chain and logistics costs including:
Freight
Warehousing
Storage
Inventory carrying costs
Handling costs
Packaging costs
External logistics services
Develop business cases for operational improvement and cost reduction initiatives.
Monitor actual expenditure against budget and forecast.
Prepare operational reporting and insights relating to:
Inventory performance
Stock turn
Lead times
Service levels
Freight costs
Warehouse costs
Supplier performance
Working capital
Logistics provider performance
Deliver actionable recommendations to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce costs.
Compliance, Safety & Risk Management
Support compliance with dangerous goods and chemical storage regulations.
Ensure inventory traceability and supply chain records are maintained.
Assist with internal and external audits relating to operations and logistics activities.
Support safe operating practices within warehouses and distribution networks.
Identify operational risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
Business Partnering
Build strong working relationships with Procurement, Sales, Customer Service, Finance, warehouse teams, and external suppliers.
Provide analytical support to operational decision-making.
Present findings and recommendations to the Operations Manager and leadership team.
Support cross-functional initiatives designed to improve customer service, efficiency, and profitability.
Act as a trusted operational partner focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Inventory & Working Capital
Improved inventory turns.
Reduced slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
Improved inventory accuracy.
Optimised inventory investment and working capital utilisation.
Lead Time & Supplier Performance
Improved supplier on-time delivery performance.
Reduction in lead-time variability.
Increased inventory availability.
Reduced supply disruptions.
Logistics & Warehousing
Improved OTIF delivery performance.
Improved warehouse utilisation and productivity.
Reduced transport and warehousing costs.
Reduction in inventory handling and storage costs.
Cost Management
Accurate validation of 3PL and transport invoices.
Reduction in logistics billing discrepancies and overcharges.
Achievement of freight and warehouse cost reduction targets.
Delivery of measurable annual cost savings.
Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Zero material compliance breaches.
Successful audit outcomes.
Delivery of continuous improvement initiatives.
Increased process efficiency and operational visibility.
Skills & Experience
Essential
Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, Commerce, or a related discipline.
Minimum 3-5 years' experience in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Analysis, Inventory Planning, or Continuous Improvement roles.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Advanced Microsoft Excel capability.
Experience using ERP and inventory management systems.
Strong reporting, dashboard, and KPI development skills.
Experience analysing inventory, warehousing, logistics, and operational performance.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable
Experience within chemical distribution, specialty chemicals, manufacturing, industrial products, wholesale distribution, or supply chain-intensive industries.
Experience supporting businesses with annual revenue exceeding $100 million.
Knowledge of dangerous goods and chemical storage regulations.
Experience in inventory optimisation, replenishment planning, and lead-time analysis.
Experience managing relationships with 3PL warehouse providers and transport carriers.
Exposure to logistics contracts, freight tendering, and warehouse optimisation projects.
Power BI, SQL, or other business intelligence and data visualisation tools.
Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar ERP systems.
Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement qualifications.
Key Competencies
Technical Competencies
Supply Chain Analytics
Inventory Management & Optimisation
Lead Time Analysis
Logistics & Freight Management
Warehousing & Storage Optimisation
3PL Management
Cost Analysis & Control
KPI Reporting & Dashboard Development
Working Capital Optimisation
ERP Systems
Power BI & Data Analytics
Continuous Improvement
Behavioural Competencies
Commercial Acumen
Analytical Thinking
Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Results Orientation
Collaboration
Stakeholder Management
Communication & Influencing Skills
Initiative
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Success Profile
The successful Supply Chain & Logistics Analyst will work closely with the Operations Manager to create a high-performing supply chain that delivers excellent customer service while controlling costs and inventory investment. They will improve lead-time reliability, optimise stock levels, enhance warehouse efficiency, ensure accurate management of 3PL costs, and provide insights that support operational and commercial decision-making.
Success will be measured through improved inventory productivity, lower logistics costs, stronger supplier performance, enhanced warehouse utilisation, improved customer service levels, and the successful delivery of continuous improvement initiatives that support the growth of a $400 million chemical distribution business.
