10 Questions With a Supply Analyst

10 Questions With a Supply Analyst

Kiran Birk is a supply analyst in the customer operations department at Western Digital. She lives in a quaint little village near Windsor, in southeast England, and enjoys cooking and spending time with friends and family. When she’s not working, you can find her on vacation, shopping, or binge watching a box set.

  1. What does a supply analyst actually do? 

I support the supply allocation for all orders in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI) for both Consumer Solutions & Devices like HDD and flash products. This involves reviewing daily, weekly, and monthly supply that has been allocated to the region and ensuring that orders that have been placed are fulfilled in a timely manner to satisfy customers’ requested dates.

Illustration of kitchen timer
  1. If you could summarize your job in one word, what would it be?

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

  1. WFH or on-site? 

On-site! I like running jokes with my colleagues when I attend the office, and I always get asked to go out to lunch with someone or out for dinner.

  1. If you could describe your job as a food, what would it be?

Chocolate. It’s there one minute and then gone the next, just like supply.

Illustration of open chocolate bar with a piece missing
  1. What’s your favorite part of your workday? 

Lunchtime. I can’t help it! I am a foodie. 😊

  1. Do you have a snack that keeps you going during the workday? 

Crisps when WFH and biscuits when in the office (since the cookie jar is always kept full!).

Illustration of box of cookies
  1. Early bird or night owl? 

Night owl.

  1. What’s the most unexpected or unique skill you’ve had to develop as a supply analyst?

Patience, resilience, and time management.

  1. What skills do you think are crucial for success in your role?

Being analytical, logical, detail oriented, and having good communication skills.

  1. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Taking ownership of my decisions.


Illustration of owl looking at an open laptop

Artwork by Cat Tervo

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