Supply chain manager handles products from start to finish, and it offers well-paying jobs with room to grow.
It’s a big part of the economy, making up 37% of jobs in the US, according to a study from MIT.
Jobs in the supply chain often involve science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), showing there’s a lot of innovation happening.
These jobs are basic for keeping things moving smoothly behind the scenes. Let’s take a look at 7 Types of careers in supply chain management.
What is a Supply Chain Manager?
A supply chain manager oversees and manages everything related to getting stuff from where it starts to where it’s used.
Your job is to make sure things move smoothly, from making them to delivering them to customers, all while keeping costs down and making customers happy.
You work with suppliers, makers, delivery people, and customers to make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Your goal is to make the whole process better, whether it’s managing stock, predicting what’s needed, buying stuff, planning production, or shipping things.
You keep an eye on how well things are going by looking at important numbers, figuring out where things can be better, and making changes to make things run even smoother.
Is Supply Chain Manager a Good Career?
According to many measures, jobs in the supply chain are great choices, offering high salaries, good opportunities for advancement, and high job satisfaction.
Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects supply chain roles to grow much faster than average from 2021 to 2031.
5 Duties and Responsibilities of Supply Chain Manager
The duties of a supply chain manager can change based on the industry, company, and the job itself. But here are some usual tasks:
- Planning and Strategy: You figure out the best ways to make the supply chain work well with the company’s goals. This means looking at what customers want and making sure there’s enough stuff made and delivered, without spending too much.
- Supplier Management: You deal with suppliers and pick the best ones based on quality and cost. You also make sure they keep up their end of the deal and work with them to make things better.
- Demand Planning and Forecasting: You predict how much stuff people will want to buy in the future. This helps plan how much to make and buy without having too much or too little.
- Inventory Management: You keep an eye on how much stuff is in stock and make sure it’s not too much or too little. You also try to use strategies like just-in-time to save money.
- Logistics and Transportation: You handle getting stuff from one place to another efficiently and at a good price. This means working with shipping companies and warehouses.
7 Types of Supply Chain Manager Careers
Here are some types of supply chain managers, each with their focus:
- Operations Manager: They oversee everything in the supply chain, making sure it all runs smoothly and meets business goals.
- Procurement Manager: They handle buying stuff for the company, making sure it’s good quality and a good deal.
- Logistics Manager: They manage how stuff gets from one place to another, like organizing shipping and warehousing.
- Inventory Manager: They keep track of how much stuff is in stock and make sure it’s at the right levels.
- Demand Planner: They predict how much stuff customers will want to buy in the future, so the company can plan.
4 Important Skills of the Supply Chain Manager
Here are some important skills for supply chain management:
- Communication: Being able to talk well with suppliers, customers, and others is crucial. This includes negotiating, solving conflicts, and managing relationships.
- Problem-solving: Supply chains can have tricky problems, so being good at solving them is important. This includes analyzing data, making decisions, and managing risks.
- Time management: Keeping things on schedule is key. This means dealing with delays, making sure deliveries happen on time, and using resources wisely.
- Leadership: Leading teams and setting goals are essential. This includes motivating people, planning, and building strong teams.
FAQs
#1. Who does the supply chain manager report to?
Supply chain managers usually report to the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of a company. They can work in various industries, such as manufacturing or energy.
#2. What’s the average salary for a Supply Chain Manager?
The average salary for a Top Supply Chain Management Executive in the United States is $273,293, with a range between $235,189 and $321,963 as of January 26, 2024.
Conclusion
Supply chain management needs a mix of important skills and know-how, like good communication, problem-solving, and time management.Â
Also, leadership, logistics, procurement, operations management, and strategy are a no-brainer if you succeed as a Supply Chain Manager.
To get good at these, you might need schooling, certifications, learning on the job, and keeping up with new stuff. Good luck.