Supply chain managers are the unsung heroes of modern business. They’re the ones who make sure that your products make it to the right place at the right time, and they do a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure that your products make it onto shelves, into warehouses, and onto trucks.
What’s more, they’re also responsible for managing your inventory levels so you don’t have to worry about running out of stock! Supply chain managers are basically superheroes who make sure that everything in your business is working smoothly so you can focus on other things.
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What Do Supply Chain Manager Do
Supply chain management is a job that requires the coordination of many different moving parts, from the producer to the consumer.
The supply chain manager’s job is to make sure that all the parts of a product’s journey from conception to sale are running smoothly, from raw materials through production and distribution.
The supply chain manager’s job is not just about making sure that products are shipped on time and in good condition. It also involves finding ways to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer service.
The supply chain manager may also be responsible for ensuring that each step in the process meets regulatory requirements and ethical standards, as well as ensuring that employees are trained sufficiently so they can do their jobs correctly.
Education and Training
To become a supply chain manager, you should have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. You may also want to consider earning a degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many employers require relevant work experience for entry-level positions; however, some bachelor’s degree programs allow students to begin their studies without prior industry experience.
While there are no specific educational requirements for this job title, most employers expect their candidates to have at least an associate’s degree or higher as well as certifications in various supply chain management programs such as:
- Supply Chain Management/Logistics Operations (SCP) certification from APICS
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification from APICS International
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification from Project Management Institute
Requirements
The requirements that you will need to meet to become a Supply Chain Manager are:
1. Education: A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, or a related field is required
2. Experience: You should have at least 3 years of experience managing supply chains for companies with more than 100 employees
3. Licenses/Certifications: You should have the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification from APICS.
Duties
- Directs and coordinates all activities related to the supply chain.
- Analyzes and develops supply chain strategies, including inventory management and transportation management.
- Analyzes supply and demand to determine optimal manufacturing capacity, production procedures and schedules, and inventory levels.
- Establishes and monitors performance standards for suppliers.
Salary
The average salary for a Supply Chain Manager is $118,098 per year. However, there is a wide range of salaries within this occupation.
Of course, this figure varies depending on the company and location. For example, in cities like New York or San Francisco, the average salary for a Supply Chain Manager can be as high as $142,072. On the other hand, if you’re working in a small town in Montana, you’ll probably make closer to $115,000 per year.
Job Outlook
The demand for supply chain managers will likely be driven by the increase in manufacturing and transportation industries in emerging markets.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of supply chain management professionals will grow by 30% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all professions.
FAQs
Where Do Supply Chain Managers Work?
Is Supply Chain Management Stressful?
How Many Hours Do Supply Chain Managers Work?
Is Supply Chain Management a Lot of Math?
Does Supply Chain Management Require Calculus?
Is Supply Chain Management Stressful?
Final Thoughts
Supply chain management is a great career choice for anyone who wants to work in a field where they can make a difference.
With so much emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, the demand for supply chain managers is growing rapidly. This means that there are many employment opportunities available right now—and more on the horizon!
References:
- https://apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/clusters/OccupationDetails/100536?parentId=110400§ion=conditions§ionTitle=Working%20Conditions
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/mpe/2016/6167290/
- https://www.mooc.org/blog/how-is-math-used-in-supply-chain
- https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/business/how-a-supply-chain-management-degree-matters
- https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/business/blog/things-i-wish-i-knew-before-starting-supply-chain-management-career/