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Supply chain management can help ensure products move efficiently from the manufacturing stage to being in front of customers. Read on for details about supply chain management and working in the industry. 

As online shopping grows, and supply networks become more complex, a supply chain manager is typically needed to better connect logistics, handle more inventory and use advanced systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) systems. Companies’ focus on fast delivery can also make these jobs more important.

A supply chain manager directs and coordinates production, purchasing and warehousing activities. These professionals also manage distribution and fiscal forecasting services to control costs and enhance accuracy, customer service and safety. Their responsibilities include evaluating current procedures to identify opportunities for more efficient distribution. Another core task is overseeing the movement, storage and processing of inventory.

Managing a supply chain starts with planning, ends with final disposal and covers every step in between. A supply chain manager finds suppliers, supervises manufacturing and handles delivery. While daily tasks can change, their responsibilities may include the following:

• Identifying suitable equipment and staffing levels to load, unload, move or store materials
• Handling strategic purchasing, material planning and inventory control
• Managing warehousing and receiving operations
• Developing transportation routes and maximizing economic efficiency by merging shipments or consolidating distribution
• Defining key performance indicators for measurement and evaluation of product cost, quality or other elements
• Creating new processes or streamlining legacy procedures to boost efficiency and performance
• Negotiating prices and logistical terms with suppliers, vendors and freight companies and analyzing inventories to increase profit, reduce waste and optimize customer service

Supply chain managers may also prepare by creating backup plans in case something goes wrong. This can mean finding other suppliers or setting up steps to keep work going during problems.

Monitoring operations is a critical aspect of the role, requiring professionals to ensure staff adherence to relevant policies, safety regulations and, when applicable, union contracts. A supply chain manager also reviews reports to confirm compliance with government standards.

The field has different types of managers. Warehouse and storage managers run day-to-day work in facilities, organize shipments, ensure adherence to safety standards and track inventory. Logistics managers set up big-picture plans for getting, storing and moving goods, and they help everyone involved stay in touch.

This role relies on a blend of technical and soft skills.

Office software skills are used every day in this field. Professionals make reports, track data and create presentations with spreadsheets, databases, word processors and other tools. Using ERP systems is especially important in this job. Managers may use analytical and scientific software or simulation and modeling software. Familiarity with financial software can help in managing budgets. For large-scale scheduling and coordination, they could use a wide variety of calendar and scheduling software.

An effective supply chain manager should also have strong analytical skills. They look at costs and benefits before making decisions. When problems come up, they use critical thinking to find solutions.

The role also requires mathematical reasoning to calculate shipping prices, forecast costs and develop budgets that increase profits or improve services. They can also compare shipping methods, calculate break-even points for bulk purchases and project how demand changes can affect warehouse needs.

Relationship-building is essential in this role because a supply chain manager works closely with internal teams and external partners. Building these relationships requires solid people skills. A manager is involved in developing client rosters and maintaining supplier relationships, which means predicting needs, staying engaged in conversations and negotiating effectively. Communication skills also help coordination efforts. For example, when shipments arrive early or run late, managers must notify everyone affected and adjust schedules.

Leadership abilities help these professionals guide and motivate teams while setting performance standards. They may also hire and train their staff while monitoring their occupational effectiveness. Time management skills are critical when juggling tight deadlines for products to be available for customers. Strong emotional intelligence skills can help professionals lead their teams, especially when they can understand others’ perspectives, ask relevant follow-up questions and convey information to stakeholders.

Additionally, other soft skills help in the industry:

• Customer service: Professionals must respond effectively to clients or customers who may contact them regarding products, timelines or services.    
• Interpersonal awareness: These professionals may interact with a wide range of people, including employees they supervise or co-workers in separate departments. External client work may be necessary, too, so professionals should be skilled at navigating relationships outside their company.  
• Organizational awareness: A facility or logistics network requires an ability to keep up with orders, delivery times and other detail-oriented work to enable smooth operational activities.
• Problem-solving: When issues arise, including material chain interruptions, personnel concerns and client feedback, professionals must develop interventions that keep the production or delivery schedule intact.  
• Time management: Coordinating activities to maintain an accurate schedule requires the efficient use of time and the ability to multitask.

Managers generally must have a bachelor’s degree, although educational requirements within the overall supply management field vary by position. Some employers may accept a high school diploma when a candidate has relevant experience as well; others may prefer a graduate degree.

Professionals in this field may study business administration, supply chain management or systems engineering.

Business administration programs, may also offer specializations in operations or supply chain management. The programs may cover core concepts such as cost accounting, operations management and organizational behavior.

Supply chain management positions tend to demand substantial knowledge and hands-on experience. Most people become managers after at least five years working in logistics, procurement or similar jobs. The exact experience needed depends on the company, industry and job.

The path usually starts in entry-level positions where new professionals gain skills through on-the-job training. Workers may apply to become managers after gaining industry-specific experience. Roles like logistics clerk or coordinator can help develop problem-solving skills.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, graduates may look for entry-level jobs in procurement, logistics or supply chain management to get experience. On-the-job training helps to learn and build practical skills.

Some people gain logistics training through military service or government agency work, providing different pathways into the field. These roles often involve tasks like managing equipment, coordinating shipments and overseeing personnel, all of which are valuable preparation for civilian careers.

As of May 2024, supply chain managers earned between $61,200 and $180,590, with a median wage of $102,010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS lists the occupation under “transportation, storage, and distribution managers.”

BLS projects that employment of supply chain managers will grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034, or an average of 18,500 job openings each year over the decade. That rate would be faster than the average for all occupations, according to BLS.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of ������ý. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. ������ý does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2024-2034 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS' projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to ������ý students or graduates.

Supply chain managers work in many different settings. They might do office work or visit manufacturing plants and warehouses. While many work in transportation, warehousing, wholesale trade, manufacturing or government, most of the work is done indoors in comfortable office settings. 

For those interested in a supply chain manager career, ������ý offers online business degrees including an Operations Management Certificate, which teaches relevant skills in the field.

Contact ������ý for more information.