ADD ADVICE TO FAVSupply chain manager
Supply chain managers ensure that products and services are available in the right place at the right time. Often retailers outsource this responsibility to specialist logistics and distribution companies.
What supply chain managers do
- manage the different aspects of the supply chain (including sourcing, purchasing, transport, warehousing and distribution)
- may organise distribution to consumers via home delivery services
- work closely with suppliers and customers to improve operations and reduce cost
- integrate the business processes and IT systems of many suppliers and customers
- increasingly, take responsibility for ’reverse logistics’, such as the return of reusable pallets, collection of packaging for recycling, and the return of rejected or damaged goods.
Key skills for supply chain managers
- ability to understand the whole process ’from supplier’s supplier to customer’s customer’
- numeracy and IT skills
- interpersonal and negotiation skills
- confidence and integrity
- organisational and planning skills
- ability to work under pressure
- written and verbal communication skills
- willingness to work unusual hours (a lot of supply chain activity happens at night).
Training to be a supply chain manager
Most high-quality graduate training schemes include extensive supply chain exposure. Professional qualifications in functions such as purchasing, logistics or transport management are available and valued by employers.
Salaries for supply chain managers
Starting salaries are in the £18,000 to £25,000 range, depending on the industry (consumer goods companies are currently towards the high end). This can rise to £25,000 to £35,000 after three years.
Professional bodies
- Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply
- Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
- Institute of Grocery Distribution
