Careers Supply Chain
Supply Chain
Getting products from A to B is a hugely sophisticated process involving computer modeling; transport by road, air or sea; demand cycles; and warehousing. Essentially it involves managing all the activities by which a product is made available to the customer. This includes sourcing, purchasing, planning the logistical distribution and customer services. Hence, the correct quantity and quality of goods must be available at the right time at the right place and at the correct price.
As the supply chain becomes increasingly sophisticated, more careers exist for individuals with these specialist skills. Career opportunities are good within both retail, wholesale and manufacturing. In terms of titles, jobs such as Logistics Managers, Procurement Officer, Warehouse Planner, Operations Manager, Demand Analyst and Supply Chain Controller all fall within this field.
Good skills for a career in supply chain include numeracy; planning; negotiation; communication and problem solving.
A typical career path in Supply Chain
Supply Chain Analyst - £16,000 to £23,000 This role focuses on the movements of goods and improving overall chains of supply. A Supply Chain Analyst will look at inventory, stock control and forecasting matters. This role involves plenty of computer work.
Category Demand Planner - £18,000 to £26,000 This position is typically analytical but requires good communication skills. There is plenty of exposure to other departments and personnel in order to get information about projected changes in demand which affects manufacturing output and will impact up and down the supply chain. Within a retail environment this role liaises with the buyers and external suppliers.
Supply Chain Manager - £30,000 to £55,000 This position works closely with senior staff members across the whole company and ensures that departments such as production are scheduled in the most effective way for the business and its external suppliers and customers. Material availability; production schedules; planning and availability will be key features of this type of role within a manufacturing business.
Supply Chain Director - £55,000 to £125,000 To reach this level within a top company, individuals need to have a track record of continuous improvement for the businesses they have worked within. Backgrounds of top executives in this field range from production, logistics, operations and other more commercial disciplines. This role is responsible for a companys overall supply chain strategy and will often have international aspects.
Responsibilities vary according to specific job roles and type of company but essentially involve a range of business tasks related to the smooth and efficient operation of supply chain processes. Such systems are becoming increasingly complex and information technology plays a key part in forecasting stock levels, delivery times and transport costs and in evaluating performance.
Typical work activities include:
• Monitoring the quality, cost and efficiency of the movement and storage of goods
• Co-ordinating and controlling the order cycle and associated information systems
• Analysing data to monitor performance and plan improvements
• Allocating and managing staff resources according to changing needs
• Liaising and negotiating with customers and suppliers
• Developing business by analysing logistics problems and producing new solutions
When managing warehouse or transport staff, the role may also include:
• Implementing health and safety procedures
• Taking care of staff training issues
• Motivating others
• Setting objectives
More senior roles in logistics may involve:
• Planning projects
• Using specialist knowledge, such as computer modelling, to provide consultancy services
Typical job responsibilities of a Supply Chain Manager Day to day
• Involvement in monitoring all aspects of output - service, product, systems, networks etc Longer term
• Motivating and managing planning teams
• Controlling and planning projects
• Meeting customers exacting requirements
• Ensuring production capabilities are in line with company strategy and objectives
