https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/Top-10-Careers-in-Supply-Chain-Management
Supply chain management is a high-paying field with a wide range of job opportunities. However, those wishing to work in supply chain management must complete the required education and become familiar with the latest technology, particularly as AI and analytics change the field.
Supply chain management is the planning of a product's journey from initial sourcing and creation through distribution. Logistics oversees item storage and the journey of goods to customers and aims to deliver items quickly with minimum expenditure.
Supply chain professionals are crucial to any company that makes and sells products, as workers in the logistics and supply chain management fields ensure that customers receive goods and services when and where they want them. Consequently, the logistics industry is an important driver of economic growth and development and is particularly critical as omnichannel demands continue to change the supply chain landscape.
Various types of supply chain and logistics jobs exist at different levels, so those interested in supply chain management careers have a myriad of ways they can break into the profession.
Individuals can opt to work in areas such as logistics, production and facilities management. Many of the skills individuals learn for supply chain management are transferable to other fields as well, giving workers flexibility in their career paths.
The first step to starting a career in supply chain management is to earn a degree related to supply chain management or logistics. Although some people can begin their careers with an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree is typically the minimum amount of education an individual needs to work in the supply chain. Some colleges and universities offer specialized degrees in supply chain management, and individuals can also opt to complete a supply chain management certification.
Jobs in supply chain management require skills in areas such as project management and procurement, and they often require knowledge of technology such as ERP systems.
Specializations for supply chain management jobs include areas such as procurement and production. Review the top supply chain management careers, according to Salary.com, to decide which one might be right for you.
Average salary $100,991
A production planner is responsible for planning production schedules and ensuring that the production process is carried out on budget and on time. Duties related to the production manager role might include the following:
Educational background. Some of the bachelor's degrees held by production planners include industrial engineering and business management.
Average salary $115,354
A facilities manager ensures that an organization's buildings meet the company's needs and all required standards. Here are some of a facility manager's specific duties:
Educational background. Most facilities managers possess a bachelor's degree, with degree specializations such as business management, engineering or facility management.
Average salary $119,240
A logistics manager plans and oversees logistics policies and goals. Here are some of a logistics manager's specific duties:
Educational background. Typically, a logistics manager needs a bachelor's degree in a field such as supply chain management or finance.
Average salary $125,640
A supply chain manager supervises the company's overall supply chain and logistics operations with the goal of increasing efficiency and productivity and reducing costs. Here are some responsibilities of the supply chain manager role:
Educational background. A supply chain manager typically holds at least a bachelor's degree in supply chain management or business administration.
Average salary $128,032
A purchasing manager is involved in aspects of an organization's operations, including comparing supplier costs and tracking supplier transactions. Here are some specific duties of the purchasing manager role:
Educational background. Organizations often require a bachelor's degree in a field such as business or logistics.
Average salary $128,100
A procurement manager is the main point of contact between a company and its suppliers. Specific duties a procurement manager might perform include the following:
Educational background. Procurement managers must often hold a bachelor's degree, with some popular majors including supply management and business.
Average salary $128,996
A commodity manager works on strategies for certain commodities. To succeed in this position, the commodity manager must possess an understanding of the local and global market, supplier sourcing and risk management. Here are some of a commodity manager's responsibilities:
Educational background. A commodity manager must possess a bachelor's degree in business or engineering, among other potential areas of concentration.
Average salary $135,025
A strategic sourcing manager helps ensure that an organization's expenditures balance the need to be thrifty with the purchase of high-quality items. Here are some of the strategic sourcing manager's specific duties:
Educational background. Most organizations require that a strategic sourcing manager has, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree in a field such as business or finance. Some companies seek out candidates with master's degrees.
Editor's note: This article has been updated by TechTarget editors to reflect the current job market.
28 Jun 2024