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A supply chain manager coordinates the entire process of a product being produced from start to finish. This includes the production of the product right down to how it’s delivered. They are there to ensure deadlines are met and to keep the cost of the product within budget.
Watch a video to learn what a supply chain manager does:
How to Become a Supply Chain Manager
According to O*NET OnLine, most supply chain managers have a bachelor’s degree and some have even continued to earn a master’s degree. You’ll want to look for degrees in supply chain management and you can also look for certifications. APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society) lists many certifications such as Supply Chain Risk Management Certificate, Sales and Operations Planning Certificate, and Principles of Operations Management to name a few.
Job Description of a Supply Chain Manager
A supply chain manager is responsible for inventory control, transportation of goods, and the purchasing of those goods. In each of these areas, they also look for ways to streamline processes to meet production and cost needs. This means supply chain managers do a lot, so they must be very organized and detail-oriented.
Supply chain managers have numerous responsibilities and those responsibilities may vary by industry and the size of the organization they work for.
Supply Chain Manager Career Video Transcript
In our increasingly globalized society, the importance of supply chain managers is reaching new heights. You can thank these managers for speedy delivery times on orders, lower shipping costs, and keeping a steady flow of your favorite products available. Supply chain managers oversee every stage of the process that gets products to your door from raw materials to finished products.
Accurate planning and forecasting help them ensure an appropriate supply of materials to keep the production process running smoothly. These managers must stay on top of any changes that could affect the supply chain from the availability of ingredients to shipping interruptions – facility closings or raw material shortages. Whatever the situation, they’re responsible for minimizing delays, and keeping costs down without affecting product quality.
Maintaining positive relationships helps them integrate their work with other departments, like sales, marketing, and finance. While some supply chain managers are very hands-on, traveling to manage day-to-day tasks in warehouses and terminals, others stay close to the office to formulate demand forecasts, and troubleshoot customer issues. Regardless of focus, most work 40 hours per week or more.
To enter the field, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field is typically required, along with five or more years of experience.
Article Citations
National Center for O*NET Development. 11-9199.04. O*NET OnLine.