When you order an item online and receive it straight at your doorstep, do you ever question how it arrived there?Supply Chain Management has an impact on nearly every aspect of our lives. Clothing, foods, home appliances and many other items are all made available through a supply chain of activities. Supply chain management is an exciting field with numerous career opportunities. Degree holders can enter into manufacturing, data analysis, procurement, transportation and customer service industries. Supply chains are an integral part of any economy and new supply chains and processes are coming up every day. Therefore, there are plenty of job opportunities available.
Is supply chain management a good career? Yes, it’s a good career because supply chain management job opportunities are in plenty. Additionally, supply chain jobs usually pay well and there is a great room for career growth. The career path also offers excellent work satisfaction, and it’s hard to get bored.
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Every stage of a product’s life cycle including acquisition, distribution, and delivery fits under the supply chain umbrella. The supply chain process is long and is rapidly evolving with the creation of new technologies such as blockchain and cloud computing. Organizations rely on supply chain managers to forecast market trends and ensure the correct people are in the proper place. Additionally, companies also depend on supply chain managers to make sure parts arrive on time, and to be fast on their feet if they do not. Read on to find out: Is supply chain management hard? Is supply chain management a good major? I’ll also cover how to become a supply chain manager.
Supply Chain Management is among the most expansive and diverse fields within the business sector. That’s because it encompasses a wide range of interconnected activities and functions that allow for commerce. Likewise, career paths in the supply chain are also diverse and expansive since supply chain touches almost all industries.
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People in the supply chain are the masters of getting the work done. Their expertise and skills make everybody else’s roles possible, making the career incredibly rewarding.
Here are several reasons why a supply management career is worth considering.
The Industry Is Experiencing Rapid Growth
Supply chain job opportunities are expanding from multiple ends, from worldwide sourcing of products to distribution and fulfillment. Shortage of skilled supply chain professionals has been seen in the US and parts of Asia. That means job opportunities for supply chain managers are in plenty.
Tons of Space for Career Growth
The highly structured and tiered characteristic of supply chain management means that there are numerous opportunities to advance one’s career. I believe the Supply chain is an amazing career for young people to enter, because of the real-life challenges and growth opportunities. Through this career path, individuals acquire invaluable skills like analytics, problem solving and communication. Additionally, for those who want to, this career can lead one to travel around the globe or even live abroad.
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Lots of Roles
Supply chain management professionals can take up a variety of roles in the industry such as:
Supply chain manager
Procurement analyst
Logistics manager
Distribution manager
Business analyst
Purchasing manager
Operations research analyst
Director of operations
Project manager
Procurement manager
Director of operations
Warehouse operations
It’s Gaining More Relevancy
Complex supply chains are common nowadays. Hence, more oversight is required than ever before to identify logistics to get products to their final destination cost-effectively. Online store-fronts and globalization have revolutionized the simplest phases of the supply chain. Heightened competition and moves toward sustainability have made innovative management more essential than before. Although much of traditional manufacturing and trade jobs are reducing in the US, supply chain managers are in increasing demand.
For supply chain management professionals, every day is different. And the work value they generate energizes them to get up the following day. Each day they face new challenges, new methods of working and new people. The profession keeps one on their toes. The difference that a person can make with a job in supply chain management is fulfilling and brings great satisfaction. Also, it is a very dynamic industry where it’s hard to get bored. It’s an excellent career path for those who enjoy a fast pace and a constantly evolving environment.
Exposure to Multiple Facets of the Business Sector
Professionals in the field of supply chain management gain exposure to how an organization works as a whole. They see so many sides of a company that people don’t normally see. Understanding the supply chain system gives an individual the much-needed perspective of organizational processes, which is very valuable.
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Supply chain managers have the ability to touch multiple facets of a company’s business and are able to see their impact. It’s a profession where a person sees tangible results.
Average Supply Chain Management Salary USA and the UK
Supply chain management is a career path that’s worth exploring for any expat moving to the UK or USA. It’s a profession that pays very well.
The average supply chain management salary in the USA is $81,439. Entry-level supply chain managers earn an average wage of $58,694 while those with 1-4 years of working experience make $70,298 on average. A supply chain manager with 5-9 years of experience earns an average compensation of $83,622, and one with 10-19 years of experience makes $90,108. Professionals with at least twenty years of experience earn $92,836 on average.
In the UK, the pay is also excellent at an average of £39,405 per year. Supply chain managers with less than 1 year of working experience earn an average compensation of £27,617. 1-4 years of experience come with an average wage of £34,519, while 10-19 years of experience bring a pay of £44,649. Twenty years of experience or higher come with an average salary of £44,489 per year.
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Is Supply Chain Management Hard?
Like any other profession out there, supply chain management also has several drawbacks. For starters, supply chain managers spend plenty of time at work trying to understand and solve the existing and upcoming challenges. Usually, solving problems can be quite hard, particularly when it involves people. Convincing people to change their mindset and how they work can take time and effort depending on their age and skill level.
A career in supply chain management can be demanding and hectic.Similar to marketing and sales channel management, the supply chain is also prone to end month pressures, and need for constant bargaining skills with vendors.
Additionally, supply chain management projects involve multiple departments like purchasing, manufacturing, distribution and IT. As a result, departmental wars can arise occasionally.
Moreover, projects can become complex over time because of addition of new features and processes. The end result is an inflated project that’s so extensive making the job harder for the supply manager.
However, the benefits of supply chain management outweigh the possible downsides. Thus a career in the supply chain is still worth considering.
Is Supply Chain Management a Good Major?
Generally, supply chain management is a good major, but it depends on what one wants to do.Supply chain management is a broad field. I believe it’s better to go for the procurement, buying, sourcing and merchandising side of the profession. That’s because it’s highly rated and involves more specifics skills and more pay. The other side of the supply chain, which includes transportation and distribution, is less desirable. It involves more stress, lower salaries, and lack of job security.
Nevertheless, for those seeking a degree with excellent career potential, supply chain is the way to go.Supply chain management is a rising industry with job opportunities all over the world. Currently, supply chain managers are in high demand. In addition to that, the career offers excellent compensation.
A degree in supply chain management is applicable to multiple industries.Not only does supply chain impact manufacturing, transportation, warehouse management and shipping, but it also offers broader job prospects. For instance, Deloitte LLP, which most employees accountants, recruits supply chain graduates to help manufacturing and logistic firms.
Furthermore, many Supply Chain Management programs aim to train students on how to perform a specific job after leaving school. While broader degrees in business, science or humanities are valuable, a Supply Chain degree offers a clearer career path beyond school.
How to Become a Supply Chain Manager
The journey to becoming a supply chain manager usually begins with earning a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration or sales. Many supply chain management professionals also have many years of experience working in customer service and business. Additionally, they need to gain an understanding of the geographical territories they tackle. They must have exemplary interpersonal and social skills in order to develop relevant relations with internal and external partners.
A supply chain manager should have the ability to manage the complicated nature of supply chains and logistics. Therefore, a bachelor’s degree is normally the minimum requirement. During the degree program, they learn about database management, business operations and system dynamics. Moreover, they might be exposed to different types of logistics software e.g., Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID).
Generally, there’s no legal requirement for supply chain managers to get certified. But, they can choose to gain certification to showcase their dedication to excellence and broader knowledge of the field. For instance, in the US, supply chain managers can get certified via the International Society of Logistics or the American Production and Inventory Control Society.
Work experience is also crucial. Supply chain managers usually gain several years of experience in supply chains, business administration and logistics. Some begin in logistical support as clerks or dispatchers, while many have a background in military processes. Through work experience, these experts get to gain knowledge about supply chain and business processes.
The most successful supply chain managers possess the following characteristics:
Excellent communication skills
Robust critical thinking skills
Excellent customer service skills
Superb organizational skills
Pragmatic problem-solving skills.
With a bachelor’s degree and the skills above, it’s possible to become an effective supply chain manager.
'Once considered 'trucks and sheds' and a low-skilled industry, logistics and supply chain management today is emerging as a highly desirable sector for employment providing an exciting high-tech career,' explains Harold Hamley, teaching fellow at the University of Portsmouth and ex-European Supply Chain Director.
Due to the highly structured and tiered nature of supply chain management, there are plenty of opportunities to advance for ambitious and driven people. In fact, CNN Money found that there's an average of 25.5% career growth over 10 years for people in the industry.
Because an MSc in Supply Chain Management in the UK has an ever growing demand right now. And the United Kingdom states that students with a Masters in Supply Chain Management in the UK have a 97% employability rate. So, with a globally recognized course, you can start working at your favorite organization.
Supply Chain Builds Your Skills And Take Them In Any Direction. "Procurement and supply chain are fantastic fields to evaluate opportunities and come up with strategies on how to execute new initiatives. In many ways, procurement is a great environment to practice and hone entrepreneurial skills.
Over the next five years, job growth for supply chain and logistics professionals is projected to be 4.8%. This high-stakes job also commands high salaries. The median salary for transportation, storage, and distribution managers in the United States is $94,723. Supply chain management can cover a wide variety of jobs.
The fact is, Supply Chain management drives innovation, and the people who drive that innovation have some of the brightest job prospects out of anyone in the economy.
So in my case I love working in Supply Chain because: You get the chance to improve whatever you decide to focus on. You have the great opportunity to learn from really savvy and experienced people. You can really make a huge contribution into your business by reducing costs and designing processes.
Traditional supply chains sought to achieve stability and minimize costs. Future supply chains will need to be much more dynamic—and be able to predict, prepare, and respond to rapidly evolving demand and a continually changing product and channel mix. In short, supply chains will need to become agile.
The best fields to pursue in supply chain management/business administration/management information systems is Manufacturing, Data analysis, logistics, information systems, procurement, operations, transportation, supply chain analyst (supply chain professionals), sourcing specialist, supply chain roles, and customer ...
Supply chain management can be rewarding, but it isn't for everybody. SCM professionals typically work long hours under heavy stress. Problems arise quickly and unexpectedly and demand immediate solutions—think resolving a last-minute shipping issue halfway across the world in the middle of the night.
Primarily, it facilitates and optimizes the flow of products, information, and finances, allowing companies to create better relationship value and improve overall business efficiency.
Keeping transportation costs down. Keeping up with customer/industry demands. Sourcing consistent, reliable carrier capacity. Keeping up with the latest technology solutions and demands.
Yes, Supply Chain Management is a good career as it offers a plenty of job opportunities with good salaries and a lot to learn ensuring positive growth in career. It is one of the most diverse field in the business sector as it is interconnected with all other functions.
Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management are some of the fastest growing fields nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of logisticians is projected to grow 30 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Here are general supply chain interview questions you can use: In your own words, what is the supply chain, and why is it important? How will you add value to our supply chain team with your experience and competencies? How would you deal with the situation if you ran out of stock?
A supply chain is the network of all the individuals, organizations, resources, activities and technology involved in the creation and sale of a product. A supply chain encompasses everything from the delivery of source materials from the supplier to the manufacturer through to its eventual delivery to the end user.
* I see myself as an employee in a leadership position in a firm that has a firm foundation as this company. I have plans to cultivate my skills and do a good job in my role. * I am passionate about working and dedicating my strength in this field, so, I want to be a core employee of the company after 5 years.
The average base pay for someone in this position is $60,146 per year, though it's possible to earn as low as $31,000 a year and as much as $89,000 a year. Even at the entry level, supply chain managers are looking for people with industry experience, not generalists.
Yes. Many advanced tools and techniques in supply chain planning, such as machine learning, inventory management, predictive maintenance, and automation, all rely heavily on mathematics.
Logistics is a fast-paced, demanding and competitive industry. With so many other companies vying for the same business, it's important to come to work and give it your all.
As a result, there is a global shortage of supply chain talent and there are plenty of jobs to be had. One study shows that one in three companies in the United States has jobs that are taking nine to 12 months to fill. Another study reveals that the demand for supply chain talent exceeds supply by 6 to 1.
Increases Cash Flow – Firms value supply chain managers because they speed up product flows to customers. For example, if a firm can make and deliver a product to a customer in 10 days rather than 70 days, it can invoice the customer 60 days sooner.
Supply chain managers work in a variety of settings. They may transition from working at a desk in an office to observing operations in a manufacturing or warehouse facility. They may also travel to meet with suppliers and other partners.
Supply Chain Trends for 2022 and Beyond. Supply chains, much like living organisms, need to evolve to survive. New technology, like robotic process automation (RPA), cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI), replaces weak links and alters the supply chain software market at large.
Procurement, storing, and delivery is the functions of supply chain management. All these are now done in a coordinated manner to improve efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer experience. All these functions together form the supply chain.
There are three main flows of supply chain management: the product flow, the information flow, and the finances flow. The Product Flow – The product flow involves the movement of goods from a supplier to a customer. This supply chain management flow also concerns customer returns and service needs.
When items in the supply chain travel in reverse order, your organization has to figure out a way to handle those products. The five Rs of reverse logistics are returns, reselling, repairs, replacements, and recycling. The processes and solutions you apply to each of these can help your business improve its results.
Mismanaged Implementation – Changing a supply chain management system takes financial investment, time, and human resources. If not implemented properly, there will be wasted labor, service redundancy, and missed deadlines that result in significant costs.
Best way to answer this question is to briefly talk about yourself and your experience such that the key attributes - supply chain knowledge skills, communication skills, managerial skills, and analytical skills are demonstrated.
Here are five major challenges that companies continue to face in their supply chains–and the solutions that will help logistics providers prepare for the future.
It's unlikely that supply chains will be fully automated at the present, but not at all beyond the realms of possibility that they will be in the future. For now, however, the emphasis for many is simply catching up through the implementation of new automative technologies for repetitive and manual tasks.
Many logistics jobs necessitate frequent international travel. Although these trips focus far more on work than sightseeing, they offer an array of opportunities for those eventually hoping to break into the field of international business.
4. High Job Satisfaction. Another reason to pursue a supply chain job is that workers in the field report high satisfaction. While 85% of workers across all industries say they're displeased with their jobs, 80% of supply chain workers said they're very satisfied with theirs.
According to the 2023 QS Masters in Supply Chain Management ranking, MIT's Centre for Transportation and Logistics has the world's top program for the third year running.
Logistics focuses on the efficient and cost-effective delivery of goods to the customer. Supply chain management targets higher operational performance that will give the business a competitive advantage.
Supply chain managers make $100,414 per year on average, or $48.28 per hour, in the United States. Supply chain managers on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $72,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $139,000. Location impacts how much a supply chain manager can expect to make.
As a result, there is a global shortage of supply chain talent and there are plenty of jobs to be had. One study shows that one in three companies in the United States has jobs that are taking nine to 12 months to fill. Another study reveals that the demand for supply chain talent exceeds supply by 6 to 1.
Yes, Supply Chain Management is a good career as it offers a plenty of job opportunities with good salaries and a lot to learn ensuring positive growth in career. It is one of the most diverse field in the business sector as it is interconnected with all other functions.
Logistics is a fast-paced, demanding and competitive industry. With so many other companies vying for the same business, it's important to come to work and give it your all.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), supply chain logisticians and managers earned an average of $76,000 a year in May 2020, organizing supply chains for organizations in nearly every industry.
Supply chain management can be rewarding, but it isn't for everybody. SCM professionals typically work long hours under heavy stress. Problems arise quickly and unexpectedly and demand immediate solutions—think resolving a last-minute shipping issue halfway across the world in the middle of the night.
Yes. Many advanced tools and techniques in supply chain planning, such as machine learning, inventory management, predictive maintenance, and automation, all rely heavily on mathematics.
Introduction: My name is Dr. Pierre Goyette, I am a enchanting, powerful, jolly, rich, graceful, colorful, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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