The role of a supply chain administrator centres on supporting the wider supply chain team with administrative duties such as tracking deliveries, processing order confirmations and ordering stock.
A supply chain administrator role is a fantastic entry point into the supply chain and procurement industry and will pose a brilliant basis for the rest of your career. Here, we outline some of the key duties and personal attributes desired of supply chain administrators.
What are the responsibilities of a supply chain administrator?
The supply chain administrator’s primary role is to support the smooth-running of the supply chain department through administrative duties. These include:
- Assisting in the achievement of company objectives and KPIs
- Ordering stock from suppliers to fulfil customer demand and maintaining service levels
- Processing order confirmations from suppliers quickly and effectively, liaising with other departments where necessary
- Chasing suppliers for overdue items
- Resolving issues where stock does not arrive exactly as it should
- Maintaining all documents relating to supply chain process in accordance with the company’s quality requirements
- Communicating informed risks within the business to key stakeholders
- Preparing presentations, reports and analysis
- Supporting the function of the supply chain department
What salary can you expect as a supply chain administrator?
Starting salaries for graduates range from £18,000 to £22,000 a year. However, supply chain administrators can achieve a salary of £26,000 or above depending on their location and experience.
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What personal qualities and skills are required to be a supply chain administrator?
To be an effective supply chain administrator, you will need to be a fantastic communicator, confident in liaising with external suppliers and internal teams. You will also need good numerical skills and an eye for detail. Here are the required personal qualities and skills to succeed in the role:
- Fantastic office admin skills
- Data literacy - strong numerical reasoning
- MS Office competency, particularly Excel and Outlook
- Good interpersonal skills, especially to be able to communicate externally with suppliers and internally with colleagues
- Good time management and organisational skills to meet timescales and deadlines
- Strong attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Customer-focused
- Self-motivated
- Flexible and adaptable
- Good computer literacy
- Some previous experience in supply chain or procurement desired
What qualifications does a supply chain administrator need?
Some employers request a degree or equivalent qualification in supply chain management or similar. Whilst this is not always a prerequisite, most employers will expect some previous experience in the industry or administration.
If you don’t already have significant experience or a relevant qualification, you may wish to look into the programmes offered by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). As the industry’s professional body, a qualification from CIPS will put you in good stead for your supply chain career. Find out more about the courses offered here.
Are you looking for a supply chain administrator role? Search current vacancies today.
