By DeVry University
November 11, 2022
6 min read
November 11, 2022
6 min read
Supply chain managers are a critical component of the global economy, but what does a supply manager do? Supply chain managers are responsible for ensuring that businesses can efficiently source raw materials, manufacture products, store inventory and transport shipments through distribution channels to consumers or wholesalers.
Sometimes called logistics managers, supply chain managers are responsible for keeping things moving. Without them, production of all kinds of manufactured products would be more susceptible to delays, interruptions and cost overruns because the raw materials or services required to make them were not available at the right time.
It’s exciting to know the outlook for this career path looks positive. According to the U. S. Department of Labor Statistics, employment of logisticians like supply chain managers is projected to grow 28% on a national level from 2021 to 20311, a rate that is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Additionally, about 24,800 new openings for logisticians are projected for each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or leave the labor force.
Supply chain management is simply the management of these operations.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a supply chain manager, you may want to begin by earning a bachelor’s degree. At DeVry, our Bachelor’s Degree with a Specialization in Global Supply Chain Management can help you develop many of the supply chain operations skills needed to work in many industries while exploring the diverse cultural, political and economic circumstances of foreign markets.
This specialization can also be earned as part of our Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration, Management or Technical Management.
How much previous work experience is required for a supply chain manager position will vary from company to company, however experience in inventory management or distribution, such as working in a warehouse or making deliveries, may be helpful in attracting the attention of hiring managers. Any experience with ERP programs may also be a useful resume-builder.
The supply chain management field is not specifically mathematical, but you will need some basic math skills to make simple, on-the-spot calculations. You’ll also need to read and understand spreadsheets and the information contained in them to make informed decisions about inventory and supply chain sustainability.
The supply chain manager’s daily activities might include material requirements planning, inventory control and transportation planning for maximum efficiency. Supply chain managers might also:
The typical setting for a supply chain manager is an office environment. Because they generally need to have easy access to the production or manufacturing areas they oversee, their offices tend to be situated just off the manufacturing or engineering floor.
Supply chain managers may be called upon to travel to other manufacturing sites if their company has multiple locations. They may also need to visit the sites of vendors or manufacturing partners to work out issues, find new means of production or seek out new sources of raw materials.
1Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary by location.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm
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