Supply Chain Manager
On this page
- What's it like to be a Supply Chain Manager?
- How to become a Supply Chain Manager
- Latest Supply Chain Manager jobs
- Top skills and experience for Supply Chain Managers
- Supply Chain Manager role reviews
What's it like to be a Supply Chain Manager?
A Supply Chain Manager is responsible for the strategic planning and purchasing of goods needed for the smooth running of an organisation. Supply Chain Managers work with vendors, suppliers and distributors to identify, source and manage the purchasing and delivery of items. They make purchasing decisions and ensure inventory is delivered at the right time to the correct location to meet demand at every step of the process.
Tasks and duties
- Planning purchases and negotiating prices.
- Managing the storage of inventory on a premises.
- Identifying improvement areas for logistics, delivery systems and processes involved in dispatching finished goods to customers.
- Managing relationships and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with third party vendors and suppliers.
- Overseeing staff in a supply chain facility such as a warehouse.
How to become a Supply Chain Manager
To become a Supply Chain Manager, you usually need a combination of qualifications and experience.
Complete a degree in supply chain management, business or a related field.
Seek an entry-level role in in procurement, sales, logistics or business administration to gain experience.
Consider joining industry organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), or the Association for Operations & Supply Chain Professionals (NZPICS). This can help you access professional development and grow your network.
