Top 10 Supply Chain Management Jobs: All You Need to Know

According to a report by markets and markets share, the global Supply Chain Management (SCM) market was valued at $28.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $45.2 billion by 2027, showcasing a steady 9.4% compound annual growth rate in this period. If market size is considered an indicator of the general health of a sector, then another would be the average annual income this sector offers to its employees. According to the American Supply Chain Management’s (ACSM) Supply Chain Salary and Career Report, the average annual remuneration of a supply chain management professional was $98,350 in 2023, a 3% rise from the year before.

Furthermore, according to the same report, 48% of American respondents claimed to have received an impressive 8% hike. Moreover, on a scale of 1 to 10, the employees surveyed deemed their job satisfaction level to be a decisive 8. Together, these figures exhibit the rewarding career prospects that the ecosystem of supply chain management jobs offers. If you have questions about the potential of this field, about best jobs in supply chain, the remuneration for each of these SCM jobs, and the skills needed, stay with us. This blog post offers a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the landscape of supply chain management jobs.  

Top 10 Supply Chain Jobs

1. Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO)

A. Job Description 

Notably, the chief supply chain officer’s job is one of the supply chain management jobs that is accountable for aligning the supply chain strategy with broader business objectives. More importantly, however, they are responsible for forging competitive advantages and delivering superior customer experience, thus creating value throughout the entire organization. Put simply, a great CSCO can optimize an organization’s supply chain. They can improve operational efficiency, enable faster time to market, reduce costs, boost product quality, and support overall business growth. 

B. Skills

• Budgeting, cost control, and variance analysis
• Adequate knowledge of the business environment
• Definite understanding of logistics management, inventory management, and partnership development
• Dexterity at developing the overall performance of the staff members under their leadership

C. Experience Needed

You need a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or any other associated field. However, a master’s degree can boost your career and salary. Apart from educational qualifications, you need to have 10 years of experience in supply chain positions, preferably in leadership roles. 

D. Average Annual Salary

$142,955

ALSO READ: How Supply Chain Analytics Can Boost Business Revenue

2. Vice President of Supply Chain Management 

A. Job Description

One of the top-ranking supply chain management jobs, a vice president of a supply chain oversees the organization’s supply chain processes. Essentially, this position involves crafting strategies for inventory control, systems optimization, and demand planning to align with company goals and customer needs. Moreover, their responsibility also includes interacting with vendors and suppliers, finding solutions for various supply chain challenges, and ensuring that the organization complies with guidelines provided by regulatory bodies. 

B. Skills

• Experience in supply chain management, chain operations, and strategic management of chains and materials
• Knowledge concerning continuous improvement, cost reduction, strategic sourcing, customer service, and inventory management
• Elaborate understanding of supply chain processes, supplier performance, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), cost savings strategies, and product development

C. Experience Needed

For this job, one must acquire a Master’s in Supply Chain Management. In addition to education, one must amass over a decade of experience managing manufacturing and materials planning. Additionally, a prospective vice president in supply chain management must exhibit skills in business process design and implementation. Securing APICS certifications also puts a candidate ahead in the competitive landscape of supply chain hiring.

D. Average Annual Salary

$182,975

3. Purchasing Manager

A. Job Description

A purchasing manager’s job is to lead teams to procure goods and services for business necessities or resale, focusing on enhancing quality while minimizing cost. It involves supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, and product quality assurance. Additionally, they must excel at adapting to industry-specific requirements across various sectors such as manufacturing, wholesale or retail during procurement processes.

B. Skills

• Strong management skills 
• Prowess in financial management 
• Market research acumen
• Excellent interpersonal skills 

C. Experience Needed

Purchasing manager aspirants should hold a Bachelor’s in Business Management, Finance, or Engineering. However, some organizations, particularly the big one, might need a Master’s. Furthermore, some positions may require supply chain certification.  

D. Average Annual Salary

$98,918

4. Logistics Manager

A. Job Description

The role of a logistics manager involves enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in supply chain movement for goods, materials, or personnel. Essentially, the smooth transition of products from their origin to destination falls under their responsibilities. Moreover, they must meet strict deadlines while never jeopardizing product integrity or timely delivery. As one of the most crucial supply chain management jobs, this role also requires strategic travel to different operational sites and reporting relevant issues to high-level corporate executives.

B. Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Proficient multitasking capabilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of logistics software
• Proficiency in transportation management
• Advanced communication skills
• Strong critical thinking
• Effective problem-solving abilities

C. Experience Needed

For a supply chain hiring in this role, one requires a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management or associated fields. Moreover, practical experience in managerial positions for one to three years is also necessary. Also, being of the best jobs in supply chain, certifications from esteemed bodies such as APICS, SOLE or DAU hold significant importance in terms of hiring.  

D. Average Annual Salary

$84,077

ALSO READ: What Does a Supply Chain Manager do? Everything You Need to Know

5. Inventory Manager

A. Job Description

The task of an inventory manager, one of the most vital supply chain management jobs, is to oversee inventory levels to optimize supply chain efficiency and meet demand. They implement inventory tracking systems, forecast needs, and manage procurement to prevent stockouts or excess.

B. Skills

• Proficiency in inventory management systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines

C. Experience Needed

Inventory manager positions typically require a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, or a related field. Also, relevant experience in inventory management or supply chain roles is crucial. Certifications from recognized supply chain organizations can further bolster a candidate’s profile.

D. Average Annual Salary

$58,473

6. Procurement Manager

A.  Job Description

Responsible for overseeing the acquisition of goods and services needed for a company or organization to thrive, professionals in procurement jobs are tasked with developing procurement strategies, managing supplier relations, and ensuring cost-effective purchasing decisions.

B. Skills

• Expertise in procurement strategies
• Proficiency in supplier relationship management
• Strong negotiation skills
• Competency in cost reduction and efficiency improvement

C. Experience Needed

A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is required for procurement jobs in this field. Experience-wise, several years of proven experience in procurement or a related area are essential for being considered for this supply chain hiring position. Additionally, exposure to international procurement might prove advantageous.

D. Average Annual Salary

$112,868

7. Materials Manager

A. Job Description

The materials manager, one of the key supply chain management jobs,  ensures the timely availability of materials necessary for production processes. They oversee inventory levels, manage supplier contracts, and collaborate closely with the procurement and production departments. This role is crucial in maintaining operational efficiency and supporting various SCM jobs within the organization. While some may argue that this position is the same as purchasing manager, the two roles have some differences. For instance, material management emphasizes hands-on tracking and maintaining adequate supplies for production or consumption. On the other hand, a purchasing manager focuses on acquiring necessary resources cost-effectively, often involving a strategic approach and delegation of tasks.

B. Skills

• Proficient in inventory management
• Skilled in demand planning and forecasting
• Effective at supplier contract negotiation
• Adept in cross-departmental collaboration
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

C. Experience Needed 

Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Business Administration, or a relevant field. Experience in materials management or a related supply chain hiring position, along with a solid understanding of various roles that different SCM jobs entail, is required.

D. Average Annual Salary

$95,080

ALSO READ: What is Supply Chain Management? Is it a Good Career Choice?

8. Supply Chain Analyst

A.  Job Description

The task of a supply chain analyst, one of the most important supply chain management jobs, is to optimize the flow of products from suppliers to customers, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness. They analyze supply chain processes, identify improvement opportunities, and implement solutions, making the supply chain analyst role critical for enhancing SCM jobs.

B. Skills

• Strong analytical skills.
• Proficiency in supply chain software
• Expertise in data analysis and reporting
• Understanding of procurement jobs and logistics
• Knowledge of demand planning strategies
• Knowledge of transportation management

C. Experience Needed 

A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field is needed. Relevant experience in supply chain analysis. Furthermore, proficiency in demand planning and transportation management is crucial for this role.

D. Average Annual Salary

$82,647

9. Commodity Manager

A. Job Description

A commodity manager’s role involves supervising the procurement and management of general inventory or specific product categories. Moreover, negotiating deals and enhancing supply chain processes are crucial in this position. Tracking performance, devising sourcing strategies, and conducting quarterly reviews with suppliers are part of a commodity manager’s responsibilities.

B. Skills

• Strong negotiating skills
• Proficiency in data analytics
• Familiarity with supply chain management programs
• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Leadership and decision-making capabilities
• Comfortability with problem-solving and multitasking

C. Experience Needed

Typically, candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in the field of business. To that end, an MBA is viewed as advantageous. Additional requirements include relevant experience in supply chain positions, familiarity with R Language and SAP ERP, and Six Sigma training. 

D. Average Annual Salary

$94,597

ALSO READ: How Can Supply Chain Management Help to Future-Proof Your Business

10. Facilities Manager

A. Job Description

The task of a facilities manager, a key member in the hierarchy of supply chain management jobs, is to ensure the safety and functionality of an organization’s building facilities and other such establishments. For instance, they have to conduct safety inspections, maintain records, plan maintenance work, and supervise staff. Additionally, their role features prominently in keeping facilities up to code and supporting maintenance work, making it essential in facility management.

B. Skills

• Advanced mechanical and plumbing skills
• Knowledge of HVAC operations
• Capability to handle heavy lifting and labor-intensive duty
• Time management
• Understanding of accounting and finance principles
• Leadership and problem-solving capabilities

C. Experience Needed

Preferred qualifications include a Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential or equivalent. Experience in planning and maintaining facility budgets, along with professional leadership experience, is essential. Also, strong verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail are required for success in this role.

D. Average Annual Salary

$85,100

Frequently Asked Questions About Supply Chain Management Jobs

1. What are the Top Job Opportunities in the Supply Chain Industry?

The positions of chief supply management officer, vice president of supply chain management, and procurement manager feature prominently among the best jobs in the supply chain industry.

2. How Can I Advance My Career in Supply Chain Management?

Gain broad experience across different supply chain roles, specialize in high-demand areas, and pursue higher education or certifications such as APICS, SOLE, and/or DAU. 

3. What Skills are in Demand for Supply Chain Professionals?

For a career in supply chain management in 2024, expertise in project management, cost accounting, analytics, e-business/e-procurement systems, purchasing, and ERP systems is crucial. 

4. How Can I Land a Job in Supply Chain With Limited Experience?

Begin with entry-level jobs such as that of an inventory clerk, focus on learning industry practices, and seek informational interviews for growth opportunities.

ALSO READ: How to Become a Supply Chain Manager and Drive Growth in Businesses

In conclusion, the field of supply chain management offers various roles that require different skill sets and requirements. From a financial perspective, many of these supply chain positions come with lucrative salaries. If you want to know more about supply chain management jobs and hone the skills necessary for progressing in this field, consider joining Emeritus’ supply chain management courses and enhancing your career prospects. 

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