How to become a supply chain manager?

A supply chain is a network of facilities and distribution options that performs the procurement of materials, the transformation of these materials into intermediate and finished products, and the distribution of these finished products to customers. Supply chain management is managing the flow of goods and services, including all processes that transform raw materials into finished products.

The demand for supply chain management has risen in recent years as businesses have become more globalized and competition has increased. Businesses must now optimize their supply chains to be faster, more agile, and more efficient to be successful. A supply chain manager oversees and coordinates all aspects of the supply chain, from procurement to manufacturing to distribution.

The scope of employment for supply chain managers is broad, as they are needed in nearly every industry. There are many SCM jobs, ranging from entry-level to executive-level positions. Entry-level supply chain jobs may involve working in a specific area of the supply chain, such as procurement or logistics. More senior positions may involve overseeing the entire supply chain or managing a team of supply chain professionals.

The skills needed to be a successful supply chain manager include strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a deep understanding of supply chain principles. A supply chain manager must also be able to manage people and projects effectively. You can check out supply chain management courses in India to know more in-depth about the domain.

You can also check out Supply Chain and Operations Management go hand in hand.

Supply chain manager roles and responsibilities

Now let’s check out the supply chain manager’s job description. A supply chain manager is responsible for the smooth flow of goods and materials throughout the supply chain, from the initial supplier to the final customer. They ensure that goods and materials are delivered on time and in the correct quantities and meet the company’s quality standards.

Supply chain managers are critical to the success of a business, as they play a vital role in ensuring that the supply chain runs smoothly and efficiently. Without a supply chain manager, businesses would struggle to keep track of inventory, manage supplier relationships, and coordinate the movement of goods and materials.

The role of a supply chain manager is constantly evolving as businesses become more global and supply chains become more complex. As a result, supply chain managers must be adaptable and have a keen understanding of the latest trends and technologies. They must also be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the supply chain, from suppliers to customers.

If you are interested in a supply chain management career, you will need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You should also be able to work well under pressure and be comfortable with change.

Reasons to choose a career in supply chain management

If you are wondering, “is supply chain management a good career?” then the answer is here. There are many reasons to choose a career in SCM which makes it a good career option. Some of the most popular reasons include the following:

• A wide range of career opportunities

The supply chain management field offers a wide range of career opportunities. You can choose to work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, retail, logistics, and more. There are also many different types of supply chain management positions, such as buyers, planners, warehouse managers, and transportation managers.

• Increasing demand for supply chain professionals

The demand for supply chain professionals is increasing. This is due to the globalization of the economy and the increasing complexity of supply chains. As a result, there is a growing need for supply chain management professionals who can manage these complex supply chains.

• High-paying career option

SCM is a domain that offers high salary packages to skilled and experienced professionals. So if you are looking for high-paying job roles, supply chain management is ideal for you.

• Opportunities for career advancement

There are also many opportunities for career advancement in the supply chain. As companies increasingly rely on supply chain management professionals to manage their supply chains, there is a growing need for these professionals to move into senior-level positions.

• Gain transferable skills

In addition, supply chain management is a great way to gain transferable skills. These skills can be used in a variety of industries and positions. And they can also be used to advance your career.

• Challenging work

Finally, supply chain management is a challenging and exciting field. You will be responsible for managing complex supply chains and ensuring that they run smoothly. This can be a very challenging and rewarding experience.

How much does a supply chain manager earn?

A supply chain manager in India can expect to earn a salary of anywhere between ₹ 3.0 Lakhs to ₹ 27.6 Lakhs. The salary will depend on various factors, such as the company that the supply chain manager works for and the manager’s experience and education level.

Skills a supply chain manager should possess

Supply chain management skills required to have a successful and fulfilling career in the domain are as follows:

• Excellent planning: A supply chain manager should be able to develop comprehensive plans to ensure the smooth flow of goods and materials. They should be able to anticipate potential problems and devise solutions to avoid disruptions.

• Analytical abilities: A supply chain manager must be able to analyze data and trends to identify areas of improvement. They should be able to use statistical methods to analyze data and make decisions.

• Project management: A supply chain manager should be able to manage projects effectively to ensure that objectives are met. They should have experience in leading and managing teams.

• Technical knowledge: A supply chain manager should have a good understanding of the latest technology and how it can be used to improve the supply chain. They should be able to identify and implement new technologies to improve efficiency.

• Understanding of market dynamics: A supply chain manager should have a good understanding of the market in which they operate. They should be aware of the latest trends and developments.

• Cost-to-serve concept: A supply chain manager should be aware of the cost-to-serve concept. They should be able to minimize the cost of goods and materials while ensuring that quality is maintained.

• Problem-solving: A supply chain manager should be able to identify and solve problems. They should be able to think creatively to find solutions.

• Budget management: A supply chain manager should be able to manage budgets effectively. They should be able to control costs and improve efficiency.

Industries where supply chain managers can work

Supply chain managers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services between industries. They are responsible for planning, coordinating, and controlling the transportation of raw materials and finished products between industries.

Supply chain managers work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, shipping, and warehousing. They are responsible for ensuring that goods and services are delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

• Manufacturing industries

In the manufacturing industry, supply chain managers are responsible for coordinating the flow of raw materials and finished products between factories, suppliers, and customers. They work closely with product managers to ensure that goods are produced in a timely and efficient manner.

• Transportation companies

In the transportation industry, supply chain managers are responsible for coordinating the movement of goods between different modes of transportation, such as trucks, trains, and ships. They work closely with transportation companies to ensure that goods are delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

• Shipping companies

In the shipping industry, supply chain managers are responsible for coordinating the movement of goods between different shipping companies. They work closely with shipping companies to ensure that goods are delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

• Warehousing units

In the warehouse units, supply chain managers are responsible for coordinating the storage and distribution of goods. They work closely with warehouse managers to ensure that goods are stored and distributed in a timely and efficient manner.

Popular companies that hire supply chain managers

The following companies are among the most popular employers of supply chain managers:

Mahindra Logistics: Mahindra Logistics is a leading provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions in India. The company has a network of over 500 locations and offers a wide range of services, including transportation, warehousing, and value-added services.

VRL Logistics: VRL Logistics is one of India’s leading logistics companies. The company offers a full range of logistics services, including transportation, warehousing, and value-added services. VRL Logistics has a network of over 200 branches and serves over 10,000 customers.

Amazon: Amazon is a global leader in e-commerce and cloud computing. The company operates a vast network of warehouses and distribution centers around the world, and Amazon is also a major provider of transportation and logistics services.

TCS: TCS is a leading global provider of IT services, consulting, and business solutions. The company has a network of over 500,000 employees and serves clients in over 150 countries. TCS has a strong focus on supply chain management and offers a range of services, including transportation, warehousing, and value-added services.

Accenture: Accenture is a global professional services company. The company has a network of over 400,000 employees and serves clients in over 120 countries. Accenture has a strong focus on supply chain management and offers a range of services, including transportation, warehousing, and value-added services.

Flipkart: Flipkart is an Indian e-commerce company. The company has a network of over 100,000 sellers and serves customers in over 100 countries. Flipkart offers a wide range of products, including books, electronics, and fashion. The company also offers a range of logistics and supply chain management services.

IBM: IBM is a global technology and consulting company. The company has a network of over 380,000 employees and serves clients in over 170 countries. IBM has a strong focus on supply chain management and offers a range of services, including transportation, warehousing, and value-added services.

Aegis Logistics: Aegis Logistics is a leading global provider of logistics and supply chain management services. The company has a network of over 200 locations and serves customers in over 50 countries. Aegis Logistics offers a full range of services, including transportation, warehousing, and value-added services.

Why should you do a master’s in supply chain management?

There are many reasons to do a master’s in supply chain management. First, it can help you move up in your current organization. Second, it can help you transition into a new organization. Third, it can help you become more specialized and knowledgeable in the field. And fourth, it can help you earn a higher salary.

An online MBA in operations management provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage supply chain operations effectively. The program covers a broad range of topics, from supply chain planning and execution to logistics and transportation management. In addition, students learn about the latest tools and technologies used in SCM.

An MBA in operations management is the highest level of education that one can receive in this field. As such, it is ideal for students who wish to pursue careers in senior-level management positions in supply chain management. The skills and knowledge gained through an MBA in an operations management program can also be applied to other related fields, such as project management, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Check out Important concepts to learn during an MBA in Operations Management.

Do you need work experience to become a supply chain manager?

In order to become a supply chain manager, work experience is necessary. The more work experience an aspirant has, the more beneficial it will be. However, even with a limited amount of work experience, one can become a supply chain manager if they have the right skill set. There are many ways to gain the necessary work experience, such as internships, volunteering, and entry-level jobs. The key is to start gaining experience as soon as possible.

Supply chain managers are responsible for the coordination of activities that take place within the supply chain. They ensure that goods and services are delivered to customers on time and in the most efficient manner possible. In order to be successful in this role, supply chain managers must have excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. They must also be able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Work experience is essential for supply chain managers because it allows them to develop these skills and put them into practice. Without work experience, it would be difficult for supply chain managers to manage the complexities of the supply chain effectively. If you are interested in becoming a supply chain manager, it is important to start gaining work experience as soon as possible.

Overall, work experience is essential for supply chain managers. Those with several years of experience in the field will be in a better position to manage the supply chain effectively and take advantage of the latest technologies and trends.

Become job-ready with Manipal University Jaipur’s online degree programs

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) provides top-rated undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is known for its high-quality teaching and research. The online degree programs at MUJ are affordable and offer value for money. The programs are designed to help students meet their career goals and aspirations. MUJ provides online MBA courses with various specializations such as Finance, Marketing, HRM, Analytics & Data Science, Retail Management, BFSI, IT & FinTech, and Operations Management through the online platform.

Manipal University Jaipur’s online MBA in Operations Management is a two-year full-time program. The program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage operations in a variety of organizations. The curriculum of the MBA in Operations Management program at Manipal University Jaipur is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in business operations. The program covers all the core aspects of operations management, including supply chain management, logistics, project management, and quality management. 

To know more about the curriculum, read the MBA Operations Management course details.

The program also includes electives that allow students to specialize in their area of interest. MBA in Operations Management is a perfect choice for students who wish to pursue a career in operations management. The program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage operations in various organizations. 

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to become a supply chain manager. However, a few key steps will help you on your way. Firstly, getting a degree in supply chain management or a related field is important. Secondly, it is helpful to gain experience in the field, whether through internships or working in supply chain management roles. Finally, an MBA or other postgraduate degree can be beneficial in becoming a supply chain manager.

The supply chain manager is responsible for the efficient movement of goods and materials throughout the supply chain, from suppliers to manufacturers to retailers to consumers. They must ensure that the supply chain runs smoothly and efficiently and that goods and materials are delivered on time and in the correct quantities.

Becoming a supply chain manager requires a mix of education and experience. A bachelor’s degree in a related field or logistics and supply chain management courses would be a good start, as it will provide you with the necessary theoretical knowledge. However, gaining practical experience in the field is also important through internships or working in supply chain roles. An MBA or equivalent degree can also be beneficial, as it will provide you with additional skills and knowledge to help you in your career.