Supply chain management is a stream of management dealing with the flow of products, including transforming raw materials into the final output. It involves streamlining operations to increase client satisfaction and gain a competitive advantage. It also involves controlling the links between production, shipment, and final product output. By handling the supply chain effectively, organizations cut excess costs and quickly deliver the products to the consumer. An MBA program helps you learn the necessary skills to manage supply chains smoothly.

MBA today allows you to master the nuances of several other domains in the business world, like logistics, artificial intelligence, and supply chain management. The SCM (supply chain management) program teaches people about the technicalities of operating a business through data-driven solutions. It includes boosting the efficiency and flow of data to serve customers better. Let us explore the importance of an MBA in SCM, salary opportunities, and different job profiles. 

Industry Sectors Where Supply Chain Managers Are in Demand

Supply chain management applies to various industries to help them grow, reduce costs, and increase customer demand. Let’s discuss these industries:

• Tech and Electronics: It includes some of the rapid inventions and product cycles where SCM helps launch new products to uplift the market quickly. Apple and Dell are examples where the supply chain manages the end-of-life phase of products to deliver them to customers on time.

• E-Commerce: With the boom of smartphones, supply chain managers are in great demand, especially in e-commerce sectors like Amazon or Flipkart, because it helps companies manage the goods flow between suppliers and customers. Supply chain managers streamline the product delivery process and improve warehouse efficiency.

• Automotive: Supply chain managers participate in the manufacturing and development industries to ensure all vehicles are delivered on time without facing price or quality issues. These managers help in the proper delivery of components and parts to the assembly plants. Some examples of such companies include Toyota and Mahindra.

• Pharmaceutical: Supply chain managers and pharmacy go hand in hand because this sector needs heavy regulation to deliver all the drugs with compliance. These managers help the companies improve drug availability and reduce counterfeiting. A few examples of such companies include Pfizer and Merck.

The Role of a Supply Chain Manager

Supply chain managers are crucial in operating a business efficiently on a profit margin. These managers break down the network of complex suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers to smoothen the modern delivery chain process. Let’s explore the roles and responsibilities of a supply chain manager:

• They manage the flow of goods and services from the manufacturers to the customers ensuring  there is no delay. It helps prevent loss of revenue and enhance customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
• Supply chain managers optimize the cost control system to maintain the quality of goods. They identify opportunities to save money by negotiating with the suppliers and reducing wastage.
• They help maintain the inventory level to fulfill customer demands without being under or over-stocked. Managers study market demand, forecast customer needs, and track inventories to ensure enough raw materials.
• Supply chain managers are responsible for maintaining a cordial relationship with the suppliers while working on getting high-quality products.

Also read: A day in the life of a supply chain manager

Qualifications and Skills Required of a Supply Chain Manager

Qualifications

• Aspiring supply chain managers must have cleared their class 12 with 60% aggregate marks. 
• They must then complete their undergraduate degrees, like BBA in Supply Chain Management or Logistics, with a minimum 55% aggregate CGPA. It helps get a detailed understanding of supply chain processes, ERP systems, or related software. 
• After completing the bachelor’s degree, students can apply for post-graduate degrees or part-time jobs. It helps them gain experience while pursuing higher education in the form of an MBA or PGCP in SCM program.

PGCP in Logistics & SCM from MAHE is the most suitable certificate program for individuals with a bachelor’s degree or professional work experience. It helps them gain specializations and career opportunities for supply chain managers after PGCP.

Skills

• Supply chain managers should have risk management skills because it helps determine delivery schedules, inventory management, and final output by considering internal and external risks. 
• They must possess negotiation skills to get quality raw materials and trusted logistics partners for the companies. It ensures that vendors and suppliers deliver cost-efficient and timely services.
• Data analysis skills like machine learning or predictive modeling help managers determine efficient shipping routes, correct manufacturing inefficiencies, and optimize budgets.

Salaries for Supply Chain Managers

The salaries of supply chain managers vary depending on the location, work experience, company, etc. Following is the salary potential for supply chain managers after PGCP of different supply chain roles:

Designation	Salaries (INR)
Supply Chain Manager	10 LPA
Supply Chain Executive	3.5 LPA
Supply Chain Assistant Manager	7.2 LPA
Supply Chain Analyst	5.5 LPA
Executive Supply Chain Management	3.7 LPA
Supply Chain Sr. Executive	5 LPA
Supply Chain Senior Manager	18.1 LPA

Source

Benefits of Pursuing a Post Graduate Certificate Program in Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management is the new face of the Indian industrial sector because of the expanding product varieties, fast-paced technological inventions, and minimum product life cycles. Let’s talk about the supply chain management career after PGCP:

• The program has relatively lower entry barriers than other fields and has a broad scope for handsome packages. 
• Students can bag this certificate with undergraduate degrees, professional experience, or vocational training. 
• The course makes students eligible for the positions of Procurement Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Supply Chain Manager, Senior Consultant, Director of Operations, etc.
• The certificate program enables students to enter any industry, like manufacturing, e-commerce, automotive, or healthcare.
• The certificate program helps students to choose jobs from national or international networks.
• People who love travel–oriented jobs can also pursue supply chain management programs.
• The certificate program helps all professionals gain knowledge in financial planning, research, workflow optimization, and other related skills.

Also read: Supply Chain Management: An engine of global trade 

MAHE Advantage for pursuing the Post Graduate Certificate Program in Supply Chain Management

Manipal Academy of Higher Education has developed the SCM (supply chain management) certificate program for professionals aspiring to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the competitive field of the supply chain. The curriculum includes supply chain planning, procurement management, warehouse management, etc.

Students pursuing this certificate program from MAHE get exposed to an extensive network of professionals and alumni associations. It helps them engage with industry challenges, potential employers, and placement cells.

Conclusion

Obtaining PGCP in Logistics & Supply Chain Management (SCM) provides excellent advantages for students to pursue bright careers in SCM. MAHE is the top institute to hand-hold your SCM career trajectory, from enhanced career advancement to increased efficiency. Enroll today with Online Manipal and embrace your journey toward professional development.