Supply chain manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

Trainee manager positions are open to graduates of most subjects though you may find it useful to do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in subjects like:

• logistics
• supply chain management
• transport management
• business management

You can find out about industry sponsored degree courses in supply chain management from NOVUS .

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a Supply Chain Practitioner Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which could lead to an assistant position.

You might also be able to do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, such as:

• Supply Chain Leadership Professional
• Express Delivery Manager
• Senior Procurement and Supply Chain Professional

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start in a junior role like transport clerk and work your way up through training and promotion.

You can do work-based training courses through The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• business management skills
• leadership skills
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• thinking and reasoning skills
• maths skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Supply chain managers organise the movement of goods and materials from suppliers and manufacturers to customers.

Depending on which part of the supply chain you're in, day-to-day you may:

• work with procurement managers and buyers to select products that will sell well
• negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers
• plan the best way to get goods from suppliers to distribution centres and retailers
• track shipments and stock levels using computer software
• make sure retailers receive their goods on time and in the right condition
• look at ways to improve supply chain networks
• monitor overall performance to make sure targets are met
• prepare forecasts and inventories
• recruit, train and manage a team of supply chain staff

Location : You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £48,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress to senior planning jobs and consultancy work.