Supply chain manager
Supply chain managers organise the movement of goods and materials from suppliers and manufacturers to customers.
Typical Salary
£24,000 – £48,000
per year
Working Hours
38–40
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
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
Skills needed
- 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
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
Career progression
With experience, you could progress to senior planning jobs and consultancy work.