Supply Chain Managers

In our increasingly globalized society, the importance of supply chain managers is reaching new heights. You can thank these managers for speedy delivery times on orders, lower shipping costs, and keeping a steady flow of your favorite products available. Supply chain managers oversee every stage of the process that gets products to your door from raw materials to finished product. Accurate planning and forecasting helps them ensure an appropriate supply of materials to keep the production process running smoothly. These managers must stay on top of any changes that could affect the supply chain from the availability of ingredients to shipping interruptions… facility closings… or raw material shortages. Whatever the situation, they’re responsible for minimizing delays, and keeping costs down without affecting product quality. Maintaining positive relationships helps them integrate their work with other departments, like sales, marketing, and finance. While some supply chain managers are very hands-on, traveling to manage day-to-day tasks in warehouses and terminals, others stay close to the office to formulate demand forecasts, and troubleshoot customer issues. Regardless of focus, most work 40 hours per week or more. To enter the field, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field is typically required, along with five or more years of experience.