Supply chain management is a growing field: recent projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that there will be a 5% growth in jobs in the supply chain management and logistics field between 2018 and 2028. And given recent global developments, it’s likely that demand for qualified supply chain management professionals will grow even faster than anticipated.
This means that job prospects in the field are strong. Pair this with a high median salary (just under $75,000 per year) and it’s clear that supply chain management careers are a smart choice for those looking to enter a field with significant potential for growth and success. If you're looking to pursue a supply chain management career path, here's what you should know.
Supply Chain Management Careers
A career in supply chain management can mean many different things. Because the supply chain can involve so many different steps and individuals, professionals can hold a many types of supply chain jobs and have a variety responsibilities, from inventory management to shipping to sales.
Many people end up in supply chain management after working in a related role. For example, many people who start out working in shipping or demand fulfillment roles eventually transition to supply chain management roles, since their experience has uniquely prepared them to understand one aspect of the supply chain very well.
The ideal supply chain professional has a broad business skillset and a holistic view of the organization - both how and why decisions are made, and how different departments interact with one another to move goods from production to delivery - are ideally suited for supply chain roles.
Some of the most common fields from which people transition to a supply chain management career path include:
- Logistics
- Operations
- Inventory Management
- Shipping
- Business
- Sales
- Military Logistics
Common Supply Chain Job Titles
Supply chain management professionals can hold a variety of titles and roles, depending on their qualifications and experience, as well as the type of organizations in which they work. Some common supply chain management jobs include:
- Business Analyst
- Commodity Specialist
- Demand Planning Manager
- Director of Global Procurement
- Director of Logistics & Distribution
- Director of Operations
- Director of Supply Management
- Distribution Manager
- Global Sourcing Manager
- Import/Export Specialist
- Logistics Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Plant Manager
- Process Improvement Manager
- Production Planner
- Project Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Quality Systems Auditor
- Sourcing Specialist
- Strategic Procurement Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Supply Planner
- Transportation Planner
- Transportation Specialist
While these titles represent just some of the many roles available in the field, they're a good starting point to help you envision what your supply chain management career path might look like. Remember - the right supply chain management job for you will depend on your unique background, experience, and interests.
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