Do you want to become a supply chain manager? If you’re analytical and have excellent interpersonal skills, this might be the career for you. You’ll need to complete a related degree and gain experience in the industry if you want to succeed in this position. Launch your career by finding employment opportunities on Job Mail today.
Supply Chain Manager job description
A supply chain manager is required to oversee a company’s products, equipment, and hardware. They take care of logistical arrangements, buy raw materials, and organise deliveries. This role involves making sure that the company acquires enough volumes of product to fulfil the requirements of the customers. Supply chain managers play a role in cutting costs and increasing sales, which ultimately translates into increased profit.
Which duties is a supply chain manager responsible for?
This position comes with a high level of responsibility. You’ll play a role across various aspects of the business. This means that you’ll become an essential link between the different departments within the institution. The type of duties you’re expected to perform will depend on the company you’re employed by. However, your responsibilities are likely to include the following:
- Developing strong relationships with customers and suppliers
- Establishing delivery schedules and ensuring these deliveries are timeous and efficient
- Ordering raw materials
- Managing packaging
- Ensuring that staff perform their duties efficiently
- Developing strategies to meet goals
- Developing strategies to reduce expenses
- Establishing pricing
- Warehousing
- Team management
- Process engineering
What skills do you need to succeed?
This role requires an understanding of process management and development. You’ll also need knowledge of the company’s processes in order to succeed. In order to be hired in this position, you’ll need extensive experience in the industry. The level of experience you’ve obtained will have a direct effect on your earning potential. The skills that are required to perform the duties of a supply chain manager include the following:
- Problem-solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Leadership capabilities
- Interpersonal skills
- Verbal and written communication capabilities
- Ability to work under pressure
- Attention to detail
What are the educational requirements?
You can complete a degree in logistics and supply chain or obtain a related degree in finance or business management. Most universities across South Africa will offer these studies. There are also various short courses available at most tertiary institutes across South Africa.
What work environment can you expect?
As a supply chain manager, you can expect to work in an office environment. Employees in this role typically need to work close to the production or manufacturing areas they are responsible for. Depending on the company you work for, you may be required to visit other manufacturing sites. Travelling to meet suppliers and prospective clients may also be required.
What career opportunities are available?
If you decide that supply chain management is the right career for you, there are plenty of opportunities out there. Related roles include the following:
- Logistics analyst
- Customer service management
- Transportation manager
- Process engineer
- International logistics manager
- Product inventory management
- Operations or transportations director
Now that you know more about this career, you can look for supply chain management vacancies on Job Mail.