What is the career path for supply chain management?

The career path for supply chain management involves jobs as a supply chain manager, distribution manager, and logistics specialist. There are several different career paths in supply chain management, and most rely heavily on logistics.

For example, a logistics professional can start out with a role such as operations manager, progress to a title such as vice president, and then eventually end up with the title supply chain vice president. Here is a closer look at the supply chain management career path:

• Education

Most working in the supply chain management field have obtained at least a bachelor's degree in one of the following majors:

• Logistics

• Supply chain management

• General business

• Business administration

Some are able to obtain work in the field with only an associate's degree, however, this is becoming less common, and those with associate's degrees in logistics have less of a chance at career advancement and higher-paying roles than those with bachelor's or master's degrees do.

• Training

Most aspiring supply chain managers get on-the-job training when they enter the field in entry-level roles. To gain the title of supply chain manager most in the field must work for at least five years gaining experience in the following areas:

• Procurement

• Logistics

• Supply chain management

There are even some who transition into the private sector from the military, where they held titles like a dispatcher or logistic clerk.

• Professional certifications

There are many different certifications that can help a professional to advance on one of the supply chain management career paths. The most respected professional certifications in logistics are administered by the Association of Supply Chain Managers (ASCM), and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

Here are some of the good certifications for logistics professionals that can be obtained from the ASCM, ISM, and other sources:

• ASCM Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD)

• ASCM Certified Supply Chain Professional certification (CSCP)

• ASCM Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR-P)

• Certified Six Sigma (CSS)

• NCMA Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM)

• ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Obtaining professional certifications in supply chain management and logistics is a great way to advance on this career path into higher-level positions that have very good salaries.

Here are some important skills for supply chain management and logistics professionals to have that can help them to advance on their career path:

• 3PL

• Analysis skills

• Bilingual

• Communication skills

• Computer skills

• Customer service

• ERP systems

• English

• Leadership

• Logistics

• Management

• Manufacturing

These are skills that can be developed during academia and through on-the-job training. Supply chain management professionals also seek to hone these skills throughout their careers and might participate in professional development opportunities either offered by their company, or ones that they have sought out independently.

• Related roles on this career path

While many on this career path tend to stay in supply chain management and logistical roles, some do branch off into other roles that are closely related to supply chain management. Common related roles include:

• Buyer

• Cost estimator

• Purchasing manager