What does a director of sourcing do?

A supply manager or supply chain manager is an individual who supervises the import or creation of raw materials that are to be used by the company to form new products. Supply managers are required to coordinate all aspects of the supply chain to ensure that they are efficient and cost-effective. They must maintain low costs and high efficiency by building and maintaining relationships with the company's partners. Supply managers should also recruit staff members and provide training to help them learn and master their jobs.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a director of sourcing are more likely to require skills like "continuous improvement," "project management," "logistics," and "contract management." On the other hand, a job as a supply manager requires skills like "patients," "supplier relationships," "chain management," and "purchase orders." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

A material manager is responsible for monitoring inventories and stock supplies, ensuring the adequacy of materials needed for manufacturing or other operations, depending on the organization's industry. Material managers meet with suppliers and third-party vendors, negotiating contracts that would fit the budget goals of the company without compromising quality. They manage the distribution of resources throughout the organizations' department and provide purchase reports for the management. A material manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to address the needs of an organization for smooth operations.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, director of sourcing responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "project management," "supplier selection," "contract management," and "hr." Meanwhile, a material manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "materials management," "mrp," and "shipping receiving." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

A supply chain consultant specializes in performing research and analysis to develop strategies for optimal services. Typically working in the manufacturing industry, their responsibilities revolve around monitoring the inventory and supply flow of materials, liaising with vendors and suppliers, coordinating with different departments to gather necessary data, identifying strengths and weaknesses in the operations, and suggesting actions on areas needing improvement. Furthermore, as a supply chain consultant, it is essential to create and recommend business plans, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, directors of sourcing are more likely to have skills like "supplier selection," "contract management," "hr," and "apparel." But a supply chain consultant is more likely to have skills like "strong problem-solving," "supply chain planning," "order management," and "prototyping."

Planning managers perform various duties and responsibilities for an organization. These include planning and monitoring a project or department's budget, production schedule, and inventory, creating reports of new plans, programs, and regulations, and ensuring development proposals comply with requirements and regulations. Additionally, planning managers are expected to serve as an intermediary between developers, government entities, businesses, and communities. They also oversee site plans, rezoning, and special-use permits, set schedules for the project, and supervise other personnel such as developers and consultants.