What does a director of strategic 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 strategic sourcing are more likely to require skills like "continuous improvement," "project management," "contract management," and "supplier management." On the other hand, a job as a supply manager requires skills like "patients," "purchase orders," "logistical support," and "sigma." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

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.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, director of strategic sourcing responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "contract management," "supplier relationships," "supplier management," and "vendor management." Meanwhile, a supply chain consultant has duties that require skills in areas such as "strong problem-solving," "order management," "prototyping," and "business process." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

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.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, directors of strategic sourcing are more likely to have skills like "supply chain," "supplier performance," "cost reduction," and "contract management." But a planning manager is more likely to have skills like "customer service," "strong analytical," "kpis," and "demand planning."

A supply chain manager is an individual who takes responsibility for managing hardware, equipment, and any other logistical details of an organization. Supply chain managers work alongside the external partners for parts and raw material procurement. They make sure that global companies coordinate with their sources of goods. These professionals also assess their suppliers and negotiate corporate contracts with vendors. The skills they needed include technical understanding, project management, cost accounting skills, and business ethics.