What does a global supply chain director do?
A global supply chain director is responsible for directing the overall supply chain of an organization. Their job responsibilities involve leading the team that is in charge of relations to clients, placement of orders, inventory management, storage and transportation of goods, supplier management, and quality assurance. They may also be expected to spearhead the total execution of all supply chain and operations, field operations, logistics, and strategy.
Global supply chain director responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real global supply chain director resumes:
- Manage inbound/outbound logistics domestically and internationally.
- Develop and test a lean, simplify ERP process for 2013 deployment.
- Implement a global demand forecasting, planning and management system tie directly to the company ERP system.
- Manage inbound/outbound logistics domestically and internationally.
- Manage inbound/outbound logistics domestically and internationally.
Global supply chain director skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Global Supply Chain Directors are proficient in Supply Chain, Continuous Improvement, and KPIs.
We break down the percentage of Global Supply Chain Directors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Supply Chain, 19%
Restructured supply chain planning organization from regional organization to global Center of Excellence and created a career development plan for employees.
- Continuous Improvement, 8%
Utilized Lean principles for strategic Continuous Improvement.
- KPIs, 4%
Collaborated with internal Business Partners to establish goals, metrics and KPIs in support of the Corporate Strategy.
- Cost Reduction, 3%
Maintained relationships and monitored Key Performance Indicators for annual cost reduction, delivery performance, and quality.
- Materials Management, 3%
Supervised the purchasing, materials management, distribution and logistics functions at US Headquarters and off-shore manufacturing facility.
- Supply Chain Planning, 3%
Developed and implemented visual supply chain planning board that improved tactical organizational efficiency and eliminated waste across all PET's.
Common skills that a global supply chain director uses to do their job include "supply chain," "continuous improvement," and "kpis." You can find details on the most important global supply chain director responsibilities below.
The three companies that hire the most global supply chain directors are:
- Cardinal Health15 global supply chain directors jobs
- Johnson & Johnson6 global supply chain directors jobs
- Emerson4 global supply chain directors jobs
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Global supply chain director vs. Inventory management specialist
An inventory management specialist is responsible for maintaining the adequacy of stock supplies to support customers' needs. Inventory management specialists help develop inventory processes and strategies to keep the supplies organized and free of any defects while on storage. They also monitor inventory costs and process orders through various software tools, requiring them to have a working knowledge of computer systems and the ability to operate warehouse equipment and machinery on moving merchandise around the warehouse.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a global supply chain director are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "continuous improvement," "kpis," and "cost reduction." On the other hand, a job as an inventory management specialist requires skills like "inventory management system," "purchase orders," "sales floor," and "stock merchandise." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Inventory management specialists earn the highest salaries when working in the government industry, with an average yearly salary of $65,378. On the other hand, global supply chain directors are paid more in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $135,036.On average, inventory management specialists reach lower levels of education than global supply chain directors. Inventory management specialists are 17.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Global supply chain director vs. Inventory manager
An inventory manager is responsible for supervising the overall inventory operations, monitoring supplies and materials, and checking the accuracy of data reports from the inventory associates. Inventory managers' duties include validating stock levels using record software tools, determining the availability of stocks for purchase orders, inspecting the incoming and outgoing shipments, and addressing product concerns by communicating with suppliers and third-party vendors. An inventory manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to handle the staff's performance and manage customers' inquiries and complaints.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real global supply chain director resumes. While global supply chain director responsibilities can utilize skills like "supply chain," "continuous improvement," "kpis," and "cost reduction," inventory managers use skills like "pet," "logistics," "manage inventory," and "customer orders."
Inventory managers may earn a lower salary than global supply chain directors, but inventory managers earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $66,537. On the other hand, global supply chain directors receive higher pay in the telecommunication industry, where they earn an average salary of $135,036.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Inventory managers tend to reach lower levels of education than global supply chain directors. In fact, they're 16.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Global supply chain director vs. Procurement officer
A procurement officer is primarily in charge of overseeing the procurement of supplies and equipment for an organization, prioritizing cost-efficiency and quality. It is their duty to manage the company's supply inventory, compile and analyze procurement requests, develop purchase plans, handle purchase procedures, and maintain records of all transactions, producing reports regularly. They must also liaise and negotiate with vendors and suppliers, building positive relationships with them. Furthermore, as a procurement officer, it is essential to lead the procurement team, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from global supply chain director resumes include skills like "supply chain," "continuous improvement," "kpis," and "materials management," whereas a procurement officer is more likely to list skills in "purchase orders," "purchase requisitions," "contract management," and "logistics. "
Procurement officers make a very good living in the retail industry with an average annual salary of $74,267. On the other hand, global supply chain directors are paid the highest salary in the telecommunication industry, with average annual pay of $135,036.procurement officers typically earn lower educational levels compared to global supply chain directors. Specifically, they're 10.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Global supply chain director vs. Inventory control manager
An inventory control manager is an individual who is responsible for directing all tasks related to inventory management of a company. They manage the allocation of materials, supplies, and finished goods as well as design strategies to minimize the cost or time to move goods. They are required to lead a team of storage or warehouse personnel to help them with the actual inventory count. Inventory control managers must also develop a business relationship with their suppliers or vendors.
Types of global supply chain director
Updated January 8, 2025











