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The differences between inventory control managers and supply chain specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an inventory control manager and a supply chain specialist. Additionally, a supply chain specialist has an average salary of $71,414, which is higher than the $59,401 average annual salary of an inventory control manager.
The top three skills for an inventory control manager include inventory control procedures, sales floor and customer service. The most important skills for a supply chain specialist are supply chain, logistics, and chain management.
| Inventory Control Manager | Supply Chain Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $59,401 | $71,414 |
| Hourly rate | $28.56 | $34.33 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 28% |
| Number of jobs | 61,002 | 25,129 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
It is the responsibility of the supply chain specialist to procure materials to manufacture and ship products. The supply chain specialist determines and orders the proper quantities and negotiates pricing and their shipment terms. They oversee the delivery of necessary materials for the fulfillment of orders made by customers. The specialists need to develop strong skills in project management, business ethics, problem-solving, understanding of financial statements, communication skills, and cost accounting skills.
Inventory control managers and supply chain specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Inventory Control Manager | Supply Chain Specialist | |
| Average salary | $59,401 | $71,414 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $85,000 | Between $49,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Penguin Solutions | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Energy |
There are a few differences between an inventory control manager and a supply chain specialist in terms of educational background:
| Inventory Control Manager | Supply Chain Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between inventory control managers' and supply chain specialists' demographics:
| Inventory Control Manager | Supply Chain Specialist | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.0% Female, 29.0% | Male, 58.6% Female, 41.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 7.8% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |