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Inventory management specialist vs supply chain manager

The differences between inventory management specialists and supply chain managers 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 management specialist and a supply chain manager. Additionally, a supply chain manager has an average salary of $100,414, which is higher than the $56,032 average annual salary of an inventory management specialist.

The top three skills for an inventory management specialist include customer service, inventory management system and purchase orders. The most important skills for a supply chain manager are supply chain, logistics, and project management.

Inventory management specialist vs supply chain manager overview

Inventory Management SpecialistSupply Chain Manager
Yearly salary$56,032$100,414
Hourly rate$26.94$48.28
Growth rate1%-
Number of jobs108,98237,773
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4747
Years of experience66

What does an inventory management specialist do?

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.

What does a supply chain manager do?

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.

Inventory management specialist vs supply chain manager salary

Inventory management specialists and supply chain managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Inventory Management SpecialistSupply Chain Manager
Average salary$56,032$100,414
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $81,000Between $72,000 And $139,000
Highest paying CityTracy, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMarylandVermont
Best paying companyNVIDIAMcKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industryGovernmentProfessional

Differences between inventory management specialist and supply chain manager education

There are a few differences between an inventory management specialist and a supply chain manager in terms of educational background:

Inventory Management SpecialistSupply Chain Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Inventory management specialist vs supply chain manager demographics

Here are the differences between inventory management specialists' and supply chain managers' demographics:

Inventory Management SpecialistSupply Chain Manager
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 66.2% Female, 33.8%Male, 74.8% Female, 25.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between inventory management specialist and supply chain manager duties and responsibilities

Inventory management specialist example responsibilities.

  • Plan, purchase and manage various commodities through the use of various MRP systems.
  • Experience decision-maker in high-pressure environments; efficiently manage vital decision points autonomously to ensure mission accomplishment in multiple combat deployments.
  • Scan product bins with RF scanner for refills.
  • Update the department's inventory with the RF scanner.
  • Update on hand counts to ensure accurate ordering through the POS system.
  • Create purchase requisitions base on MRP recommendations, as well as external factors.
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Supply chain manager example responsibilities.

  • Lead the SIOP process to establish continuous flow for customer deliveries while achieving a reduction in inventory.
  • Manage RFP process to identify best partners.
  • Develop and implement a process to manage and maintain accurate item master in LAWSON procurement system.
  • Raise capital, set up PMO office & lead cross-functional team to deliver a document management technology solution.
  • Pilot software implementation by establishing requirements, creating strategy, and defining implementation plan; manage integration with ERP system.
  • Manage production and warehouse teams ensuring DOD policies and corporate rules and regulations compliance while exceeding government nuclear facility audit standards.
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Inventory management specialist vs supply chain manager skills

Common inventory management specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Inventory Management System, 15%
  • Purchase Orders, 7%
  • Sales Floor, 5%
  • Stock Merchandise, 5%
  • Safety Standards, 5%
Common supply chain manager skills
  • Supply Chain, 20%
  • Logistics, 9%
  • Project Management, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Chain Management, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 4%

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