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The differences between supply chain consultants and inventory managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a supply chain consultant and an inventory manager. Additionally, a supply chain consultant has an average salary of $88,400, which is higher than the $62,768 average annual salary of an inventory manager.
The top three skills for a supply chain consultant include supply chain, logistics and supply chain planning. The most important skills for an inventory manager are PET, direct reports, and customer service.
| Supply Chain Consultant | Inventory Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $88,400 | $62,768 |
| Hourly rate | $42.50 | $30.18 |
| Growth rate | 28% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 42,265 | 30,717 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
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.
Supply chain consultants and inventory managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Supply Chain Consultant | Inventory Manager | |
| Average salary | $88,400 | $62,768 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $112,000 | Between $43,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Cordis | NVIDIA |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a supply chain consultant and an inventory manager in terms of educational background:
| Supply Chain Consultant | Inventory Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between supply chain consultants' and inventory managers' demographics:
| Supply Chain Consultant | Inventory Manager | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2% | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 9.0% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 8.5% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |