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The differences between supply chain consultants and supply chain leads 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 a supply chain lead. Additionally, a supply chain lead has an average salary of $101,348, which is higher than the $88,400 average annual salary of a supply chain consultant.
The top three skills for a supply chain consultant include supply chain, logistics and supply chain planning. The most important skills for a supply chain lead are supply chain, project management, and kpis.
| Supply Chain Consultant | Supply Chain Lead | |
| Yearly salary | $88,400 | $101,348 |
| Hourly rate | $42.50 | $48.73 |
| Growth rate | 28% | - |
| Number of jobs | 42,265 | 34,069 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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.
A supply chain lead specializes in overseeing the supply chain in a company, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are primarily responsible for managing schedules, monitoring supplies and logistics, addressing and resolving issues and concerns, and building positive relationships with vendors and suppliers. Supply chain leaders must also maintain quality control and inventory, coordinate workers, and produce progress reports for supervisors and high-ranking personnel. Furthermore, it is essential to lead and encourage staff, all while implementing the policies and standards of the company.
Supply chain consultants and supply chain leads have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Supply Chain Consultant | Supply Chain Lead | |
| Average salary | $88,400 | $101,348 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $112,000 | Between $75,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Cordis | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a supply chain consultant and a supply chain lead in terms of educational background:
| Supply Chain Consultant | Supply Chain Lead | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between supply chain consultants' and supply chain leads' demographics:
| Supply Chain Consultant | Supply Chain Lead | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2% | Male, 71.5% Female, 28.5% |
| 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, 7.4% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |