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What is a supply chain development manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Priya Nagaraj

Optimizing the supply chain is critical for a company's operations, and supply chain development managers are the ones ensuring that the supply chain is as efficient as it can be. Their main duties are to optimize the different aspects of the supply chain, identify bottlenecks and potential issues, come up with actionable solutions, and monitor the efficiency of all processes involved.

Furthermore, supply chain development managers may also be responsible for negotiating with suppliers, conducting quality assurance procedures, managing staff, and coordinating with other departments, such as the marketing, sales, and production teams.

When hiring for this role, most employers require applicants to have a degree in business or supply chain management. Besides that, they also want applicants that have years of experience in the industry, ideally in a similar role where they have proven to be effective leaders, strategists, and communicators. One can make as much as $130,000 in this job, but the average lies around $101,000 per year. In terms of work environment, a supply chain development manager typically works in an office and spends a portion of their time in the operations area.

What general advice would you give to a supply chain development manager?

Priya NagarajPriya Nagaraj LinkedIn profile

Professor of Economics and Global Business, Website

Students should be able to analyze and interpret data. For instance, demand forecasting and predictive analytics are a large part of this industry today. As the number of regulations across nations increases, it is important to have at least some knowledge of foreign regulations. Cross-cultural knowledge and experience are always a plus in this area for prospective employees. People skills are also important along with knowledge of additional languages.
ScoreSupply Chain Development ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.7

Avg. Salary $102,698

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
3.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 8.98%

Black or African American 7.62%

Hispanic or Latino 12.78%

Unknown 4.70%

White 65.26%

Gender

female 21.05%

male 78.95%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
7.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Supply chain development manager career paths

Key steps to become a supply chain development manager

  1. Explore supply chain development manager education requirements

    Most common supply chain development manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.8 %

    Master's

    19.8 %

    Associate

    8.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific supply chain development manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Supply Chain22.89%
    Chain Processes10.64%
    Logistics9.75%
    Chain Management9.16%
    Product Development8.61%
  3. Complete relevant supply chain development manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New supply chain development managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a supply chain development manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real supply chain development manager resumes.
  4. Research supply chain development manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage SD quality personnel involve with all supplier submissions for PPAP, IMDS and SOC4.
    • Manage the scoping, assessment, and delivery of solutions that addressed client's business KPI's.
    • Facilitate cross functional sourcing teams for strategically manage commodities, in support of optimizing the supply base.
    • Negotiate, manage and execute RFQ s and quotes for spot buys, formal bids and long term agreements.
  5. Prepare your supply chain development manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your supply chain development manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a supply chain development manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable supply chain development manager resume templates

    Build a professional supply chain development manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your supply chain development manager resume.
    Supply Chain Development Manager Resume
    Supply Chain Development Manager Resume
    Supply Chain Development Manager Resume
    Supply Chain Development Manager Resume
    Supply Chain Development Manager Resume
    Supply Chain Development Manager Resume
    Supply Chain Development Manager Resume
    Supply Chain Development Manager Resume
    Supply Chain Development Manager Resume
  6. Apply for supply chain development manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a supply chain development manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first supply chain development manager job

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Average supply chain development manager salary

The average supply chain development manager salary in the United States is $102,698 per year or $49 per hour. Supply chain development manager salaries range between $74,000 and $141,000 per year.

Average supply chain development manager salary
$102,698 Yearly
$49.37 hourly

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How do supply chain development managers rate their job?

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Supply chain development manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

its a challenging work. you need lot of potential to be materials manager.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

I am continuously working to develop my the communication and computer skills necessary listed in the job description job description. My formal education which is bachelors degree in philosophy and a minor in economics. I am currently furthering my education in the area of computer science.

Cons

I am working to improve my area of concern which is having limitations when managing employees.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Cons

The demand planning function should reside in Sales rather than Supply Chain.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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