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.
Supply chain manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real supply chain manager resumes:
- 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.
- Create SQL queries using query+ to support SCM operations daily and investigations.
- Obtain and analyze raw SQL data with the goal of improving and supporting sales operations.
- Used SharePoint as project document repository.
- Design and implement MRP system to establish visibility to purchasing requirements.
- Possess a thorough understanding of manufacturing and manufacturing systems, including MRP systems.
- Allocate and collect manufacturing and assembly KPIs at various stages of production life to improve profitability.
- Key steering committee member involve in the improvement, development and implementation of ERP system modifications and enhancements.
- Analyze costs and market dynamics to maximize profit by providing operational solutions to senior management on logistics relate operations and inquires.
- Coordinate activities of return warehouse operations as a collection and export center, under reverse logistics operations to HQ refurbish centers.
Supply chain manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 20% of Supply Chain Managers are proficient in Supply Chain, Logistics, and Project Management.
We break down the percentage of Supply Chain Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Supply Chain, 20%
Manage department's supply chain consensus process improving change management and commercialization activities, fill rate maximization and excess inventory reduction.
- Logistics, 9%
Analyzed costs and market dynamics to maximize profit by providing operational solutions to senior management on logistics related operations and inquires.
- Project Management, 5%
Apply dynamic strategic planning, prioritization, and project management skills toward consistently achieving critical deadlines while maintaining high quality standards.
- Customer Service, 5%
Prepared manufacturing plans at global level consistent with customer service, inventory and financial objectives using leading edge Red Pepper technology.
- Chain Management, 5%
Gained hands-on experience in multiple aspects of supply-chain management: demand planning, material management, warehousing/transportation, and customer service.
- Continuous Improvement, 4%
Managed operations and inventory control for large-scale Chicago area property Security Company while ensuring continuous improvement of all logistical processes.
"supply chain," "logistics," and "project management" are among the most common skills that supply chain managers use at work. You can find even more supply chain manager responsibilities below, including:
The three companies that hire the most supply chain managers are:
- Ernst & Young795 supply chain managers jobs
- Deloitte329 supply chain managers jobs
- Pwc211 supply chain managers jobs
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Compare different supply chain managers
Supply chain manager vs. Director, procurement
The responsibilities of a procurement director revolve around ensuring the efficient and smooth flow of supplies within the company, developing procurement strategies for optimal services and operations, assessing risks, and overseeing the implementation of new policies and regulations in the company. It is essential to coordinate with analysts to identify areas with potential opportunities or those needing improvements. Moreover, a director, procurement may directly communicate with stakeholders or higher-ranking officials, participate in recruiting new members of the workforce, and create programs for profit growth and significant results.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a supply chain manager are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "project management," "strong project management," and "chain operations." On the other hand, a job as a director, procurement requires skills like "procurement strategies," "oversight," "procurement function," and "supplier management." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Directors, procurement earn the highest salaries when working in the technology industry, with an average yearly salary of $148,169. On the other hand, supply chain managers are paid more in the professional industry with an average salary of $109,431.The education levels that directors, procurement earn slightly differ from supply chain managers. In particular, directors, procurement are 2.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a supply chain manager. Additionally, they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain manager vs. Logistics director
A logistics director spearheads and oversees a company's logistics operations. They are primarily responsible for setting goals and guidelines, managing the budgets and timelines, researching new opportunities, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of operations, and implementing solutions against problem areas. They must also maintain positive relationships with key clients and external parties, such as distributors and suppliers. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to lead employees while implementing the company's policies and regulations, recommending new ones as needed.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that supply chain manager responsibilities requires skills like "logistics," "strong project management," "digital transformation," and "lean six sigma." But a logistics director might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "logistics operations," "oversight," "logistics support," and "tms."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Logistics directors tend to reach similar levels of education than supply chain managers. In fact, they're 1.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain manager vs. Procurement officer
A procurement officer is primarily in charge of overseeing the procurement of supplies and equipment for an organization, prioritizing cost-efficiency and quality. It is their duty to manage the company's supply inventory, compile and analyze procurement requests, develop purchase plans, handle purchase procedures, and maintain records of all transactions, producing reports regularly. They must also liaise and negotiate with vendors and suppliers, building positive relationships with them. Furthermore, as a procurement officer, it is essential to lead the procurement team, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, supply chain managers are more likely to have skills like "supply chain," "project management," "customer service," and "chain management." But a procurement officer is more likely to have skills like "purchase requisitions," "contract management," "procurement procedures," and "procurement policies."
Procurement officers make a very good living in the retail industry with an average annual salary of $74,267. On the other hand, supply chain managers are paid the highest salary in the professional industry, with average annual pay of $109,431.Most procurement officers achieve a lower degree level compared to supply chain managers. For example, they're 5.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain manager vs. Planning supervisor
Planning supervisors are professionals who are responsible for coordinating the health and safety aspects of project design and the initial planning. These supervisors are required to ensure that designers cooperate and comply with their duties, especially in avoiding and reducing risks. They must prepare the health and safety plan before arrangements are made for appointing a principal contractor. Planning supervisors must also provide advice to their clients about the competence and allocation of resources by designers and all contractors.
Types of supply chain manager
Updated January 8, 2025
