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The differences between supply chain specialists and directors of supply chain management 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 specialist and a director of supply chain management. Additionally, a director of supply chain management has an average salary of $131,875, which is higher than the $71,414 average annual salary of a supply chain specialist.
The top three skills for a supply chain specialist include supply chain, logistics and chain management. The most important skills for a director of supply chain management are supply chain, logistics, and chain management.
| Supply Chain Specialist | Director Of Supply Chain Management | |
| Yearly salary | $71,414 | $131,875 |
| Hourly rate | $34.33 | $63.40 |
| Growth rate | 28% | - |
| Number of jobs | 25,129 | 91,983 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
It is the responsibility of the supply chain specialist to procure materials to manufacture and ship products. The supply chain specialist determines and orders the proper quantities and negotiates pricing and their shipment terms. They oversee the delivery of necessary materials for the fulfillment of orders made by customers. The specialists need to develop strong skills in project management, business ethics, problem-solving, understanding of financial statements, communication skills, and cost accounting skills.
A supply chain management director is responsible for overseeing the supply chain management operations by managing the distribution process and material delivery. Supply chain management directors coordinate with the suppliers and vendors to negotiate contracts and conditions, monitor the production deadline, confirm shipment details, and resolve distribution delays. They also conduct data and statistical analysis to identify methodologies that would increase the staff's productivity and efficiency. A supply chain management director analyzes financial transactions, manage cost-reduction expenses, and discuss production reports to the senior management.
Supply chain specialists and directors of supply chain management have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Supply Chain Specialist | Director Of Supply Chain Management | |
| Average salary | $71,414 | $131,875 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $102,000 | Between $94,000 And $184,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Bruno, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a supply chain specialist and a director of supply chain management in terms of educational background:
| Supply Chain Specialist | Director Of Supply Chain Management | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between supply chain specialists' and directors of supply chain management' demographics:
| Supply Chain Specialist | Director Of Supply Chain Management | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.6% Female, 41.4% | Male, 80.0% Female, 20.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |