What does a supply chain specialist do?

An inventory control manager is an individual who is responsible for directing all tasks related to inventory management of a company. They manage the allocation of materials, supplies, and finished goods as well as design strategies to minimize the cost or time to move goods. They are required to lead a team of storage or warehouse personnel to help them with the actual inventory count. Inventory control managers must also develop a business relationship with their suppliers or vendors.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a supply chain specialist are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "chain management," "lean six sigma," and "supplier performance." On the other hand, a job as an inventory control manager requires skills like "inventory control procedures," "sales floor," "team work," and "warehouse inventory." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

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.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, supply chain specialist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "chain management," "continuous improvement," and "lean six sigma." Meanwhile, an inventory manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "direct reports," "manage inventory," "highlighted," and "inventory procedures." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

A material manager is responsible for monitoring inventories and stock supplies, ensuring the adequacy of materials needed for manufacturing or other operations, depending on the organization's industry. Material managers meet with suppliers and third-party vendors, negotiating contracts that would fit the budget goals of the company without compromising quality. They manage the distribution of resources throughout the organizations' department and provide purchase reports for the management. A material manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to address the needs of an organization for smooth operations.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from supply chain specialist resumes include skills like "lean six sigma," "import export," "data analysis," and "chain operations," whereas a material manager is more likely to list skills in "materials management," "production scheduling," "material flow," and "material planning. "

A purchasing manager is responsible for organizing and managing products to order or sell. Purchasing managers review product specifications, negotiate pricing details with the vendors, evaluate and choose the best suppliers, and assist purchasing agents. Purchase managers are also responsible for resolving order processing issues and analyzing current market trends to determine which products to purchase. A purchasing manager must have excellent decision-making and strategical skills to examine effects, inspect defective items, and create an in-depth analysis of customers' needs to improve their performance and sales.