Supply chain manager

As a supply chain manager, you'll oversee and manage every stage of the production flow, from purchasing the raw materials to the delivery of the final product

You'll ensure the right amount of product is made at the right time, as well as coordinating the storage of the product. Organising the movement of goods from distribution centres to customers and stores involves forecasting trends and managing inventories.

Responsibilities

Your tasks will vary depending on the sector you work in. However, as a supply chain manager you'll typically need to:

• work with procurement managers and buyers to source the right products
• negotiate contracts with suppliers and customers
• control manufacturing and delivery processes
• plan and implement logistical strategy, ensuring targets are met
• oversee product storage, handling and distribution
• use computer software to track goods from origin to delivery
• work on forecasts and inventories, keeping an accurate record of the process and analysing performance
• manage the costs involved while maintaining quality
• ensure you're aware of exactly what is happening throughout the supply chain
• manage and motivate a team of supply chain staff
• improve the overall supply chain performance and look for any possible innovations to the process
• develop new and existing relationships with suppliers
• identify, manage and minimise the risks (for example operational or reputational) that could affect or interrupt the supply chain
• consider the environmental impact of the supply chain in order to meet sustainability targets
• understand and support anti-slavery in supply chains
• implement new technologies and stay alert to new trends and developments in the sector.

Salary

• According to the 2023 CIPS Procurement Salary Guide, average salaries at entry level, for example as a graduate trainee/buyer, are around £25,598.
• Salaries for supply chain planners are on average £33,107.
• The average salary for supply chain managers is £56,317. At supply chain director level the average salary is £96,681.

Salaries vary depending on a range of factors including your location (salaries are typically higher in London, for example), the size and type of company you work for, and the sector you work in (private, public or charity/not-for-profit).

Other factors that affect salary include your skills, experience, level of seniority and professional qualifications, e.g. chartership.

Income data from the 2023 CIPS Procurement Salary Guide. Figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

You'll usually work Monday to Friday, between 8.30am and 5.00pm. However, many companies run 24-hour operations and this may include shift work, with evening and weekend hours on a rota basis.

There are opportunities for flexible and hybrid working.

What to expect

• The working environment is usually office based, although you may need to visit warehouses, suppliers and customers.
• Supply chains are generally complex, and the career can be fast-paced and challenging. However, there are good career development prospects if you have the right combination of skills, experience and motivation.
• Jobs are available in towns and cities throughout the UK.
• According to the 2023 Hays Procurement Salary Guide, there is still work to be done to narrow the gender pay gap for women, particularly at senior levels.
• You may need to travel during the day and stay away from home overnight to visit other sites. There may be some travel overseas to visit parts of the supply chain.

Qualifications

Supply chain jobs are open to all graduates, but it's common to hold a degree, HND or foundation degree in a relevant subject, such as:

• business management
• computing
• finance
• information systems
• logistics management
• manufacturing or engineering
• supply chain management
• transport management.

Graduate trainee schemes are available, usually with large organisations.

You don't need a postgraduate degree to become a supply chain manager, but it may be useful, particularly if your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated degree. Search for postgraduate courses in logistics and supply chain management.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT(UK)) and Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) accredit a number of undergraduate and postgraduate supply chain management and logistics degrees. Search for:

• CILT(UK) accredited courses
• CIPS accredited courses

These degrees also provide exemptions from some of the requirements for membership or chartered membership of the relevant body.

The Novus programme was created to help undergraduate students interested in supply chain, logistics, operations, transport and data analytics positively progress their future career. It provides students with access to summer and year-long placements, graduate roles, and both professional and peer mentors. Find out which universities offer the Novus programme.

Alternatively, you could do an apprenticeship in supply chain or a related area. Apprenticeships combine paid work with part-time study for a qualification, meaning you can train on the job. They are available at various levels, including the Level 6 supply chain management degree apprenticeship.

Entry without a degree is possible in an entry-level role such as administrative assistant, purchasing assistant or trainee buyer. It may then be possible to work your way up to the role of supply chain manager by taking relevant professional qualifications offered by organisations such as CIPS and CILT(UK).

Skills

You'll need to have:

• excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams
• the ability to lead and motivate a team
• negotiation and influencing skills
• business management and analytical skills
• a logical and systematic approach to work
• data interpretation skills as the supply chain becomes increasingly digital
• strong planning and project management skills
• time management, with the ability to work under pressure, maintain accuracy and keep to deadlines
• the ability to solve problems and make decisions, as well as to think strategically and laterally
• IT literacy, skills in Excel and the ability to handle electronic data
• strong financial and commercial awareness
• an understanding of risk management in the context of the supply chain.

Work experience

Some degree courses include a placement year option. This provides the opportunity to gain practical business experience, increase your skills and develop a network of contacts. There may also be options to undertake shorter placements during your course.

You could also apply for summer internships, which are usually available with larger organisations and companies. Many large logistics companies have schemes in place, as do organisations such as supermarkets.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Businesses source materials, products and services from all around the world, and any company that has a product to get to customers will have a supply chain. This means that jobs are available throughout the UK in the private, public and charity/not-for-profit sectors. Supply chains can be hugely complicated processes with multiple operators and contributors.

Typical employers of supply chain managers include companies in the following sectors:

• healthcare (e.g. the NHS) and pharmaceutical
• IT and telecommunications
• local and national government
• manufacturing and engineering
• retail and wholesale
• transport, distribution and storage.

Look for job vacancies at:

• CILT(UK) Jobs
• Supply Chain Online
• CIPS Procurement and Supply Jobs

Recruitment agencies such as Robert Walters and Hays also advertise vacancies. Vacancies are also advertised on LinkedIn.

Professional development

Graduate trainee schemes with large organisations typically last one or two years and you'll rotate around different departments to get experience across the whole supply chain.

Supply chain management is a fast-moving profession and it's important that you keep your skills and knowledge up to date. You can do this by taking professional qualifications offered by professional bodies such as CIPS and CILT(UK). They offer a range of supply chain qualifications from entry level certificates through to advanced certificates and diplomas.

Both organisations also offer the opportunity to become members and to work towards chartered status. You will need a combination of accredited qualifications and experience to be eligible. You must also complete continuing professional development to keep your skills and knowledge updated.

Membership of a relevant professional body also provides the opportunity to get access to events, resources and advice, as well to network with your peers.

It's also possible to study for a Masters degree in supply chain management if you don't already have one.

Career prospects

There are various entry points into the profession and a variety of career pathways once you're in. It's possible to get an entry-level job or a graduate trainee role and work your way up to supply chain manager from there.

If you're on a graduate trainee scheme, you'll get the opportunity to rotate through departments to get an insight into the whole supply chain process. You may be able to fast track your career with accredited qualifications, personal coaching and leadership development.

You can progress across all sectors to senior management and even to board level. The sector is characterised by career pathways that lead directly to senior management roles for those who have the right skills, experience and determination.

Becoming a chartered member of CIPS or CILT(UK) may help your career progression as it shows that you have the skills and expertise needed in a fast-moving industry and that you are committed to ongoing learning and development.