How to Start a Career in Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks supply chain management careers as one of the most lucrative choices, with a 5 percent job growth in the fields of supply chain management and logistics between 2018 and 2028. High-paced global developments hint towards an even higher demand for supply chain management professionals, ensuring strong job prospects. All of these factors make supply chain and logistics careers suitable for those looking for career choices with growth potential.
But how do you climb up the supply chain management & logistics career ladder? This guide can provide you with a supply chain management careers list to ensure that you do not miss out on any supply chain career opportunities.
Supply Chain Management Career Ladder (Steps)
- Get a relevant supply chain management degree
- Attain relevant skills
- Apply for internships
- Build a resume and cover letter
- Network in the industry
- Apply to an entry-level supply chain management position
- Choose a specialization
- Get licenses and certifications
- Go for online courses
- Enroll in a college degree program
Getting a Supply Chain Management Degrees and Courses
As per statistics from the Supply Chain Salary and Career Report published by the Association for Supply Chain Management in 2021, more than 85 percent of professionals in supply chain management hold a bachelor’s degree in business studies. Therefore, getting a bachelor’s in Business Administration is an established academic decision to pursue a career in this field. That is because this degree offers the best supply chain management courses, which can build a robust foundation for future skills.
A bachelor’s in business administration covers core courses such as operations management, accounting, and organizational behavior, along with a business administration program. Most business administration bachelor’s programs also allow specialization in supply chain management or logistics operations.
Although such supply chain management degrees may prove beneficial, it is not the only pathway to a lucrative supply chain management career. You can also go for a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management and logistics, which several universities offer as either an independent major or as a business-focused concentration. Both programs cover the fundamentals of procurement strategies, product lifecycles, inventory monitoring, and transportation and storage logistics.
Another option to start a career in supply chain management is going for a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering. This degree program concentrates on structures and systems and helps build a robust foundation of business processes and logistics. A system engineering degree holder is often well-versed in inventory monitoring, statistical modeling, and supply chain principles.
Top 5 Universities Offering Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees In Supply Chain Management
1. Lehigh University
Program Offered: BS in Supply Chain Management
Lehigh University is a probate institution offering one of the best bachelor’s degree program in Supply Chain Management in USA. Students enrolled in supply chain management graduate program hold a robust knowledge of the challenges and complexities of supervising a supply chain, along with the ability to be an efficient team leader.
With a focus on advanced innovation and rigorous academics, Lehigh University’s low student-to-faculty ratio offers tailored learning opportunities and an intricately-linked community for students.
2. University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign
Degree Offered: BS in Supply Chain Management
University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign offers one of the best supply chain management degree for aspirants in the field. Students enrolled in this program build communication and leadership skills along with business and technical knowledge to prepare them for a future as a supply chain manager.
The course curriculum prioritises practical, real-world situations promoting practical thinking, which is why the institute boasts high rankings across various academic domains. In fact, the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign program ranks as the country’s top 20 supply chain management programs.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Program Offered: Master of Engineering in Logistics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranks as the best academic instutute in a number of programs, and a master’s degree in supply chain management is one of them. The institute’s MIT Center for Trasnporation and Logistics offers a Master of Engineering in Logistics degree, which provides students with an in-depth understanding of supply chain management and knowledge of critical skills in supply chain technology, operations, and logistics.
4. Stanford University
Program Offered: Master of Business Administration
Stanford ranks as one of the best institutes across the nation in a wide array of degree programs, but its Master of Business Administration Degree program holds special recognition. Offered by Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, this program prepares students for leadership positions in supply chain management and focuses on the development of problem solving and analytical skills.
5. University of Michigan
Program Offered: Master of Supply Chain Management
The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business offers a Masters degree in Supply Chain Management emphasizing on skills in operations, logistics, and supply chain management. It also focuses on the use of technology and data analytics to boost supply chain performance.
Becoming a Supply Chain Management Master of Relevant Skills
Becoming a supply chain manager continues beyond one’s educational qualifications: it is critical to become well-acquainted with the necessary interpersonal and technical skills that most supply chain degree jobs require. You can learn such skills by going for a certificate in supply chain management and logistics. Another good option is enrolling in the best online course for supply chain management and learning from home.
Apply for Internships
Almost all entry-level supply chain job titles require an individual to complete an internship. Internships prove highly valuable in portending the practical experience that supply chain management jobs entail and require. You can apply in multiple companies internships in the logistics or supply chain departments and undergo a skills reformation with your time there.
Build A Suitable Cover Letter and Resume
No matter the supply chain job titles or descriptions, all jobs judge candidates on the basis of their educational background, practical experience, and, last but not least: resume and cover letter.
Simply speaking, these two elements speak on your behalf in your absence, so make sure that your resume and cover letter format adds to your professional and academic experience. You can take help from a number of free resume and cover letter builders available on the internet, making sure that you go for a professional format.
Networking Is The Key
One of the pivotal steps in becoming a successful supply chain manager is networking at the right place and at the right time. Connecting and conversing with like-minded individuals from the same industry can pave the way to better opportunities and build your reputation in the professional community. This reputation goes to places where you are physically cant and ultimately helps you navigate the corporate labyrinth. Developing good professional networks with logistics partners and vendors is also a seemingly simple but strategic action plan to excel in the supply chain management field.
Apply For A Supply Chain Management Job
If you are a fresh graduate, you have to start your journey by applying to entry-level supply chain management jobs. These include logistics planners, warehouse assistants, or inventory associates. But these jobs are not your permanent fate, but rather building blocks that will help you climb the corporate ladder to better-paying positions.
You can become a supply chain consultant or analyst within two years of hard work and perseverance and then upgrade your professional standing to a supply chain manager after just five years. It is important to note that jobs in supply chain management salary vary according to your years of experience.
Select A Specialization
The supply chain management field offers four specializations: Production, logistics, operations, and planning. You can choose to specialize in any of these categories or even become an all-rounder by working with different departments and gaining overall experience.
Get Licenses and Certifications
Gaining professional experience does not translate to a full stop after your academic qualifications. It is important to continue excelling in your domain by getting licenses and certifications that can boost your career. The following are some of the most highly-sought after international certifications in supply chain management that can help you excel in your field:
- Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
- Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) Certified Supply Chain Professional certification (CSCP)
- SCPro Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
Some employers also require additional professional certifications, especially if you are applying for the position of a supply chain manager instead of an entry-level job. Since these certifications are an attestation of an individual’s knowledge and skills, attaining them gives a potential candidate a substantial edge over the other candidates.
Certified Master Logistician
The International Society of Logistics offers the Certified Master Logistician credential for supply, systems, and distribution experts. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and five years of professional and relevant work experience can attain master logistician certification after passing a three-part certification exam.
Certified Professional Logistician
The International Society of Logistics also offers the Certified Professional Logistician certification for professionals specializing in the supply chain life cycle. Individuals who satisfy any of the following factors are eligible for this credential:
- Nine years of experience teaching or practicing logistics and two years of experience in two or more areas of logistics
- A doctoral degree and three years of relevant experience
- A master’s degree and four years of relevant experience
- A bachelor’s degree and five years of work experience
Candidates must also pass a certification exam focused on disposition, customer service, systems design and management, and acquisition and product support.
Certified Supply Chain Management Professional
The Association for Supply Chain Management offers the Certified Supply Chain Professional certification for candidates with a passing score on the certification exam, a bachelor’s degree, and three years of relevant work experience.
Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution
The Association for Supply Chain Management also offers the Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution credential with the same requirements as that for the Certified Supply Chain Professional credential. Professionals well-versed in focus areas such as transportation and logistics can attain this certification to advance their careers.
Go For Online Courses
Apart from attaining relevant licenses and certifications, pursuing online courses applicable to your specialization is an excellent way of advancing your supply chain management career. You can easily find many paid and free online courses that can renew your knowledge in the field and bestow upon you advanced proficiency in the area.
Best Supply Chain Career Paths
Since a supply chain involves several intricate steps and individuals, a career in this field can entail a variety of things. A professional well-versed in this domain can hold several supply chain management jobs and juggle several responsibilities at once, ranging from inventory management to shipping and sales.
It is common for professionals in related fields to jump to supply chain management after successfully managing demand fulfillment or shipping roles. This is because the experiences gathered through such relevant jobs also prove pivotal in supply chain management.
Ideally, professionals in supply chain management are required to hold a holistic view of the company they work in, along with a comprehensive business skillset that allows them to handle responsibilities of all kinds. They are also expected to understand how and why certain decisions are made in the supply chain management industry, along with how different departments collaborate to ensure a seamless transfer of goods from production to delivery.
Professionals in the following fields can easily make a transition to a supply chain management career path:
- Military Logistics
- Logistics
- Sales
- Operations
- Business
- Inventory Management
- Shipping
Apart from these relevant domains, individuals with professional and academic experience in supply chain management can hold various job titles and roles. These roles depend upon their knowledge, skills, and even the type of organization they work in. Some of the most common supply chain management job titles include the following:
- Logistics Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Import/Export Analyst
- Commodity Specialist
- Distribution Manager
- Demand Planning Manager
- Director of Logistics & Distribution
- Director of Global Procurement
- Director of Operations
- Director of Supply Management
- Operations Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Plant Manager
- Project Manager
- Process Improvement Manager
- Production Planner
- Purchasing Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Strategic Procurement Manager
- Quality Systems Auditor
- Sourcing Specialist
- Transportation Specialist
- Sourcing Specialist
- Transportation Planner
- Strategic Procurement Manager
- Supply Manager
These titles exhibit some of the various roles you can pursue in supply chain management and can help you understand what your future might look like. However, the right career for you would depend upon which title aligns best with your academic qualifications, professional experience, personal inclinations, and future goals.
Highest Paying Jobs In Supply Chain Management With Salary
Inventory Analysts
National average salary: $60,535 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Track and monitor inventory in a warehouse or any other storage facility
- Composing documentation process and organizational systems at par with best industrial practices
- Keep an eye out for possible supply shortages or overages
Logistics Manager
National average salary: $61,605 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Supervise and plan the ways a company orders materials for manufacturing and delivers products to vendors or consumers.
- Manage the overall supply chain of a designated region within a larger company or of an entire smaller organization
- Ensure regulatory compliance at all stages of the supply chain
Logistics Planner
National average salary: $61,227 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Coordinate and manage the receiving and distribution of an organization’s products or supplies
- Coordinate with supply chain managers or logistics
- Keep an eye on the shipping processes
- Manage and track shipments to vendors, customers, and clients
Transport Manager
National average salary: $63,508 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Supervise the transportation activities of an organization, including procurement and vehicle sourcing
- Ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines for delivery, especially in the case of oversized vehicles
- Conducting specialized driver and operator training
- Developing and maintaining schedules
Facilities Managers
National average salary: $64,084 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Undertake responsibilities in production and manufacturing
- Managing regular upgrades and maintenance of systems, equipment, and other physical components
- Supervise the entirety of an organization’s manufacturing facilities or a single location
Supply Chain Specialist
National average salary: $65,151 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Collaborate with an organization’s logistics team to ensure apt sourcing and ordering of materials
- Research consumer trends to plan inventory requirements
- Coordinate product deliveries
- Report to supply chain managers
Distribution Manager
National average salary: $67,912 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Supervise the delivery portion of a supply chain
- Manage the quantity, timeline, and destination of supply shipments and products.
- Plan and implement strategies by employing industry software
- Forecast consumer behavior
Production Manager
National average salary: $68,230 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Supervise production equipment, processes, and team members
- Ensure compliance with company standards
- Maintain a safe work environment
- Ensure adherence to federal and state guidelines
- Meet production quotas
Purchasing Manager
National average salary: $70,396 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Research, source, and contract with product or material supplies
- Find the most high-quality and cost-effective materials
- Undertake negotiations to land the best possible deals for an organization
Supply Chain Analyst
National average salary: $71,307 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Collaborate with organizations to look into supply chain processes
- Root out inefficiencies or complications with supply chains
- Make adequate recommendations that can help enhance operations
- Report to the supply chain manager
Supply Chain Manager
National average salary: $80,566 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Plan and supervise all phases and components of a supply chain
- Monitor inventory
- Reduce expenses
- Ensure that the supply chain runs efficiently
- Research, anticipate, and respond to problems in logistics, supplies, or budgeting
Quality Manager
National average salary: $82,826 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Define company standards and obligations
- Ensure that products and services adhere to standards set for customers, clients, and employees
- Hold an in-depth understanding of all industry regulations
- Ensure compliance with an organization’s processes
- Develop plans for quality enhancement
Capacity Manager
National average salary: $83,019 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Ensure that an organization possesses the resources and has the necessary processes in place to satisfy market demands
- Enhance the productivity of manufacturing and production processes
- Employ tailored resources, optimized processes, strategic partnerships, and effective supply chain operations to augment efficiency and productivity
Global Commodity Manager
National average salary: $85,898 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and implement commodity strategies that ensure a smooth, efficient, and cost-effective running of an international supply chain
- Anticipate inventory fluctuations
- Research market trends
- Manage supplier relationships
- Supervise product quality in international supply chains
Category Manager
National average salary: $92,894 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Zoom in on a particular category within an organization to research and monitor its particular market
- Anticipate consumer behavior
- Develop suitable marketing strategies
- Apply knowledge of buying trends and market demand to collaborate with suppliers and ensure heavy cost savings
Sourcing Manager
National average salary: $94,706 per year
Primary Responsibilities
- Gather data to monitor an organization’s sourcing processes
- Balance quality and cost metrics
- Research potential suppliers
- Organize and track spending budgets
Summing Up
Starting a supply chain management career may sound daunting, but making the right academic and professional choices can be quite rewarding. This guide can help you start from scratch and work your way up the corporate ladder to land the highest-paying positions in this industry.
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