Transport & Logistics
Supply Chain Manager
Supply chain managers direct the supply process in a company from the purchase of raw materials to delivering the product to the customer.
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Entry-level education
Bachelor’s degree
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Job outlook
What does a Supply Chain Manager do?
Supply chain managers direct the supply process in a company from the purchase of raw materials to delivering the product to the customer.
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Work activities
As a supply chain manager, you would:
- direct or coordinate purchasing of raw materials
- oversee the supply and distribution of raw materials into the appropriate parts of the manufacturing process
- manage supply processes and systems and make sure that productivity targets are met
- oversee the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing and shipping products or materials
- examine existing processes and procedures for opportunities for streamlining activities and reducing costs in the supply chain
- oversee the installation, control and maintenance of warehouse handling and storage systems
- ensure that all occupational health and safety regulations are adhered to
- prepare reports and manage departmental budgets.
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Key skills and interests
To become a supply chain manager, you would need:
- good planning and organisational skills
- leadership and motivational skills
- good spoken and written communication skills
- good problem-solving skills
- attention to detail
- good It skills and experience with manufacturing software
- a knowledge of health and safety regulations.
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Working hours and conditions
Working Hours
In a full-time job you would work a standard number of hours per week, Monday to Friday. Some companies run 24 hour manufacturing operations, so you may be required to work evenings and weekends on a roster basis, or to be available on-call to deal with emergencies.
Conditions
You would normally be based in an office, either at a company's head office, or within a warehouse, distribution centre or factory.
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How to become an Supply Chain Manager?
Entry Level Education
Most employers require that a supply chain manager completes a bachelor's degree in business management, supply chain / logistics management or administration. To get into these courses, you usually need to have completed your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English and mathematics would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.
Supply chain managers also receive on-the-job training on how the warehouse or distribution centre operates. This would include the use of specialised ERP (enterprise resource planning) or SCM (supply chain management) software.
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Job outlook
Employment of supply chain managers is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
Supply and distribution systems have become increasingly complex, with the aim of maximising efficiency while minimising cost. Therefore, employment is expected to grow rapidly as companies need more supply chain managers to move products efficiently, solve problems, and identify areas for improvement. Job prospects should be best for those with at least a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
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Transport & Logistics
