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Supply chain manager

Alternative titles for this job include

Supply chain managers organise the movement of goods and materials from suppliers and manufacturers to customers.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How to become a supply chain manager

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • logistics
  • supply chain management
  • transport management
  • business management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start on a supply chain practitioner advanced apprenticeship, which could lead onto a supply chain leadership or express delivery manager degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start in a junior role like transport clerk and work your way up through training and promotion.

You can do work-based training courses through The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

More Information

Further information

You can find more details about careers and training in the supply chain industry through The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • leadership skills
  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Depending on which part of the supply chain you're in, day-to-day you may:

  • work with procurement managers and buyers to select products that are in demand and will sell
  • negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers
  • plan the best way to get goods from suppliers to distribution centres and retailers
  • track shipments and stock levels using computer software
  • work with retailers to make sure they receive their goods on time and in the right condition
  • look at ways to improve supply chain networks
  • monitor overall performance to make sure targets are met
  • prepare forecasts and inventories
  • recruit, train and manage a team of supply chain staff

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to senior planning jobs and consultancy work.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Procurement Apprentice

  • Wage: £212.50 Weekly
  • Location: Harlow

Management Degree Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £15,000.00 Annually
  • Location:
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Level 2 in Logistics

  • Provider: EASTLEIGH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Eastleigh

Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard 222 - Commercial Procurement and Supply

  • Provider: WAKEFIELD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location:
Find courses near you

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