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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)

£28,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

University

Positions for trainee managers are open to graduates of most subjects though you may find it useful to do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

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

You can find out about industry sponsored degree courses in supply chain management from NOVUS.

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 apply for a Supply Chain Practitioner Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which could lead to an assistant manager position.

You might also be able to do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, such as:

  • Supply Chain Leadership Professional
  • Express Delivery Manager
  • Senior Procurement and Supply Chain Professional

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 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 might study for work-based qualifications through The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport or the Institute of Supply Chain Management.

Further information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a supply chain manager, you could:

  • work with procurement managers and buyers to select products that will sell well
  • negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers
  • plan how to get goods from suppliers to distribution centres and retailers
  • track shipments and stock levels using computer software
  • make sure retailers receive their goods on time and in the right condition
  • look at ways to improve supply chain networks
  • monitor overall performance and meet targets
  • 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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to senior supply chain management jobs, strategic planning or consultancy work.

You could also specialise, for example in e-commerce.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Supply Planner

  • Wage: £14,730 a year Annually
  • Location: Works Road, Letchworth

Apprentice Supply/Inventory Planner

  • Wage: £14,730 a year Annually
  • Location: Works Road, Letchworth
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations

  • Provider: DARLINGTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Darlington

Transport & Logistics

  • Provider: NORTH EAST MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY
  • Start date: 01 October 2025
  • Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Find courses near you

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