So you want a career in supply chain management
Filed Under Blog
One of the most common questions I get asked is how to get a career in Supply Chain Management. As we all know, the supply chain has become vital to most organizations and those charged with the role of managing this complex behemoth can be rewarded with a rich and fulfilling career.
Supply Chain Management jobs have developed over the years from simply transactional (raising Purchase Orders, Booking in stock) to becoming strategic (managing relationships and critical business issues). A companies ability to compete relies more on its supply chain than ever before. As such an organization’s supply chain people become a vital part of the corporate machinery.
Luckily there are various routes open to those looking to get an in into Supply Chain Management jobs.
Using education to kick start your supply chain career
For those looking to use University or Education to get their first step on the ladder, there are a growing number of Masters courses (which cover the basics and beyond from logistics, procurement through to disciplines like Project Management). Successful completion of these courses normally advances the candidate into a suitable supply chain management career with students looking to gain entry into an industry often those with appropriate graduate courses.
While programs such as these are gaining in popularity (with many being supported by professional bodies such as CIPS) many senior supply chain personnel have come up through the tried and tested method of experience having worked up from the bottom. For those looking to develop their career as they go, organizations such as CIPS can be extremely beneficial allowing those to learn while they work on the job.
On the job training, such as this, offers excellent insight into an ever-evolving business landscape – for example for those looking to learn about the rapid expansion of global supply chains there are a variety of courses focusing on international trade. Courses such as these are especially useful for people who are looking to diversify from years experience from within a particular industry type and who are looking to broaden knowledge and capability (and of course make themselves more employable.)
Starting out with a career in supply chain
While some supply chain professionals start with a college or university qualification not all do. Supply chain, unlike many fields, offers the ability to start your career from almost anywhere. For those starting the key step is usually getting a foot on the ladder. For many this might mean looking at a more transactional based role, sometimes in a junior position. This is the tried and tested route and provides the incumbent with time to develop their skill set which will help drive promotions. Skills such as soft skills, analytics and using the right problem solving model to help resolve the challenges and issues that are likely to present themselves.
Many who start this route will work their way up an organization before moving on. These individuals often draw upon formal bodies (like CIPS) to learn while they earn.
Interim / Contract Supply Chain roles
Supply chain employment opportunities have changed dramatically in recent years and there are now significant opportunities for those specializing in the supply chain who are looking for interim or contract work. These roles are typically suited for those who may specialize in a certain field, Logistics or manufacturing for example together with core skills.
For those considering interim work, this can often be a stepping stone into a supply chain career. For example, those individuals with project management experience might find themselves working in a supply chain environment which might enable them to garner skills that can then be used in future supply chain environments.
Whichever route you follow one thing is for sure, Supply Chain can offer you a rich and rewarding career full of diversity challenge and if you get get the right role and company great remuneration.