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Supply Chain Manager
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Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Introduction
Supply Chain Managers (SCMs) play a vital role in the successful operation of an organisation or business. You will be responsible for the smooth flow of goods and services throughout your organisation.
Work Activities
Supply Chain Managers (SCMs) play a vital role in the successful operation of an organisation or business. You will be responsible for the smooth flow of goods and services throughout your organisation.
As an SCM, it will be your job to make sure that there is always exactly the right amount of materials and supplies on hand for meeting production schedules and other needs of your organisation. You must also make sure that the right quantity of goods are stored in warehouses and then delivered to retail outlets in such a way that customers' demands are met at all times.
If those demands cannot be met because of low supply, the company will miss potential sales, and if the supply is too great, the company's storage costs might rise and reduce its profits.
As an SCM, you will be involved in every stage of the business process, including:
- maintaining excellent levels of customer service within the organisation
- analysing current stock and raw material levels
- negotiating the cost of raw materials with your suppliers
- identifying possible new suppliers
- planning the delivery of the raw materials
- delivering raw materials to the right area of the business
- storing goods before they can be delivered
- transporting goods to where they are needed
- leading projects and working closely with people from other departments, such as marketing or buying
Personal Qualities and Skills
To become a Supply Chain Manager, you will need:
- brilliant customer service skills
- great motivational skills
- excellent time management
- a great understanding as to how business work and operate, including finance
Pay and Opportunities
Pay
The pay rates given below are approximate.
- Starting: £36,500 - £40,000
- With experience: £44,000 - £51,500
- Senior Supply Chain Managers earn £58,000 - £66,000
Hours of work
Supply Chain Managers usually work 39 hours a week, which may include shift work and work at weekends.
Where could I work?
Employers include:
- manufacturing firms
- logistics firms
- charities
- telecommunications companies
- health services
- universities
Opportunities for Supply Chain Managers occur with manufacturers in towns and cities throughout the UK.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, on recruitment and employers' websites, and on Find a Job (www.gov.uk/jobsearch).
Social media websites, such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, are a great way to network, find vacancies and get in contact with possible employers. Make sure that your profile presents you in a professional manner that will appeal to potential employers.
Take a look at our General Information Article
Entry Routes and Training
Entry routes
Qualifications are not always needed for this career. Many employers will value relevant first-hand business experience above actual qualifications. This experience could include:
- finance
- purchasing
- human resource management (HRM)
- customer service
- project management
However, some employers may ask for a degree or HND in a relevant subject.
A great way to get into this career is through an internship. Take a look at our information article '
An Intermediate, Advanced or Higher Level Apprenticeship is also great place to start. You will learn on the job and gain the skills you need to work in sales and eventually become a Supply Chain Manager. Take a look at our information article
Work Experience
Previous experience working in finance or in human resource management is useful for this career.
Qualifications
For entry to a degree course in any subject, the usual minimum requirement is:
- 2/3 A levels
- GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in your A level subjects
- a further 2/3 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and maths
Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A levels, for example:
- BTEC level 3 qualifications
- the International Baccalaureate Diploma
To get onto an Advanced or Higher Level Apprenticeship, you will usually need at least five GCSEs at A* - C or 9 - 4, including English and maths, and possibly two A Levels.
Some universities accept the Welsh Baccalaureate as equivalent to one A level.
Adult Opportunities
Age limits
It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.
Skills/experience
Qualifications are not always needed for this career. Many employers will value relevant first-hand business experience above actual qualifications. This experience could include:
- finance
- purchasing
- human resource management (HRM)
- customer service
- project management
Courses
If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be a way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.
The Institute of Operations Management offers Certificates, Diplomas, and Advanced Diplomas in Operations Management, via distance learning. Details of course providers are available on its website.
Relevant Advanced Level Apprenticeships are available.
Further Information
Apprenticeships: Get In. Go Far
National Apprenticeship Service (NAS)
Tel: 0800 015 0400
Email: nationalhelpdesk@findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk
Website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Skills Development Scotland - Modern Apprenticeships
Tel: 0800 9178000
Email: info@skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
Financial Skills Partnership (FSP)
Skills for the financial, finance and accountancy sectors
Address: 51 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HQ
Tel: 0845 2573772
Email: info@financialskillspartnership.org.uk
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK)
Address: Earlstrees Court, Earlstrees Road, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 4AX
Tel: 01536 740100
Email: enquiry@ciltuk.org.uk
Website: www.ciltuk.org.uk
Skills for Logistics
Skills for the freight logistic industry
Tel: 0117 927 8800
Email: Contact@skillsforlogistics.co.uk
Website: www.skillsforlogistics.org
Institute of Operations Management (IOM)
Address: Earlstrees Court, Earlstrees Road, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 4AX
Tel: 01536 740105
Website: www.iomnet.org.uk
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