In a world where ecommerce and global supply chains are apart of daily life, the professional whose jobs it is to keep everything running smoothly have become a driving force within our economies.  If you’re looking for a career that offers variety, stability, a generous salary, job satisfaction and a high potential for advancement, a supply chain management career might just be perfect for you. 

How to start a supply chain management career? 

If you’re starting in the field with little to no experience, you would most likely begin with an entry-level position and then be able to work your way up rather quickly since this is a field with a high potential for advancement.

For instance, entry-level inventory analysts and planners can work up to inventory management positions, leading to jobs such as operations director or supply chain manager.  

What is a SCM career path and what does it involve?

If you’re starting in the supply chain management field with little to no experience, you would most likely begin with an entry-level position and then be able to work your way up rather quickly since this is a field with a high potential for advancement. For instance, entry-level inventory analysts and planners can work up to inventory management positions, leading to jobs such as operations director or supply chain manager.   

Is supply chain management a good career?

A job in supply chain management is a very good career path to follow for people who are looking for an industry that's in demand. In fact, 95% of professionals were able to keep their jobs during the pandemic, and 21% of those with an undergraduate degree and APICS/ASCM certification even received a promotion. 

Because the supply chain industry supports such a large portion of our economy, there is significant demand and growth opportunity for skilled supply chain management professionals. In fact, between 2021 and 2031, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 28% job growth for logisticians—more than five times the average projected growth rate for all occupations (5%) during that period.

If you're still not conviced, don't forget to read Reasons To Work In Supply Chain 

Supply chain management skills you need

If you wish to pursue a successful career in the supply chain and logistics industry, there are some general skills you should have:

• • Good communication & collaboration 
  • Problem-solving skills 
  • Excellent time management 
  • Strong leadership capabilities 
  • Strong decision-making abilities 

It’s also helpful to possess a rather in-depth level of understanding in the areas of logistics and transportation, procurement, operations management, inventory, and risk management, as well as a basic knowledge of overall supply chain strategy best practices.

In addition, specific certification programs like the APICS certifications will give you the targeted skills and credentials you need to further your career in supply chain management. 

What education and work experience are needed for a career in SCM?

When starting any new career with little to no experience, your first opportunity will most likely be an entry-level position. Acquiring as much education and experience as possible will make you more attractive to supply chain recruiters and more marketable as you move forward.

Pursuing a degree, such as a Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Science in supply chain management­­––or a related field like logistics––will provide a solid educational foundation. In addition, any on-the-job experience you can acquire in an industry-related capacity, such as truck driver, warehouse stocker, etc., will give you an advantage, help you understand the various roles and responsibilities within supply chain management, and help you network with industry professionals.

What types of jobs are available in supply chain management?

There are a variety of career paths to following within supply chain management. Some potential roles can be found in procurement, inventory management, logistics, demand planning and supply chain analytics. While the job functions of these roles all contribute to the overall success of the supply chain, each job has very different responsibilities within a distinct discipline.

For more information about supply chain careers, visit  ASCM’s supply chain career paths

What industries hire supply chain management professionals?

Supply chain management is a vital element of most business operations and is critical in every step along the way from creating products to delivering products to the end user. While many types of businesses require supply chain management professionals, some of the industries that hire these roles most often include:

• • Retail and E-commerce
  • Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical and Healthcare
  • Food and Beverage
  • Technology
  • Automotive
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Oil and Gas
  • Aerospace

How do I gain experience in supply chain management?

Starting any new profession often poses the same challenge: How do you get the experience needed to get the job if no one will hire you without experience? Here are a few ways you can gain experience in supply chain management to better prepare you for applying for a position:

• Obtaining an internship with an industry-related company, such as a consumer packaged goods company, will allow you to work on projects and closely observe the functioning of a supply chain while networking with professionals in the industry.
• Volunteering is also an excellent way to get exposure to the industry and make meaningful professional connections. Targeting smaller businesses or not-for-profit organizations within the industry is a good place to start.
• Certain certification programs can provide you with the knowledge, training, and respected credentials you need to get ahead. Specifically, APICS certification programs are globally recognized within the industry and offer a wide variety of specialized disciplines to help you target your interests, such as Planning and Inventory Management, and Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution, to name a few. To learn more about APICS certifications and credentials, visit ASCM Certificates and Certifications 

Supply chain management salary ranges

Regarding education, supply chain professionals with an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree earn a salary that is about $30,000 higher than the national average. And ASCM’s APICS certification programs are shown to significantly boost base salaries by 27%, while bonuses were 45% higher for professionals with certification.

To learn more about supply chain salaries visit: Highest Paying Supply Chain Careers 

Here are the ranges of some typical supply chain salaries:

• Supply Chain Director: $125,184-$180,000
• Materials Manager: $95,750-$$130,000
• Logistics Manager: $80,000-$120,000
• Inventory Manager: $75,750-$115,500
• Demand Planner: $70,000-$97,250
• Supply Chain Analyst: $66,250-$90,900
• Buyer: $64,000-$$83,162

Networking with other professionals

As with any industry, networking is a great way to advance your career within supply chain management and secure the position you want.

In addition to the internships, volunteering, and certification programs mentioned above, joining associations like the ASCM, attending industry events, and participating in workshops and webinars are other great ways to make connections, gain career advice and support, and raise your professional profile.

To learn more about events within the supply chain management industry