Who is a Supply Chain Manager?
Supply Chain Managers are pivotal players in the logistics planning process. They help companies identify problems as they develop, manufacture, store, and ship products. They must be able to create strategies by analyzing information and processes and present their findings.
Supply Chain Management requires an understanding of accounting, legal documents, and building lasting relationships as they increase efficiency and focus on warehouse optimization.
What does a Supply Chain Manager do?
Supply Chain Managers play a major role in the manufacturing process. From the time a company begins the new product development process to the time the finished product is shipped, Supply Chain Managers, or SCMs, impact their companies by lending their expertise to developing strategies to increase safety, efficiency, and productivity.
Job brief
As a supply chain manager, you'll oversee and manage every stage of the production flow, from purchasing the raw materials to the delivery of the final product.
You'll ensure the right amount of product is made at the right time, as well as coordinate the storage of the product. Organizing the movement of goods from distribution centers to customers and stores involves forecasting trends and managing inventories.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develops appropriate supply chain strategy to maximize customer satisfaction at the lowest possible cost.
- Leads the supply chain team in executing best practices and measuring performance through agreed-upon Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Directs and coordinates global supply chain functions through strategy, resource optimization, profitability maximization, and KPIs resulting in the maximization of customer satisfaction.
- Plan, manage and coordinate all activities related to the sourcing and procurement of necessary materials and supplies needed to meet the changing levels of product demand.
- Works with the plant, warehouse, and logistics departments to determine and set up intercompany transfers.
- Works directly with the sales department to determine the most cost-effective distribution solution for finished goods transportation to customers.
- Monitors and corrects inventory levels at outside warehouses (3PL) and internally to ensure rotation and maximize working capital.
- Works with freight forwards and transportation companies to set the best route and rate (reviews and approves all freight terms and agreements).
- Collaborates with procurement department to determine best practices for freight in and freight consolidation.
- Supports proper utilization of ERP system (Planning Edge, Accellos).
- Member of the operations staff, responsible to routinely report on department KPIs along with appropriate analysis and countermeasures where necessary.
Key requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
- May require experience in a related field.
- Ability to manage logistics of all aspects of the supply chain, from product development to the shipment of finished items.
- Understanding of accounting or finance.
- Must be able to comprehend legal documents.
- Strong communication skills and the desire to build lasting relationships with people all over the world.
