Supply chain managers are crucial to the global economy. They represent a unique discipline responsible for supporting the global network of delivering products and services across the entire supply chain, from raw materials to end customers. Specifically, supply chain managers engage in the design, planning, execution, control, and supervision of supply chain activities with the objectives of creating net value, building a competitive infrastructure, leveraging worldwide logistics, synchronizing supply with demand, and measuring performance globally.
The supply chain manager coordinates the logistics of all aspects of the supply chain which consists of following parts:
The plan or strategy
The source (of raw materials or services)
Manufacturing (focused on productivity and efficiency)
Delivery and logistics
The return system (for defective or unwanted products)
The supply chain manager strives to minimize shortages and keep costs down. The job is not only about logistics, production planning, purchasing, and inventory. Supply chain managers, “make recommendations to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency of operations.” Improvements in productivity and efficiency significantly impact the bottom line of a company and have a real and lasting impact.
Supply Chain Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Oversee creation of processes and methods to gather supply chain data
Process data, identifying problematic areas and suggesting improvements
Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills
Design and implement necessary supply chain optimization projects
Develop requirements and standards (e.g. procurement, shipping, etc.)
Analyze, optimize, and oversee inventory procedures
Commitment to uncovering the most cost-effective shipping modes and schedules
Assess vendor operations (e.g. freight) according to quality benchmarks and standards
Foster strong partnerships with other businesses
Work with IT professionals to implement efficient systems
Track KPIs and generate reports for supply chain performance
Create supply chain management strategies that increase efficiency and speed
Provide operational support and guidance to ensure maximum productivity
Train and mentor SCM employees
Collaborate with other departments to identify vulnerabilities and close operational gaps
Focus on safety, cost management and business growth in all interactions and directives
Body of knowledge
Performance trade-offs
Warehouse management
Transportation management
Supply chain synchronization
Risk management
Sustainability
Location facilities
Distribution
Warehousing
Logistics
International regulations
Strategic sourcing and supplier relationship
Customer relationship management
Applying lean and six sigma tools
Strategy development and application
Supply chain management
Process improvement and six sigma
Execution, planning, scheduling control
Project management
Lean management
Foundations of business management
Operations and enterprise economics