Is Supply Chain Management a good career path?

Supply Chain Management is the process of coordinating the flow of goods right from the acquisition of the raw materials, to processing, then the final product down to the end consumer. This is achieved through the collaboration of different network organizations, activities, relevant resources, and technologies. While many people may want to think of logistics as a supply chain, it is just an element of the supply chain needed to fulfill the entire process. 

Several people work in the supply chain industry, playing different roles and delivering accordingly. Although the profitability and earning potential in supply chain management are dependent on various factors such as the specific role, organization, and level of experience, it truly gives a promising prospect for individuals in the field. 

Why Supply Chain Management?

Over the years, the effective management of the supply chain has caused a positive global impact on the economy, created more jobs, and increased the standard of living. Supply chain management provides all effective logistics and transportation processes that are necessary to optimize routes and reduce transportation costs. Also, it improves the flow of information and enhances visibility throughout the supply chain. This way, customers are satisfied, and operational efficiency is top tier. 

Who Can Work in Supply Chain Management? 

A long list of roles comes to play in supply chain management but here are a few: 

• Logistics manager

• Procurement managed

• Supply relationship manager

• Production manager

• Sustainability manager

• Sourcing manager

• Storage manager 

• Transport manager

• Project Manager

• Business Analyst

• Operations Manager

Roles and positions within supply chain management are usually dependent on the size and complexity of the organization. While some roles may not be needed in a company because it is a startup, big companies have several roles running because they have a large customer base to cater to. 

Read also >>> Job description and average salary of Logistics manager jobs in Nigeria

How can I work in the supply chain?

The supply chain has career opportunities lined out for people who can do the work. Therefore, to work in the field, you must review your skills and select the position that suits them. If you are calm, and have good time management, communication, navigation, and driving skills, you can join the transport team; this applies to every other role that interests you within the enterprise. However, if you don't have the skills required for your preferred role, you can invest in taking courses or training that will present you as an ideal candidate for the job. 

Essential Skills for a Career in Supply Chain Management 

Although skills required for different roles within the supply chain management industry can vary, there are fundamental skills that are applicable across various positions within the field. These skills include: 

• Communication skills

• Collaboration skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Research skills

• Adaptability and Resilience

• Negotiation skills

• Project management

• Analytical skills

• Accountability. 

Educational Requirements for a Career in Supply Chain Management 

Educational requirements can be a plus, but looking at the future of hiring, especially for an industry like the supply chain, employers would prefer special certifications for specific roles. This means that you must have what it takes to work that position in the industry. On the flip side, if you are earning a bachelor's degree, it should be in related courses such as business administration or logistics operation. However, some supply-chain-related online courses that you can take include: 

• Facility Management

• Procurement and Contract Management

• Business process management

• Quality Assurance and more. 

You can also check out the available certifications on online course providers such as Coursera, Udemy,  Alison, and many others. 

Supply Chain Management Software

Supply Chain Management software is important to fastrack efficiency, improve inventory management, enhance collaboration with suppliers, and optimize general operations. Businesses and Organizations can make accurate demand predictions, track supplied performance, and ensure adequate logistics. SCM software comes in different types and they include: 

• Freight POP

• Shippabo

• Anvyl

• Precoro

• Net suite

• Logiwa WMS

The purpose of leaning toward SCM software is to get help with accomplishing several tasks which may include supply planning, collaboration, workflow approval, e-commerce, automation, and more.

How much salary do the people in Supply Chain Management earn? 

Just like the roles in the industry vary, the remuneration does too depending on the position, level of expertise, size, and type of the organization. According to Glassdoor, here are the average salaries  for some positions: 

• Supply Manager - NGN 700,000 monthly

• Procurement Manager - NGN 275,000 monthly

• Operations Manager - NGN 250,000 monthly

• Business Analyst - NGN 500,000 monthly 

• Logistics Manager - NGN 450,000 monthly 

Note that these salaries may not be the exact ones but it gives you an insight into what to expect.