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How to Become a Supply Chain Manager

If you’re considering a career in supply chain management, you’re probably wondering what it takes to become a successful supply chain manager. Here are five important tips to help you get started:

  1. Get a degree in business or supply chain management.
  2. Start your career in an entry-level position in logistics or procurement.
  3. Develop a strong understanding of supply chain operations.
  4. Build a network of contacts in the industry.
  5. Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in supply chain management! Let’s unpack these in detail!

1. Get a degree in business or supply chain management

A college degree is not strictly required to become a supply chain manager, but it will give you a strong foundation in the principles of business and logistics. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in supply chain management, consider earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in supply chain management or a similar field.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can still pursue a career in supply chain management by earning a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in supply chain management.

If you are considering getting another degree, looking at online MBA Supply Chain no GMAT programs is a great option that can offer you a lot of flexibility.

2. Start your career in an entry-level position in logistics or procurement

While you don’t need to have years of experience to become a supply chain manager, it is important to have a strong understanding of how logistics and procurement work. The best way to gain this knowledge is to start your career in an entry-level position in one of these two fields.

In a logistics role, you’ll learn about the transportation and storage of goods, as well as the systems and software used to track inventory levels and shipments.

In a procurement role, you’ll be responsible for sourcing and purchasing the raw materials and finished goods that are used by the company. You’ll also negotiate contracts with suppliers and manage supplier relationships.

3. Develop a strong understanding of supply chain operations

To be a successful supply chain manager, you need to have a strong understanding of how supply chains work. This means having knowledge of topics like inventory management, transportation, warehousing, and customer service.

One way to develop this understanding is to get a certification in supply chain management from a professional organization like the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) or the International Supply Chain Management Institute (ISCM).

4. Build a network of contacts in the industry

Networking is an important part of any career, but it’s especially important in supply chain management. This is because the supply chain industry is very complex, and it’s important to have a network of contacts who can help you navigate the complexities.

One way to build your network is to join a professional organization like APICS or ISCM. These organizations offer networking opportunities, as well as educational resources and job boards.

Another way to build your network is to attend industry events, such as trade shows and conferences. These events are great places to meet other professionals in the supply chain industry and learn about new trends and best practices.

5. Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices

The supply chain industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices. One way to do this is to read trade publications.

You can also stay up to date by attending industry events like the ones mentioned in tip #4. Attendance at these events will also help you build your network, which is another important part of being a successful supply chain manager.

Final Thoughts

Overall, becoming a supply chain manager requires a mix of formal education, work experience, and industry knowledge. It’s also important to have a strong network of contacts in the industry, as well as stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a successful career in supply chain management.

Marco Polo
Marco Polo
Marco Polo is the admin of sparebusiness.com. He is dedicated to provide informative news about all kind of business, finance, technology, digital marketing, real estate etc.
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