Know all about becoming a Supply Chain Professional

Supply chain management refers to functional management of activities which helps in maximising the customer value. Alternatively, a supply chain gives a sustainable competitive advantage. Activities such as product development, production, sourcing, logistics, and information systems are collectively covered under a supply chain.

A good supply chain professional requires adequate professional as well as educational expertise. Becoming a supply chain manager requires an amalgam of education, training and skills. You can pursue MBA in Supply Chain Management to qualify for becoming a professional supply chain manager. Space below mentions the requirements and process to become a supply chain professional.

Requirements to Become a Supply Chain Manager

A professional supply chain manager would require a minimum of bachelor’s degree, technical skills along with an on fieldwork experience. However, an MBA graduate can easily land a job as a supply chain professional without a work experience.

Educational Requirements

Almost all employers require supply chain managers to have a masters degree in the relevant field. However, candidates having a bachelor’s degree along with adequate work experience. Some of the degree after which one can become a supply chain manager are as follows.

– Bachelor of Business Administration

– Masters of Business Administration (Supply Chain Management)

– Diploma/ Certificate programme in Supply Chain Management

Training Requirements

Supply Chain managers tend to attain an on-the-job training. Most of the employers prefer candidates who are trained in managing supply chains. You can obtain the required training via an internship in the relevant field. With the help of an internship, you will get the benefit in means of the knowledge on the actual field job besides the theoretical knowledge.

However, most of the MBA SCM graduates have the required field exposure via the means of practical assignments and projects.

Skills Required

An adequate supply chain manager must have the following skill-set

– data analysis

– inventory management

– seamless order placement

– Following laws for the practice

– understanding Business Strategy

– decision making

– Project management

– Technical understanding

– Cost accounting skills

– Understanding of e-business/e-procurement systems

– Problem-solving skills

– Understanding of cross-cultural/global issues

– Ability to logically organise thoughts

– Time management

– Understanding of customer’s expectations

– Vision to create the work environment

– Ability to think on one's feet

Stages in Becoming a Supply Chain Manager

You must consider the education and experience in various stages to become a successful supply chain manager and get a decent package. The following stages will make the career path as a supply chain manager easier.

1st Stage - Earn a bachelor’s degree program (Preferably BBA)

2nd Stage - Gain work experience

3rd Stage - Master essential skills (including those mentioned above)

4th Stage - Earn a professional degree (such as an MBA or Diploma in Supply Chain Management)

Job Profiles after Supply Chain Management

Candidates can get a job after completing a degree/diploma/ certification in supply chain management. Some of the job profiles for a supply chain manager are as follows.

– Purchasing Agent

– Operations Manager

– Logistics Analyst

– Logistician

– Logistics Manager

– Storage and Distribution Manager