Job Responsibilities
As a manager you will be in charge of expenses and seeing where the business can save money. You will also oversee productivity and inventory. This data will be recorded and presented to your superiors.
You will negotiate deals with suppliers, giving instructions to members of your team.
You will need to develop new plans and strategies. This will include strategies on how the business can cut costs and plan to optimize productivity.
As a supply chain manager you will arrange contacts and deals with shipping companies to move your products from where it is being made to where it is sold.
What to Study
Supply Chain Management: Comprehensive Course
Supply Chain Management: Certificate Course
Supply Chain Management: Short Course Certificate
What is Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain management (SCM) follows the production and delivery process of a product. There are different levels to this process. Businesses that manufacture products are unable to run without a supply chain manager.
What is the Role of a Supply Chain Manager?
Supply chain managers are responsible for managing relationships with suppliers and distributors. In this role you will oversee the making of the product as well as keeping track of the inventory. The key purpose of your role is to see that the needs of your business and customers are met.
How to Become a Supply Chain Manager
Getting a good quality education will give you the knowledge needed to do the job. Skills Academy offers three excellent Supply Chain and Logistics Management courses. These courses range between short, certificate and comprehensive courses. They are tailored to fit in with your lifestyle by being done through distance learning.
Take a look at our courses to see entry requirements and what subjects you will be doing.
Benefits of being a Supply Chain Manager
Once you start your career in supply chain management, you will see that there are lots of benefits to it. These benefits are what attract people to this particular career field. Below are the top three benefits of being a supply chain manager.
Job Availability
There is a great demand for someone to manage this process. There are an estimated 900 job supply chain managers jobs available in South Africa. This shows you that if you choose to enter into this industry, you will never have to worry about having a job.
Transferable Skills
In your time as a supply chain manager you will work through most areas of a business. This is because you need to have a good understanding of all sides of the business.
Opportunity to Work Overseas
Having to travel to different countries for your job can be very exciting. If you join a global company, you might have to travel from time to time. This could be used to your advantage if you want to go into international business.
Skills Needed to be a Supply Chain Manager
For supply chain management you will need a combination of hard and soft skills. Good communication and management skills are very important in this role. These skills will not only impress potential employees but it will also allow you to do your job.
Soft Skills
- Leadership
- Desire to learn
- Time management
- Good communication- written and verbal
Hard Skills
- Project management
- Business ethics
- Technical understanding
- Understanding financial statements
Duties of a Supply Chain Manager
Regardless of the industry you go into, supply chain managers have similar duties. Your studies will give you the knowledge and skills to do and complete these duties.
Here are a few basic duties you will have:
Management
As a manager you will be in charge of expenses and seeing where the business can save money. You will also oversee productivity and inventory. This data will be recorded and presented to your superiors.
Communication
You will negotiate deals with suppliers, giving instructions to members of your team.
Planning and analyzing
You will need to develop new plans and strategies. This will include strategies on how the business can cut costs and plan to optimize productivity.
Transportation
As a supply chain manager you will arrange contacts and deals with shipping companies to move your products from where it is being made to where it is sold.
How Much do Supply Chain Managers Earn?
Everyone wants to have a stable, sustainable income. In your career in supply chain management you can earn between R293,620 to R700,000 a year. This depends on your hard work, dedication and experience.
Are you Ready to Start Your Career Today?
If you have any questions or would like to start your registration process, contact one of our course professionals today.
- Complete our online registration form
- Call us for free at 0800 39 0027
- Chat to us on Whatsapp at 082 318 8892
Author: Tia Sauls
Last Updated: May 7, 2020