Steps to Building a Successful Career in Supply Chain Management

With many companies expanding globally, the supply chain industry is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses to function effectively.

Medium and large companies now require qualified supply chain managers more than ever to help with the flow of goods and services. 

REGENT offers a BCom in Supply Chain Management that provides students with advanced supply chain and logistics knowledge to build and grow successful careers in this field. 

In this article, we will look at what supply chain management is, the benefits of pursuing a career in this field, and the steps to build and grow your career in the supply chain. 

What is supply chain management?

Supply chain management (SCM) manages the flow of goods and services from supplier to manufacturer, wholesaler to retailer to customer. 

It involves planning, coordinating, and managing all procurement, manufacturing, and delivery activities. 

Key components of supply chain management include: 

• Planning
• Sourcing
• Manufacturing
• Delivery and logistics
• Returns

SCM aims to optimise supply chain operations and help companies achieve a competitive advantage and high customer satisfaction. 

Is supply chain management a promising career?

Supply chain management is considered a promising career for multiple reasons, including but not limited to the following. 

• High demand: The globalisation of businesses and the increasing complexity of supply chain and logistics have made it more difficult to manage operations. This leads to a higher demand for qualified supply chain managers. The top 5 in-demand supply chain management careers include purchasing, operations, supply chain, logistics, and store distribution managers. 

• Diverse opportunities: SCM encompasses various functions, including management, logistics, procurement, and more. This creates opportunities for different career paths and areas of specialisation. 

• Career growth: There are many opportunities to advance your career in supply chain management, from entry-level positions to executive roles such as Supply Chain Manager or Director of Operations. 

• Competitive salaries: Careers in the supply chain often offer high salaries, with the average yearly wage of Supply Chain Managers being over R470,000. However, your salary can significantly differ based on your position. 

• Global perspective: SCM careers often involve working with international partners in global markets. This provides a broad and dynamic professional experience and allows you to learn about different cultures and backgrounds. 

What are the different jobs in supply chain management?

You can choose from many supply chain careers. 

• Chief Supply Chain Officer
• Customer Service Manager
• Demand Planner
• Environmental Compliance Specialist
• ERP Consultant
• Inventory Control Specialist
• Logistics Manager
• Materials Manager
• Operations Manager
• Order Fulfillment Specialist
• Procurement Manager
• Production Planner
• Purchasing Agent
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Quality Control Inspector
• Supply Chain Analyst
• Supply Chain IT Specialist
• Supply Chain Manager
• Sustainability Manager
• Warehouse Manager

How to build a successful supply chain management career

Building a successful supply chain management career involves a combination of education, practical experience, networking, and continuous learning. Here are the key steps you need to take to build your career in supply chain. 

1. Get proper education

Start by obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management or a Bachelor of Business Administration. These degrees will teach you the following supply chain skills: 

• Operational management
• Analytical thinking
• Leadership 
• Problem-solving
• Project management
• Data analysis
• Global trade
• And more

As a result of these skills and knowledge, you can effectively manage a company’s supply chain and logistics operations. 

2. Gain practical experience

Start with entry-level roles such as inventory analyst or supply chain intern to learn foundational and practical skills. 

Some programmes offer internships while studying so you can gain experience and get industry experience at the same time as learning. 

You can also seek opportunities for job rotation within a company where you can do different jobs within the supply chain field to gain experience in different SCM functions. 

REGENT’s programmes are offered via distance learning, meaning you can study while working full or part-time. 

3. Join professional networks

A great way to further your career is to join professional networks, such as The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management (SAPICS), and attend industry conferences and seminars. You can also find a mentor for guidance, advice, and industry insights. 

4. Continue learning and adapting

Keep updated with the latest industry advancements and be willing to adopt new tools to enhance efficiency. Also, continue your education to learn new skills as new processes and systems become available. 

This is especially relevant with the massive growth of AI in the supply chain industry, where many systems and processes are run by artificial intelligence to increase speed and accuracy. 

FAQ

What kind of education or qualifications are required for supply chain management?

A career in supply chain management typically requires formal education and practical experience. There are several educational programmes that equip students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a supply chain management career. 

These include qualifications such as: 

• A Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management
• A Diploma in Supply Chain Management
• A Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management

Students can also pursue other qualifications, such as a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialisation in supply chain management. 

What are some tips for career advancement in supply chain management?

Advancing your career in supply chain management involves strategic planning, networking, and continuous learning. You can move up in this field by doing the following: 

• Pursue continuous education.
• Gain diverse experience working in different areas of the supply chain. 
• Develop your technical skills to keep up with advancements. 
• Build soft skills to become better at communication, problem-solving, and leadership. 
• Network or find a mentor to provide advanced insights. 
• Take on challenging projects to demonstrate your management and critical thinking abilities. 

What type of person is a career in supply chain management a good fit for? 

A career in supply chain management is well-suited for individuals with different skills, interests, and career aspirations. Often, people who perform well in these roles naturally possess some of these traits: 

• Analytical thinkers
• Strong communicators and negotiators
• Organisational skills
• Adaptable and flexible
• Strategic thinkers
• Leadership
• Technologically proficient
• Ethical and responsible
• Resilient

Build a successful supply chain management career with REGENT 

A career in supply chain management holds many benefits, including career growth, high salary potential, diverse roles, and more.

If this sounds like the ideal career for you and you want to hit the ground running, consider enrolling in one of REGENT’s supply chain management programmes, including the Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management or the BCom in Supply Chain Management.