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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Manager – Supply Chain

💰 $110,000 - $165,000 annually, depending on experience and location

Supply ChainManagementLogisticsOperationsProcurement

🎯 Role Definition

The Manager – Supply Chain is a critical leadership role responsible for architecting and executing the end-to-end supply chain strategy. This individual acts as the central hub connecting procurement, logistics, inventory management, and planning to ensure the seamless and cost-effective flow of goods from supplier to customer. More than just an operational overseer, this manager is a strategic partner to the business, driving efficiency, mitigating risk, and building a resilient supply chain that can adapt to market dynamics. They lead a dedicated team and collaborate across departments to align supply chain activities with broader company objectives, ultimately impacting profitability and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Supply Chain Analyst / Planner
  • Logistics Supervisor / Coordinator
  • Senior Buyer / Procurement Specialist
  • Operations Supervisor

Advancement To:

  • Senior Manager, Supply Chain
  • Director of Supply Chain
  • Director of Operations
  • Head of Logistics

Lateral Moves:

  • Procurement Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Global Sourcing Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Architect, implement, and continuously refine the overarching supply chain strategy to enhance operational efficiency, minimize costs, and elevate customer service levels.
  • Provide comprehensive oversight and management of all logistics and supply chain functions, including strategic sourcing, purchasing, inventory control, warehousing, and transportation.
  • Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, collaborating with sales, marketing, and finance to develop accurate demand forecasts that ensure product availability while minimizing carrying costs.
  • Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with key suppliers, manufacturers, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers, negotiating contracts to secure favorable terms and ensure reliability.
  • Define, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, inventory turnover, forecast accuracy, and total landed cost to drive data-informed continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Utilize advanced data analytics and supply chain modeling to proactively identify operational bottlenecks, assess potential risks, and uncover opportunities for process optimization.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of supply chain professionals, setting clear performance objectives, providing constructive coaching, and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all relevant domestic and international trade regulations, customs laws, and safety standards, safeguarding the company from legal and financial risks.
  • Champion the evaluation and adoption of new supply chain technologies, including ERP enhancements, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Transportation Management Systems (TMS), to boost automation and visibility.
  • Act as the primary liaison between the supply chain department and other business units, including Production, Sales, and Finance, to ensure alignment and cohesive execution of business goals.
  • Develop and manage the annual departmental budget, meticulously controlling expenses and identifying sustainable cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing quality or service.
  • Spearhead supply chain risk management by identifying potential disruptions (e.g., geopolitical, environmental, supplier failure) and developing robust contingency and business continuity plans.
  • Direct the complete order fulfillment lifecycle, from order entry through to final delivery, ensuring impeccable accuracy, timeliness, and a positive customer experience.
  • Oversee all facets of warehouse and distribution center operations, optimizing layout, workflows, and resource allocation for maximum efficiency and safety.
  • Drive sustainability initiatives within the supply chain by exploring and implementing green logistics, responsible sourcing, and circular economy principles.
  • Establish and enforce rigorous inventory control policies and cycle counting programs across all storage locations to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy and optimize stock levels.
  • Lead the supplier selection and qualification process, conducting thorough assessments of potential partners based on quality, cost, delivery performance, and overall capability.
  • Prepare and deliver compelling presentations on supply chain performance, strategic projects, and key initiatives to the senior leadership team.
  • Serve as the final escalation point for resolving complex logistical challenges, supplier disputes, or operational disruptions, providing decisive and effective solutions.
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement by deploying methodologies like Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to systematically eliminate waste and enhance productivity.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and actively participate in the professional development of junior supply chain staff, creating growth plans and sharing industry knowledge.
  • Represent the supply chain function in cross-functional projects, such as new product introductions (NPI), ensuring supply chain readiness and feasibility.
  • Contribute to the creation and maintenance of comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all key supply chain processes.
  • Stay informed of emerging industry trends, technologies, and best practices, sharing insights and recommendations with the wider organization.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • ERP System Proficiency: Deep, hands-on experience with major ERP systems like SAP (S/4HANA, ECC), Oracle (NetSuite, Fusion), or Microsoft Dynamics 365.
  • Advanced Planning Systems (APS): Expertise in using advanced planning and scheduling software for demand forecasting and supply planning.
  • Inventory Management & Optimization: Strong command of inventory control techniques (e.g., ABC analysis, safety stock calculation, JIT) and optimization strategies.
  • Logistics & Network Design: In-depth knowledge of transportation modes, warehouse management (WMS), and logistics network optimization.
  • Data Analysis & Visualization: Ability to analyze large datasets and create compelling reports using tools like advanced Excel, Tableau, or Power BI.
  • Contract Negotiation & Supplier Management: Proven ability to negotiate complex contracts and manage supplier relationships (SRM) and performance scorecards.
  • Continuous Improvement Methodologies: Certification or practical experience in Lean, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred), or other process improvement frameworks.
  • Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of P&L statements, budget management, cost accounting, and the financial impact of supply chain decisions.
  • Global Trade Compliance: Familiarity with Incoterms, customs regulations, import/export documentation, and tariffs.
  • Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion, on time and within budget.

Soft Skills

  • Strategic & Systems Thinking: Ability to see the big picture and understand how different parts of the supply chain and business interconnect.
  • Leadership & People Management: Inspiring and effective leader capable of building, motivating, and developing high-performing teams.
  • Exceptional Communication: Articulate and persuasive communicator, able to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences, from warehouse staff to C-level executives.
  • Negotiation & Influence: Skilled negotiator who can build consensus and influence outcomes with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A data-driven approach to identifying root causes of problems and developing robust, well-reasoned solutions.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can effectively manage ambiguity, stress, and unforeseen disruptions.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: A natural team player who builds strong relationships and works effectively across different departments and functions.
  • Decisiveness: Confident in making timely, well-informed decisions, even with incomplete information.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s Degree (MBA, MS in Supply Chain Management) or relevant professional certifications (e.g., APICS CSCP, CPIM; ISM CPSM).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7-10+ years of progressive experience within the supply chain, logistics, or procurement fields.

Preferred: At least 3-5 years of direct people management and leadership experience is strongly preferred. Experience in a similar industry (e.g., manufacturing, retail, CPG) is a significant asset.

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