Whether you are just embarking on your initial journey in the world of work, are wanting a change of career, or even if you just want to make yourself more valuable, and even indispensable in your current job, pursuing a career within the supply chain and logistics management industry provides so many opportunities for an exciting and diverse career.
However, before you start taking the necessary steps to become qualified within this sector, it is extremely helpful to know exactly what type of jobs will be available to you once you complete your studies.
So, let’s take a look at the most popular (and rewarding) careers that you could pursue within the supply chain and logistics management sector as well as the skills and qualifications needed to become a success within this industry.
What skills do you need to be successful in a supply chain & logistics management role?
Not everybody has the right personality and soft skillset needed to flourish in a supply chain or logistics management role. It is a demanding and challenging job that requires you to be able to think on your feet and lead a team with confidence.
Soft skills you should preferably have include:
- Excellent leadership qualities
- Logical thinking
- Strong analytical skills
- Highly effective communication skills
- The desire and will to learn new skills
- The ability to adapt to changing technologies and new trends
- Confidence in your abilities and decisions
- Ability to think on your feet
- Ability and patience to mentor your team
- Outstanding time management skills
- Understanding of customer expectations
- Ability to speak other languages
What qualifications do you need to be in supply chain or logistics management roles?
As you would expect for this type of highly skilled and in demand career path, it is vital that you have the necessary qualifications that the most sought-after companies expect from their potential employees.
As a bare minimum to get into this industry, you will need either:
- A business studies degree
- An MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree
However, if you are wanting to earn the big bucks and want to have a massive advantage over the other candidates, then you should consider studying for:
This level of qualification within the supply chain & logistics field will teach you invaluable skills and expertise including:
- Traditional operational skills
- Knowledge on emerging technologies
- Cultural and environmental considerations
- The chance to improve upon the above listed soft skills
Areas of supply chain & logistics that you will most likely be required to study include:
- Supply chain principles
- Business Analytics
- Supply chain sustainability
- E-business supply chains
- International logistics
- Distribution & freight Logistics
What type of Logistics and Supply Chain Management careers will be available to you after your studies?
The supply chain and logistics industry is an exciting and varied one, where boredom is seldom found.
Some of the most popular and rewarding jobs include:
1. Industry Analyst
The job of an industry analyst is to interview individuals within several aspects of a business including manufacturing, inventory, logistics and procurement in order to establish the company’s business processes and supply chain requirements.
Of course, you need to have strong analytical skills, plus you need to be accurate and have strong attention to detail.
2. Project Manager
You will be developing and managing projects with the aim to improve operations within the supply chain. You need to have strong leadership skills and the ability to effectively communicate with your team.
3. Global Logistics Manager
You will be required to negotiate and set up contracts with both suppliers and carriers, develop supply chain strategies, as well as oversee the day to day running and management of the company’s logistic functions.
You need to have excellent interpersonal skills, be adept at data analysis, and have a proven track record in problem-solving.
4. Supply Chain Manager
As a supply chain manager, you will be responsible for managing the business’ supply chain and logistics strategy to improve its overall efficiency and productivity.
You will need to have outstanding
interpersonal skills as you will be required to deal with distributors and suppliers on a daily basis, plus you need to be knowledgeable in business ethics and e-business/e-procurement systems.
5. Purchasing or Procurement Manager
As you would expect, a purchasing manager will be in charge of overseeing the company’s purchasing department.
You need to be organized, knowledgeable of the company strategies, understand business ethics and have second to none
negotiation skills.
6. Logistics Manager
As a logistics manager, your key responsibilities will be organizing and monitoring both the storage and distribution of your company’s goods, with the aim to improve upon business development and ultimately ensure customer satisfaction. You may also be required to manage the company’s sustainability efforts that are in direct correlation with your areas within the business.
Key skills you need include:
- The ability to work well as a team
- Strong problem-solving and logical reasoning skills
- A creative mind
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong leadership qualities
- Data analysis including the ability to work with electronic data
7. Operations Research Analyst
You will actively help businesses to operate more efficiently and in a more cost-effective way, through the implementation of processes such as optimization, data mining, mathematical modelling and statistical analysis.
Obviously, you need to have excellent analytical skills, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with both lower and higher-level employees. You will also need good math and possess writing skills, plus the ability to see the bigger picture.
Whichever career within the supply chain & logistics management industry you have your heart set on, or even if you are not sure which direction you want to go in yet, a masters degree in this industry is always going to stand the test of time.
The industry is going from strength to strength, the emergence of new technologies means that the work is as diverse and exciting as it has ever been, and the pay is pretty impressive.
You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain,
so what are you waiting for?
