What Does a Supply Chain Manager Do?
A supply chain manager is responsible for managing and organizing the activities involved with the identification, acquisition, and distribution of goods and information through the complete supply chain system. Supply chain management commences with the acquisition of raw resources and ends with the delivery of final goods to customers. This profession requires individuals who possess the ability to network and coordinate events with business partners and service firms covering a wide variety of sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing. Information management and distribution management are also play important roles in this relationship.
Careers as a supply chain manager are available in nearly every segment of industry. Supply chain management is utilized in government, manufacturing and communication. The retail, education and the service sectors also offer opportunities to supply chain management professionals. Some individuals in the field chose to focus on specialized areas to develop expertise, such as warehousing, e-commerce, or technology.
At one time, the supply chain manager position was essentially a contract management function that coordinated and supervised the work of distributors, dealers and suppliers. Many of the tasks that were once associated with the position were primarily manual functions consisting of purchasing, ordering and inventory control. Today, many of those tasks have been automated. The duties of a supply chain manager have grown and developed over recent years, and the depth and scope of supply chain manager responsibilities often depend on the size of the company.
In some organizations supply managers have multiple responsibilities. In other organizations, they may manage a particular area, supervise contract development, or play a key role in the product design process. Not only are they more active in inventory control and product development, but many supply managers also have expanded responsibilities in assessment, and policy-making. They are required to be proactive and versed in strategic planning and formulating partnerships to create better value for their company.
Supply chain management may be just as critical to an organization’s success as other business functions, such as sales, finance, or human resources. A supply manager must possess the requisite skills and ability to organize and coordinate the logistical aspects of working with members of the supply network to meet the needs of the organization. He or she must ensure that there is an optimal quantity of materials and supplies on hand for meeting production schedules and other needs of the organization.
Managers are expected to master the on-going challenge of effectively and efficiently managing the company’s limited resources by obtaining the best prices for raw materials, in the necessary quantities, and without unnecessarily tying up valuable resources in inventory. Decisions made at the supply manager level can significantly affect the profitability and operational success of an organization
Written by John B Landers
