What do supply chain managers do?

Discover the key roles, responsibilities, and skills of modern Supply Chain Managers, and learn how an MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Hull Online can advance your career.

 
If you’re interested in learning more about the role of Supply Chain Managers, including their key duties and responsibilities, read on for all you need to know. 

The importance of a Supply Chain Manager

 
Particularly in today’s interconnected world, Supply Chain Managers play a crucial role in ensuring efficient flow of goods and services, spanning multiple countries and global networks.

Supply Chain Managers are invaluable within organisations, as they aid the management of risk, minimise costs where possible and respond to changing market demands where necessary.

In turn, this ensures that businesses can function effectively and grow, as well as maintaining customer satisfaction and employee morale.

Focuses of modern-day Supply Chain Managers 

The role of modern-day Supply Chain Managers goes far beyond logistics, which was traditionally the focus of anyone in this role; their day-to-day involves optimising processes, managing risks and driving innovation across the whole supply chain.

Read on to discover the key responsibilities of a modern Supply Chain Manager.  

Key duties and responsibilities of a Supply Chain Manager 

• Logistics – Similarly to traditional Supply Chain Managers of yesteryear, modern-day Supply Chain Managers coordinate the transportation of goods, procurement, oversee warehousing and ensure that products move smoothly from the suppliers to customers within the timeframes agreed. 
   

• Risk Management – A key part of a Supply Chain Manager’s role is identifying potential risks, such as supply disruptions, availability, or market fluctuations, and developing strategies to mitigate these risks to maintain supply chain resilience. 
   

• Improving Processes – As part of their role, Supply Chain Managers are expected to implement advances in technology with an aim of streamlining operations and boosting efficiency, as well as managing the roll out of such technologies within their teams. 
   

• Driving Innovation – Modern-day Supply Chain Managers lead initiatives to implement new technologies and practices, aiming to enhance sustainability, reduce costs and drive continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.
  

Supply Chain Manager skills 

In order to become a Supply Chain Manager, there are many skills needed to be successful. If you’re interested in progressing your career in this sector, take a look here for the hard and soft skills required:

Supply Chain Manager soft skills 

• Communication 

• Problem solving  

• Leadership  

• Adaptability  

• Negotiation 

Supply Chain Manager hard skills 

• Data analysis  

• Inventory management – to manage stock levels, reduce waste and ensure timely replenishment of goods, for instance 

• Supply chain management systems – Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software like SAP or Oracle is desired 

• Logistics and transportation management  

• Financial knowledge – Regarding cost structures and budgeting for projects

 
How an MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management can support you  

If you’re interested in embarking upon your journey into supply chain management, our MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management could be for you. Hull University Business School has responded to this global demand by designing an online master’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, which deals with the challenges of today’s competitive business arena.

The course will open doors to multiple career opportunities in supply chain management, and equip you with the skills you need to succeed. Our course is 100% online, and part-time over two years, meaning you can work your studies around your existing commitments.