Pursuing a career as a supply chain manager entails using critical thinking and organizational abilities in the flow of products. This career path has gained significant importance due to its role in growing the economy and expanding trade networks. Therefore, pursuing a career as a supply chain manager offers a bright future in a vibrant and expanding field.

A supply chain manager is in charge of overseeing the process of delivering a product from the manufacturer to the buyer. Additionally, they also analyse data to optimise the supply chain, decrease expenses and increase profitability. They influence our daily lives by accelerating the movement of commodities from raw materials to the finished product.

In this piece, you will learn about this fast-growing career and how to become a supply chain manager.

How to Become a Supply Chain Manager

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

   This is the first step to take when pursuing a career as a supply chain manager. You can obtain a bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as business administration, systems engineering, logistics or supply chain management.

2. Develop Relevant Skills

   As an aspiring supply chain manager, you need a diverse set of skills to excel. You should develop skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication and strategic planning. Additionally, you should be proficient in using software such as enterprise resource planning and data analysis.

3. Gain Experience

   You can gain experience in this industry through internships or entry-level jobs. This experience is vital as it helps you understand supply chain operations as well as develop your skills. Additionally, it lays the groundwork for you to advance to management positions. You can gain experience in areas such as procurement, operations planning, logistics, or inventory management.

4. Earn Professional Certification

   Earning professional certifications positions you as a top candidate. This is because it proves your competence and showcases your skills. This is not a compulsory requirement. However, it is an effective way to develop your career.

5. Join Professional Associations

   Joining a professional association is vital for your career growth. It can enable you to build a professional network which is also essential for professional advancement. Additionally, you should attend events such as seminars, and business conferences. These events provide opportunities such as learning, mentoring and jobs.

6. Commit to Continuous Learning

   This field is constantly changing. You must keep up with market trends, new technological developments, and industry best practices. Additionally, you can also keep up with industry publications, research and developments.

Certifications to Earn as a Supply Chain Manager

1. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
2. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
3. Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM)
4. Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Professional
5. Certified Green Supply Chain Professional (CGSCP)
6. Certified Professional in Demand Forecasting (CPDF)
7. Project Management Professional (PMP)1

Skills Needed to Become a Supply Chain Manager

1. Logical and systematic approach to planning
2. Decision-making
3. Problem-solving
4. Negotiation
5. Management skills
6. Analytical thinking
7. Communication skills
8. Leadership
9. IT literacy
10. Time management

Types of Supply Chain Managers

1. Operations Manager

   They are in charge of overseeing the general operations of the supply chain. Additionally, they collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams to match operations with corporate goals and guarantee smooth supply chain management.

2. Sustainability Manager

   They are in charge of creating and putting into practice sustainable sourcing strategies, lowering carbon footprint, assuring moral supply chain practises, and advancing CSR within the supply chain. Generally, they put a lot of effort into making supply chain activities more sustainable on an ecological as well as social level.

3. Inventory Manager

   Inventory managers are in charge of maintaining inventory levels and streamlining inventory management procedures. They employ inventory management strategies such as projections of demand, safety stock analysis, and order optimisation to keep the right amount of inventory on hand.

4. Demand Planner

   They collaborate actively with the sales, marketing, and manufacturing teams to guarantee the accuracy of demand projections and the alignment of supply chain activities with client expectations. Additionally, they forecast projected demand by looking at past data, market dynamics, and consumer preferences.

5. Procurement Manager

   Procurement managers are responsible for an organization’s global purchasing and sourcing of goods and services. Additionally, they collaborate closely with vendors to maintain vendor relationships and optimise the procurement process.

6. Logistics Manager

   Logistics managers are in charge of commodities shipment, storage, and delivery along the supply chain. Furthermore, they collaborate regularly with transporters, shipping companies, and warehouse staff to streamline logistical processes.

7. Supplier Relationship Manager

   Supplier relationship managers are responsible for developing and sustaining solid connections with suppliers.

Universities in Africa that Offer Supply Chain Management

1. University of Johannesburg, South Africa
2. University of Pretoria, South Africa
3. National Open University, Nigeria
4. University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
5. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
6. University of South Africa, South Africa
7. Zagazig University, Egypt
8. University of Sfax, Tunisia
9. Mohammed V University, Morocco
10. University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
11. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
12. Vaal University of Technology, South Africa
13. University of Nairobi, Kenya
14. Cairo University, Egypt
15. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
16. University of Cape Town, South Africa
17. Tunis University, Tunisia

In Summary, pursuing a career as a supply chain manager offers a promising future in a dynamic and growing field. However, you can only succeed in this field with the right skill set and experience. As a supply chain manager, you can work in places such as manufacturing facilities, warehouse sites, remote or supplier sites.

Good luck!

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