What are the Different Supply Chain Careers?

There are many diverse paths to choose in the field of supply chain careers. In any division, each plays an essential role in productivity, primarily in the retail environment. Some of the most notable supply chain careers include working in the manufacturing, transportation and warehousing divisions, as well as supply chain managers and analysts.

Manufacturing divisions of supply chain careers create and develop the products that are delivered to stores. Workers in this division might be generalized to dairy and meat processing plants, ice cream plants, floral plants and bakeries, to name a few. In the manufacturing division of supply chain careers, there are a wide array of options in which one can specialize. This includes maintenance, quality insurance, safety, sanitation, customer service and technical support. Most of the jobs in this field of supply chain careers involve trained specialists with expertise in microbiology and engineering, as well as workers in the food industry.

The transportation aspect of a supply chain career involves the shipping of goods to retail stores and companies. Typically sending out shipments of several thousand items per week, these delivery operations can vary widely in terms of the diversity of the goods delivered. Dispatchers make up a good portion of this department, as do dockworkers.

Transportation plays an integral part of supply chain careers, but teamwork is the main aspect in all fields. Fleet maintenance and diesel mechanics comprise a large percentage of the transportation division. Logistics and scheduling are other areas within the same department.

Warehousing divisions of supply chain careers include forklift operators and inventory specialists. Workers in the receiving department are in the main area of action. This is where the primary bulk of supplies are housed, so workers who commit to this position are indispensable to the company.

There are specialty divisions that allow for trained individuals to oversee management and development of a particular company. A prime example is the supply chain solutions manager, a position that showcases an expertise in network design. Supply chain management is a growing field. This position provides technical support solutions as well. A supply chain analyst is invaluable in providing reports and data on various levels of the company.

Procurement assistants coordinate purchasing decisions, negotiating costs of merchandise. These workers typically document every purchasing decision and keep records of essential transactions. Outstanding organizational skills generally are required, as is proficiency in computer programs.

Other career choices in this field, which are distinctive yet similar, all play key roles. Supply chain courses and supply chain degrees are helpful in pursuing this career option. The choices are nearly limitless in the field of supply chain careers, but the diversified aspects of these careers share one vital purpose. Working together toward a common goal, those involved have learned to integrate science, technology and business to bring success to a company.