In today’s inextricably intertwined global economy, supply chain managers are tasked with navigating the complexities of supply chains while ensuring that products reach consumers to meet demand. If you’re interested in this type of fast-paced work, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Supply Chain Management may be your gateway to diverse and rewarding career opportunities.
Understanding Supply Chain Management
Is supply chain management a good career for you? Before you can decide, it’s helpful to have a solid understanding of what supply chain management is and what a career in SCM entails.
In simplest terms, supply chain management refers to the coordination of production, inventory, location, and transportation among participants within a supply chain. The end goal? To achieve the optimal mix of responsiveness and efficiency.
Components of SCM
There are several core components of effective supply chain management, all of which are key to keeping costs down while maximizing efficiency and overall customer satisfaction:
- Planning (setting short- and long-term goals based on forecasting and demand)
- Sourcing (or determining where to obtain goods and services needed for consumers)
- Manufacturing (or producing materials into finished products)
- Delivery (or getting finished goods and products to the end customer)
- Returns (or handling refunds, exchanges, and returns of goods)
Is Supply Chain Management a Good Career?
If you’re debating whether a career pursuing a supply chain management career path may be right for you, this will ultimately boil down to your own interests, strengths, and career goals. However, there are numerous reasons to consider a career in supply chain management, ranging from the growing demand for SCM professionals to long-term career satisfaction.
Growing Demand
As businesses and consumers become more globally connected and the internet makes it easier than ever for e-commerce businesses to reach potential customers across the world, there is an increasing need for experienced and knowledgeable supply chain management professionals who understand what it takes to navigate the complexities of this field. In fact, according to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this field is among the fastest-growing industries in the United States — with logistics alone now accounting for 9.5% of all gross domestic product (GDP) in the country.
Competitive Salaries
Because of the high demand for supply chain management professionals, companies and organizations also tend to be willing to pay the right people a competitive salary for their work. Of course, various factors can affect a supply chain management professional’s salary, including:
- Level of relevant work experience
- Education level
- Leadership experience
- Geographic location
- Scope of responsibilities
Career Satisfaction
Working in supply chain management can be a dynamic, fast-paced, and rewarding career. In this field, you can enjoy the personal satisfaction of knowing that your own actions directly influence business success and sustainability. If you’re looking for a career path where you can truly feel like you’re making an impact every day, then supply chain management can be highly fulfilling.
SCM Career Paths
So, what kind of supply chain management career opportunities are available? This will depend on your level of education and experience, as even entering the field generally requires a minimum of a logistics degree, supply chain management degree, or a degree in a closely related field.
Still, with the right education and experience, there are plenty of supply chain management career opportunities available from the entry level all the way to more advanced and specialized levels.
Entry-Level Positions for BBA Graduates
After you complete your BBA degree program and are just starting out in the field, entry-level opportunities to explore and consider include:
Logistics Coordinator
Many businesses hire logistics coordinators to oversee various aspects of a company’s supply chain, from planning and sourcing to transportation and delivery. These positions are available across a wide range of industries — including retail, manufacturing, technology, and even healthcare.
Supply Chain Analyst
If you’re more interested in the numbers side of supply chain management, an analyst job may be suitable for you. In this type of role, you’ll analyze large amounts of supply chain data to extract valuable insights that can be used to make important decisions regarding forecasting, cost reduction, inventory, and more.
Procurement Specialist
Meanwhile, procurement specialists are responsible for researching, choosing, and making purchases directly from suppliers to ensure that companies have access to the materials they need to manufacture their products. At the same time, procurement specialists must be sure that materials purchased meet company standards while falling within predetermined budget amounts.
Inventory Planner
Inventory planners are responsible for the development and management of a company’s inventory plans, working to ensure that the correct amount of materials and products are available at any given time to meet forecasted demand. These professionals may also be responsible for reviewing stock, planning with suppliers, and optimizing storage/warehouse space as needed.
Mid-Level SCM Positions
With a little more experience under your belt, you may be able to advance into a mid-level SCM position, of which there are many possibilities.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply chain managers oversee other members of a supply chain team, including supply chain and procurement specialists, to ensure everything is running smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, they may have other higher-end responsibilities that include risk management, building relationships with suppliers, and following cost control protocols.
Operations Manager
Within the SCM field, operations managers are professionals who oversee all aspects of production, distribution, quality control, and production from start to finish. In other words, they are responsible for the internal operations of the company as they relate to meeting supply chain goals and the end customer’s needs.
Procurement Manager
Compared to a procurement specialist, a procurement manager has more oversight and may be directly responsible for entire procurement teams. Ultimately, the job of a procurement manager revolves around keeping teams running efficiently while making sure the company has the goods, services, and materials needed to produce quality products.
Logistics Manager
Logistics managers play a central role in overseeing the storage, transport, and distribution of a company’s products and goods. They are primarily responsible for keeping track of inventory, arranging transportation, and overseeing day-to-date warehouse activities.
Advanced SCM Positions
Over time, SCM professionals may gain the experience and expertise needed to qualify for more advanced roles.
Director of Supply Chain Operations
A director of supply chain operations is a senior-level position that requires an extensive understanding of all aspects of a company’s supply chain — from procurement and transportation to distribution and warehousing. These professionals also take on a more executive and strategic role in order to make decisions that align with long-term company goals and visions.
Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO)
A chief supply chain officer is another executive-level position where professionals are responsible for overseeing a company’s supply chain operations across all stages of the process, from planning and procurement to distribution and delivery. Professionals in this position must have strong leadership skills and an analytical mindset, especially when it comes to understanding complex market dynamics.
Global Logistics Manager
Many larger companies and organizations also hire global logistics managers, who are responsible for managing a company’s supply chain needs at the global scale to ensure that goods can move across borders, meet unique regulatory/compliance standards, and adhere to international trade regulations.
Specialized Roles
In addition to the roles outlined above, there are several more specialized roles or niches within the SCM field to consider.
Demand Planner
Some companies hire SCM professionals in the form of demand planners, who are responsible for forecasting the need for products/goods in the future. This information is then used to make procurement and inventory decisions for the company.
Warehouse Operations Manager
Warehouse operations managers play a pivotal part in keeping the receipt and storage of goods in a company’s warehouse as organized and efficient as possible. These professionals must have solid leadership skills, too, as they are often responsible for overseeing and training warehouse staff.
Transportation Manager
When goods and products need to be moved from point A to point B, transportation managers help keep things moving as seamlessly and efficiently as possible. They must have an extensive knowledge of compliance standards, a company’s budgetary needs, and how to optimize shipping/delivery schedules to optimize cost-effectiveness.
E-commerce Supply Chain Specialist
E-commerce supply chain specialists have many of the same responsibilities and duties of a traditional supply chain specialist. However, their work is more focused on the unique needs of an e-commerce business as they relate to fulfilling orders, managing inventory, and optimizing logistics.
Industries Hiring SCM Graduates
No matter where your specific interests lie, there are numerous industries that often hire SCM graduates for supply chain, logistics, operations, management, and similar roles.
Manufacturing
Within the field of manufacturing, supply chain management professionals may take on responsibilities like managing production schedules, sourcing materials, and handling the distribution of finished products. Examples of specific roles for SCM graduates in this field include:
- Plant manager
- Materials manager
- Production planner
Retail and E-commerce
Many retail and e-commerce businesses also hire SCM graduates to ensure that products are readily available both in stores and online. Some examples of career opportunities that you may be able to explore in this industry include:
- Inventory control specialist
- Fulfillment manager
- Distribution manager
Healthcare
Believe it or not, healthcare organizations also rely on supply chain management professionals — most often to manage the supply of critical medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and other supplies. If you’re interested in working in healthcare as an SCM graduate, consider exploring roles such as:
- Healthcare logistics manager
- Procurement manager
- Medical logistics specialist
Technology
In the tech industry, businesses may hire SCM graduates to oversee the complex supply chains of tech products (especially those with rapid life cycles). Potential career opportunities in the tech field may include:
- Component sourcing specialist
- Supply chain planner
- Purchasing manager
Energy and Utilities
Energy and utility companies rely on SCM professionals to coordinate the supply of resources like oil, gas, and renewable energy components. SCM graduates looking to work in this field may want to consider applying for roles such as:
- Procurement analyst
- Energy logistics coordinator
- Sustainable energy coordinator
Government and Defense
Government organizations at the local, state, and federal levels also hire SCM professionals to manage procurement and logistics on behalf of their agencies and, in some cases, for military operations. Potential job titles for SCM graduates in this industry include:
- Defense logistics manager
- Contract specialist
The BBA in Supply Chain Management at Baker College
Whether you’re interested in working in manufacturing, healthcare, technology, or any other industry connected to the global supply chain, a career in supply chain management can be an excellent choice for those with the right skills and specialized knowledge. Looking for the SCM degree program that’s ideal for you? Baker College is proud to offer a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management that can provide the foundational organizational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this complex field — including coursework in analytical thinking, procurement, logistics, SCM software, and much more.Plus, if you’re looking to earn your supply chain management degree online, our program at Baker College is available 100% online with an average completion time of about four years. Request further information to learn more, or fill out your application for admission today!