Supply Chain Manager: missions, skills, training, salary and career development

With the rise of digital platforms and increasing consumer demands, efficient supply chain management has become a central element of corporate strategy. The need to coordinate and optimise the flow of goods to ensure fast, reliable delivery has led to the emergence of the Supply Chain Manager profession. Responsible for planning, optimising and managing logistics flows, the Supply Chain Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the fluidity and efficiency of logistics operations, thereby meeting the demands of a constantly changing environment.

Description of the job of Supply Chain Manager

The Supply Chain Manager is a key player in the field of logistics and flow management, responsible for planning, implementing and analysing logistics strategies. They manage the company's supplies, stocks, warehouses and logistics service providers. The Supply Chain Manager uses various tools and technologies to achieve the company's objectives, including ERP systems and logistics management software such as SAP, Oracle and Microsoft Dynamics.

What is the role and remit of the Supply Chain Manager?

Developing supply chain strategy

The Supply Chain Manager develops and implements the company's supply chain strategy. They define objectives, identify targets and plan actions to optimise logistics flows and ensure customer satisfaction. He or she must also keep abreast of the latest trends and technologies in logistics to adapt and optimise existing strategies.

Managing and optimising logistics flows

The Supply Chain Manager oversees the creation, management and optimisation of logistics flows. This includes managing stocks, warehouses, procurement and deliveries. They are also responsible for optimising logistics costs to maximise the efficiency of logistics operations.

Performance analysis and reporting

The Supply Chain Manager analyses logistics performance data to measure efficiency and identify areas for improvement. They use analysis tools such as Google Analytics and specialist software to monitor performance, generate detailed reports and make recommendations based on the data. They must also present these reports to management to assess the progress and results of the strategies put in place.

Managing logistics providers and interacting with the community

The Supply Chain Manager supervises relations with logistics service providers. He/she negotiates contracts, plans and executes strategies to improve the performance and responsiveness of service providers. They also monitor partner interactions and feedback to adapt campaigns accordingly.

Tools and technologies used by the Supply Chain Manager

Supply chain management systems (ERP)

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are essential for integrated supply chain management. SAP, for example, offers a comprehensive suite of modules for supply, inventory and logistics flow management. Oracle provides robust solutions for supply chain management, including demand planning and supplier management. Similarly, Microsoft Dynamics is a flexible and adaptable ERP for companies of all sizes, enabling efficient management of logistics operations.

Inventory and demand management tools

Inventory management systems such as Fishbowl and TradeGecko enable stocks to be tracked and managed in real time, reducing storage costs and preventing stock-outs. For demand forecasting, tools such as ForecastPro and RELEX Solutions help to predict future demand and adjust stock levels accordingly.

Transport management tools (TMS)

Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are crucial to optimising transport and logistics operations. For example, C.H. Robinson Navisphere is a platform that offers complete visibility of shipments and real-time tracking capabilities. MercuryGate is a flexible TMS that integrates with other systems for efficient shipment management.

Supplier and purchasing management tools

Coupa is a purchasing and spend management tool that improves the visibility and control ofprocurement processes. Ariba, an SAP solution, facilitates supplier relationship management, negotiation and purchasing processes.

Tracking and tracing tools

To improve traceability and stock management, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems are used to track products throughout the supply chain. In addition, barcode scanning systems such as those from Zebra Technologies enable products to be tracked efficiently in warehouses and distribution centres.

What skills do you need to be a good Supply Chain Manager?

Professional skills :

• Mastery of logistics management techniques
• Mastery of the general organisation of the company and its environment
• Team management and a sense of responsibility
• Organisational and negotiating skills
• Good stress management
• ability to listen, rigour and availability
• Ability to analyse and summarise
• Fluent in English and possibly a second foreign language

Personal skills :

• Communication skills to work with internal and external teams.
• Creative spirit to develop innovative and effective logistics strategies.
• Thoroughness and attention to detail to ensure accurate reporting and operations.
• Adaptability to react quickly to market trends and technological changes.
• Leadership and team management to motivate and direct staff.

What are the current challenges facing a Supply Chain Manager?

Rapidly evolving technologies and logistics platforms

The supply chain sector is constantly evolving with the emergence of new technologies, platforms and content formats. Supply Chain Managers need to keep abreast of the latest trends and innovations to adapt their strategies accordingly. This rapid evolution can present a challenge in terms of ongoing training and adapting to new practices.

Managing the quality and quantity of logistics flows

Producing a quality logistics flow while meeting often tight deadlines is a major challenge. Supply Chain Managers need to strike a balance between the quantity of logistics flows required to maintain an active online presence and the quality of operations to guarantee their efficiency and impact.

Performance analysis and return on investment (ROI)

Measuring the efficiency of logistics flows and justifying the return on investment (ROI) of logistics campaigns is an ongoing challenge. Supply Chain Managers need to use advanced analysis tools to monitor flow performance, generate accurate reports and adjust strategies according to the results obtained.

How do I become a Supply Chain Manager?

Education and training

To become a Supply Chain Manager, you generally need a 5-year degree in logistics, flow management, business or digital technology. The following courses are particularly popular:

• Master's degree in logistics and supply chain management.
• MBA in logistics.
• Business school diploma with a specialisation in logistics.

EM Normandie offers courses tailored to this profession, in particular the MSc Supply Chain Management. This course provides you with the necessary skills in logistics strategy, flow management and data analysis, giving you all the preparation you need to become a successful Supply Chain Manager.

Professional experience

Significant experience in positions of responsibility in logistics management is essential. Internships in logistics agencies or logistics assistant positions are key steps towards becoming a Supply Chain Manager.

Career development and prospects for a Supply Chain Manager

• Progression to Supply Chain Director or Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) positions.
• Opportunities in large companies, communications agencies or start-ups.
• Possibility of becoming a supply chain consultant or setting up your own consultancy.
• Transition to logistics strategist or digital transformation consultant.

What does a Supply Chain Manager earn?

The salary of a Supply Chain Manager varies according to experience, the size of the company and the sector of activity:

• Beginner: Gross annual salary (approx.): €30,000 - €40,000
• 2-5 years' experience: Gross annual salary (approx.): €40,000 - €55,000
• 5+ years' experience: Gross annual salary (approx.): €55,000 and more (with possible bonuses)

What kind of work does a Supply Chain Manager do?

A variety of employers:

Supply Chain Managers can work in various types of organisation, including :

• Large companies and international groups.
• SMEs and start-ups.
• Marketing and communications agencies.
• Non-profit organisations and associations.

Main areas :

A Supply Chain Manager works in a number of sectors, including :

• E-commerce: Management of supply chain strategies for online sales sites.
• Technology: Supply chain marketing for high-tech companies.
• Financial Services: Promoting financial and banking products online.
• Healthcare and pharmaceuticals: supply chain campaigns for medical and pharmaceutical products.

These varied sectors offer many opportunities for Supply Chain Managers, depending on their skills and professional interests, enabling them to specialise in areas such as supply chain management, logistics network management or logistics flow optimisation.

In summary

The job of Supply Chain Manager is essential for ensuring the fluidity and performance of a company's logistics strategies. As the central pillar of logistics management activities, the Supply Chain Manager plays a crucial role in optimising logistics flows and ensuring customer satisfaction. Their ability to analyse data, optimise flows and manage logistics strategies is essential to guaranteeing the success and growth of companies. The job of Supply Chain Manager is a high-level position requiring diversified skills and a great ability to manage strategic responsibilities. It's a dynamic role that offers opportunities for growth and career development, while playing a central role in the success and stability of companies' logistics strategies.