Job Description
1The supply chain involves the transfer of goods and materials from manufacturers and suppliers through to retail outlets and ultimately customers. This branch of the retail sector is also known as logistics or distribution.
2As a supply chain manager, you would be responsible for planning and organising the entire process. Job opportunities also exist lower down the ladder, from clerk to supervisor level.
3As well as retail companies, you could work in the supply chain for a variety of organisations, for example a logistics contractor specialising in shipping goods on behalf of other companies.
4Whichever organisation you work for, your main responsibilities will include: planning delivery timetables, monitoring stock levels using computer databases, tracking the movement of goods through depots, overseeing the ordering and packaging process ready for dispatch and the arrival of shipments.
5You would also be expected to monitor performance and make sure targets are met, and look at ways to improve the supply network. You would also be responsible for managing clerical, administrative and warehouse distribution staff, and deal with staff recruitment and training.
6You will work closely with purchasing officers, warehouse staff and transport clerks to make sure goods and materials arrive at the depot as scheduled, are in good order, stored correctly and dispatched to customers on time.
Job Specification
1 Good planning skills
2 The ability to motivate and lead a team
3 Good spoken and written communication skills
4 Good problem-solving and numeracy skills
5 Attention to detail
6 Confidence in using computer packages, such as spreadsheets and databases
7 The ability to work under pressure to deadlines
8 Good geographical knowledge
9 Speaking a European language might also be very useful.