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About
Supply Chain Management
Learn to manage the end-to-end processes involved in the manufacturing and distribution of products and services – optimizing inventory, minimizing costs, integrating the right systems, supply chain partners and technologies – by enrolling in Canada’s best supply chain management courses.
Supply chain management is the cross-functional approach to ensuring goods and services flow efficiently from raw production to retail and consumption – wherever they are and however complex the “value chain”. It’s a holistic process that includes managing relationships with suppliers, overseeing inventory, and using technology and data gathering and analysis to streamline performance.
In order to be successful in their roles, it’s crucial for supply chain managers to have a multifaceted skill set encompassing technical, interpersonal, and soft skills.
While problem solving skills are also crucial to troubleshooting delays and other unforeseen obstacles, decision making ability is key to developing logistics and sourcing strategies. Analytical skills are also essential to identifying trends and making data-informed decisions in regards to distribution and procurement. Additionally, effective communication skills are key to building relationships with suppliers and internal teams to ensure smooth collaboration across the supply chain.
From 2022 to 2031, Job Bank data reports that there will be a shortage of qualified professionals in the supply chain management field–with 8,100 new job openings and only 7,400 job seekers available to fill the roles. In the United States, the labour market for logisticians from 2022 to 2032 is expected to increase 18 percent, with 21,800 new jobs opening every year.
Supply chain management programs range from undergraduate degrees and master’s of business administration (MBA) programs with specializations in the field to part-time diplomas and certificate programs offering focused training in specific areas. Many supply chain management professionals also pursue industry certifications in order to validate their expertise.
Globally recognized certifications include the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) from APICS, covering end-to-end supply chain activities and production and inventory management, respectively. The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) offers the SCPro™ certification, spanning supply chain strategy, design, and management. Additionally, APICS provides the Certification in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD) for professionals in logistics. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) qualifications cater to procurement and supply chain management. Six Sigma certifications (Green Belt, Black Belt) focus on process improvement, while the Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD) by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) emphasizes supplier diversity. These certifications are essential for validating expertise in specific supply chain domains and are instrumental in professional development on a global scale.
Learners might also consider project management courses, including PMP certification and CAPM certification, to complement their supply chain management expertise.
According to Salary.com, supply chain managers in Canada earn an average of $114,306 to $154,810, depending on the industry and size of the organization they work for. As for other typical supply chain management roles, such as warehouse managers or procurement managers, they earn on average $100,990 and $124,364 respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What does a supply chain manager do?
Supply chain managers play a crucial role in overseeing the supply chain to ensure the smooth flow of goods and services from production to the end customer.
On a daily basis, a supply chain manager might take into account inventory levels, assess demand forecasts, oversee transportation routes, communicate and negotiate with suppliers, while working with procurement teams to ensure stock levels are optimal. They’re also responsible for streamlining operations and troubleshooting any issues that arise. Successful supply chain managers are skilled at balancing operational management with strategic thinking to make sure that processes are functioning smoothly.
Ultimately, the supply chain manager’s role is integral to making the supply chain more cost-effective and efficient, as well as ensuring they’re attuned to customer needs at the same time.
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What are the career prospects in supply chain management?
In this dynamic field, career prospects in supply chain management are as diverse as they are lucrative. Here are some typical career paths that supply chain management professionals can pursue:
Logistics managers oversee the transport, distribution, and warehousing of products; procurement managers are responsible for acquiring and sourcing services and goods from suppliers; while inventory managers optimize stock levels to fulfill demand, while simultaneously strategizing ways to minimize the costs of holding inventory.
While the above managerial roles focus on niche areas within supply chain management, operations managers function as generalists overseeing the entirety of daily supply chain operations. For those interested in working with online retailers, e-commerce supply chain managers specialize in managing the supply chain processes of online businesses, tackling challenges such as order fulfillment and last-mile delivery.
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Is working in supply chain management a good career?
Yes, there are many benefits to working in supply chain management. The first is that there are a wide variety of career paths depending on your skills and interests, whether it’s in production, inventory management, demand planning, warehousing, transportation, or procurement.
The second is that work settings for supply chain management roles vary greatly, and you’ll be able to work in any industry of interest–such as technology, healthcare, or food and beverage. Depending on the industry you work in, you might be able to work in a hybrid remote position or even in a fully remote role.
Thirdly, a career in supply chain management can be fulfilling due to the dynamic nature of the field, and those that are adaptable and embrace change in their daily work will find it rewarding. For example, organizations often evolve their supply chain processes to minimize risk, while also staying relevant in their target markets, so professionals should be comfortable with ever-evolving, fast-paced work environments while learning how to use new tools and technologies.
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What certifications are needed for a career in supply chain management?
Certifications are an excellent way for supply chain management professionals to validate their expertise and also improve their career prospects. As there are many certifications available, professionals should do their research when choosing the program that best fits their career choices.
Here are some widely-recognized supply chain management certifications:
The Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation is a comprehensive program encompassing logistics, procurement, logistics, and contract management–while also covering corporate social responsibility and any ethical considerations in the supply chain field.
The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) program covers topics across the global supply chain, such as sourcing goods and services, international inventory and operations, demand forecasting and management, supply chain relationships, and more.
Supply chain professionals can also opt to get Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), which is focused on an organization’s internal operations. The certification encompasses inventory management, production, and distribution–essential for those directly involved in manufacturing processes.
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, while not supply chain specific, is still an asset to professionals who also have project management responsibilities.
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What is the highest salary for supply chain management?
According to a 2023 report from the Association for Supply Chain Management, some of the highest salaries in the United States in supply chain management include: logistics managers who earn US$100,000; procurement managers at US$104,000; materials managers making US$110,342; supply chain managers earning US$114,750; and supply chain directors with US$145,000. To compare it with Canadian salaries, Salary.com reports that supply chain managers in Canada earn a median range of CA$114,306 to $154,810 .
Worth noting is that salaries in general differ depending on the industry, location, organization size, as well as the candidate’s level of experience and education.