Supply chain management is an area offering huge career opportunities in a wide range of different roles.

‘Supply chain’ covers a wide range of different job roles and responsibilities in a wide range of different industries.

What is supply chain?

The supply chain is the system which allows products or services to be moved from raw material stage, into manufacturing and then on to the customer. It covers all the sourcing, purchasing, transportation and distribution stages from start to finish, so the term ‘supply chain’ actually covers a huge range of different activities.

Why is supply chain important?

More and more, supply chain is becoming an important area of focus for businesses. With competition high and profit margins often small, ensuring that the supply chain is run as quickly, efficiently and cheaply as possible is vital to ensuring a business can compete in the market.

A lean, well-run supply chain means that stock can be sourced cheaply, orders despatched quickly and transported at minimal cost, so improvements to the supply chain can deliver huge benefits to businesses.

Careers in supply chain

The supply chain offers a huge variety of different career options from entry level right up to senior management level, and supply chain professionals are in demand across all sectors.

Different areas of supply chain careers include:

  • Manufacturing
  • Purchasing/Procurement
  • Transport/Logistics
  • Warehousing/Storage
  • Stock Control/Inventory

Jobs are available in many different sectors, including:

  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Oil and Gas
  • Healthcare
  • Defence
  • Engineering
  • Construction
  • Public Sector

Getting into a career in supply chain

As interest in supply chain careers grows and applications increase, more and more employers are looking towards professional qualifications as a way to cherry-pick the best candidates. Many employers now require applicants to have a professional CILT, CIPS or IOM qualification to progress to interview stage.

A professional qualification is a great way to increase your employability and job prospects, whether you’re looking to get onto the first rung of the career ladder or give your current career a boost in the form of a pay rise, promotion or new role.

A professional qualification in supply chain will add value to your career throughout your working life – research has shown that those with a professional qualification can expect to earn up to £81,000 more over the course of their careers than those without.

Which course should I choose?

There are several professional bodies who offer qualifications relating to supply chain. Professional qualifications are very highly regarded by employers, and are recognised worldwide.

CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport) courses are very flexible supply-chain related qualifications. They can be tailored to suit a range of roles, including logistics, freight, passenger transport, warehousing, distribution and procurement.

CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) courses are specialist purchasing qualifications designed for those who work in purchasing, buying or procurement.

Each type of qualification is available at different levels, from entry level to advanced courses. The level to study at depends on your level of working experience, and there are no formal academic entry requirements.

If you’re new to a supply chain career, starting with an entry-level qualification will give you an excellent grounding in the subject, and you’ll be able to continue your studies by moving on to higher level courses, increasing your knowledge as you gain working experience.

Boost your career in supply chain today

To enquire about supply chain courses, contact us today – our expert course advisors will be able to advise you on the right course to help you achieve your career goals.