15 Jobs in Operations and Supply Chain Management

Many jobs are under the operations and supply chain management umbrella. They range from manual workers to logistics overseers and program innovators. Here are the 15 top jobs within the OSCM industry.?

Operations and supply chain management (OSCM) professionals are often in the news. And it is no wonder: The supply chain is global, meaning it is highly complicated and requires a variety of technical experts to keep running smoothly.?

OSCM professionals are responsible for everything from producing to delivering the products we buy. They keep brick-and-mortar stores’ shelves stocked and online marketplaces packed with inventory.

Curious about the OSCM industry? Read on to learn more about the field and 15 jobs related to it.

Operations and Supply Chain Management Industry Overview?

The OSCM industry keeps the supply chain moving from all angles — everything from manufacturing goods to order fulfillment to retail. The full scope includes:

• Demand forecasting
• Distribution
• Logistics
• Materials management
• Operations planning
• Order fulfillment
• Retail
• Sourcing

That is everything from ground zero to your home. With so many moving parts and so many businesses and consumers depending on a smooth-running supply chain, positions in the OSCM field require a high degree of expertise.?

Depending on what, exactly, you do in OSCM, you may need certain certifications. Top options from the Association for Supply Chain Management and Institute for Supply Management include:?

• CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management): Covers materials management, master scheduling, forecasting, and production planning.
• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management): Provides broad expertise in key supply management principles, including sourcing, strategy, project management, and logistics.?
• CPSD (Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity): Offers expertise in the specialized area of supplier diversity, which emphasizes working with suppliers owned by those who are part of traditionally underserved or underrepresented groups.?
• CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional): Covers technology, concepts, and supply chain management strategies.
• CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution): Offers know-how in streamlining logistics, transportation, and distribution. This includes orders, inventory, and warehouse management.

OSCM professionals operate in a variety of ecosystems, from government and healthcare to every type of local business and online retailer.?

Top Jobs in Operations and Supply Chain Management?

Let’s look at the 15 top jobs in OSCM.

1. Storage Manager?

Storage managers oversee an organization’s supply chain from beginning to end — everything from material acquisition and production to warehousing and shipping.??

2. Supply Chain Analyst?

Supply chain analysts are data scientists who work to figure out how to better streamline supply chain logistics. They collect data along all stages of the supply chain and use that information to suggest changes that boost efficiency and cut costs.

3. Logistics Coordinator?

A logistics coordinator oversees the storage and transportation of an organization’s inventory. It is a big job, with a list of duties that includes:?

• Fleet management
• Inbound transportation management
• Inventory management
• Logistics network design
• Materials handling
• Order fulfillment
• Outbound transportation management
• Packaging and assembly
• Production planning and scheduling
• Sourcing and procurement
• Warehousing

4. Purchasing Agent?

Purchasing agents are big-scale shoppers: They are responsible for placing orders and monitoring inventory. They help keep a company’s supply chain running efficiently by:

• Managing relationships with suppliers
• Striking new partnerships with suppliers
• Monitoring the market for potential new deals
• Negotiating and renegotiating deals

5. Supply Chain Specialist?

Supply chain specialists do everything from acquiring materials to forecasting future demand in specific markets. This includes overseeing the receipt of materials, sending shipments, managing inventory, and much more.?

6. Transport Manager?

Transport managers focus on the logistics of the transport process, which is no small job: The supply chain is a global thing requiring a sense of big operations. It is their job to make sure vehicles operate on time, that deadlines are met, and to uphold safety standards.?

7. Business Analyst?

Business analysts exist in a variety of fields. They collect and evaluate data to make data-driven business decisions according to past successes. A supply chain business analyst works to balance supply with demand and ensure a company’s supply chain operations are running as smoothly as possible.

8. Supply Chain Manager?

Supply chain managers oversee all aspects of supply chain management, from acquisition to distribution. Their core duties include:?

• Monitoring supply chain data and evaluating performance
• Maintaining inventory
• Overseeing purchase of raw materials
• Supervising employees

9. Project Manager?

Project managers are responsible for specific supply chain-related projects. They do not necessarily deal with the supply chain as a general organism. Rather, they work to improve select parts of it. This might include helping formulate an organization’s supply chain strategies or analyzing data to identify potential process improvements.

10. Logistics Specialist?

Logistics specialists develop innovative logistics solutions to speed production and distribution. They manage projects involving delivery, transportation, and warehousing of products, using their expertise and problem-solving skills to keep everything on track.

11. Data Analyst?

Data analysts review data and conclude how they can improve operations. They collect data and suggest improvements in various areas, including production, inventory, and delivery.

12. Operations Manager?

Operations managers work with third-party manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors to ensure uninterrupted supply chain continuity.?

13. Logistics Analyst?

Logistics analysts review the logistics of the distribution and shipping processes. They use their findings to improve efficiency and develop strategies to streamline operations.

14. Production Scheduler?

Production schedulers develop ways to keep operations running smoothly. They create and implement production schedules to meet output goals and satisfy consumer demand.

15. Supply Technician?

Supply technicians install, maintain, and operate autonomous and semi-autonomous equipment that assists in the inventory and shipping processes. This role is critical to keeping an organization’s supply chain running smoothly.

Is a Career in Operations and Supply Chain Management Right for You?

Is OSCM where you are supposed to be? If you are asking in the first place, there is a good chance the answer is yes. Plenty of roles exist to slot into, depending on your skills and interests.?

Here are a few reasons why a career in OSCM might be right for you:

• Solid salaries: Supply chain salaries in the U.S. range from $56,000 to $185,000 a year, according to the Association for Supply Chain Management’s 2022 Salary and Career Report.?
• Many roles to choose from: OSCM jobs are a fit for candidates of many backgrounds. From data science and project management to logistics and scheduling, the chances of finding an ideal role are high.
• Stable demand: Demand remains strong for OSCM roles. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for logisticians — under which OSCM roles are categorized — is expected to grow 30 percent from 2020 to 2030.

Top Takeaways:?

• Operations and supply chain management professionals are responsible for everything from producing to delivering the products we buy.
• There are a variety of career options in OSCM.?
• Many of these require specialized education and certification.?

(Reporting by NPD)