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Supply Chain job description
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Retail jobs don’t just exist on the shop floor, behind the scenes are some hardworking staff making sure stores have something to sell in the first place.
Interested in stepping away from the shop floor and into distribution? Then working in a Supply Chain is perfect for you…
Duties and responsibilities in a Supply Chain job
Helping to transfer products from the manufacturers and suppliers right to the retail door, this vital role makes sure shops remain fully stocked and business.
There are a range of job titles available in Supply Chains, and if you start in a junior role your daily duties may include:
Once you’ve got some work experience behind you, you’ll be ready for a supervisor or event management role, where you’re given more responsibilities to keep you busy. You’ll be expected to:
Overseeing the distribution process every step of the way, you’ll also be keeping an eye on staff to make sure the products are not only stored correctly but dispatched on time too.
A very hands-on role, you’ll need to enjoy working in large teams, as you’ll constantly be liaising with purchasing officers, warehouse staff and transport clerks to ensure a smooth process.
Supply Chain working hours
Ideal if you’re looking for structured hours, you’ll work from 8am to 5pm during the week. However, just like most retail jobs, you won’t be able to escape working the occasional evening and weekend shift.
When it comes to your working environment, typically you’ll be in an office, usually based within a distribution warehouse or depot.
No one wants to be stuck in a dead-end job, and the good news is when it comes to career progression, there’s plenty of room to grow. Beginning in a Clerk role, you can work your way up to Supervisor, then a Supply Chain Manager (who essentially organises the whole process), right up to a Senior Planner or Consultant.
How much do you make in a Supply Chain job?
We know you won’t want to work in warehouses for no money, so what salary can you expect?
Although these wages can change depending on your employer, your location and your job title.
Reasons for working in a Supply Chain job
If you’re a career fidget, constantly moving on to different sectors and always after variety in your job, this is perfect for you. The skills you learn are not only highly transferable, but you’ll also find yourself working for a variety of organisations, from small firms and large chain stores, to manufacturers and charities.
Hardest part of a Supply Chain job
Distribution is an industry that rarely sleeps and with so many business opening their shop doors 24 hours a day, expect to be on-call for any emergencies, even when you go home at night.
What qualifications do you need for a Supply Chain job?
Depending on what job you want within the Supply Chain sector, you’ll need different qualifications on your CV.
If you’ve got your sights set on a management job (and why not aim high), the most direct way is to study a foundation degree or a BTEC HNC/HND. A qualification in a relevant degree will make sure you don’t waste your time, which includes subjects like:
If you’re already a graduate, some employers do offer a graduate training scheme. These can last anything from a few months to a few years, and you’ll be sent to several different work placements so you can learn while you earn.
Skills needed for a Supply Chain job
So what does it take to work in a Supply Chain? Handy skills include: