If you’ve clicked through to this article, you might be thinking one of two things:
“Only five reasons to work in supply chain management? Surely that’s a disservice to the industry?”
Or:
“Supply chain management? What’s that?”
Well, fear not. Both responses are completely understandable, and this article will help to clear up both.
If you already work in logistics and supply chain management, you will know the innumerable benefits the industry has to offer. But, for the purposes of space, we have condensed these down to five key reasons to consider a career in this flourishing industry.
If you don’t yet work in supply chain management, then let us begin by explaining exactly what supply chain management is.
WHAT IS SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT?
Put simply, the supply chain industry makes the world go round, connecting the increasingly global world we live and work in.
For example, have you ever wondered about the process involved in making the computer or mobile device you are reading this on? Supply chain management and logistics make these technological achievements possible, bringing you the big and small items you use every day.
The term ‘supply chain’ refers to everything involved in producing and delivering a product or service to the supplier or customer. It’s no surprise, therefore, that supply chain management and logistics can offer a huge range of diverse, varied and rewarding careers.
WHY CHOOSE A CAREER IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT?
Without further ado, let’s look at our top five reasons to work in supply chain management.
1. A Growing Industry
With such a large and continually-growing industry as supply chain management, new and diverse career opportunities are constantly on the horizon. With employers expecting their businesses to grow over the coming years, there are more supply chain jobs than ever before. These jobs span a variety of sectors and could see you working within manufacturing, retail, engineering, energy, healthcare, the public sector and more.
In short, there is something for everyone as there is simply more on offer than in your standard industry: more jobs, more diversity and more choice – so you can get exactly what you want from your career.
2. Increasing Benefits
The supply chain industry is known for offering highly attractive salaries. The average wage for a supply chain professional at a middle-management level is £42,000, with the potential to rise above £100,000 for higher tier roles. Career progression and salary can be improved with the undertaking of relevant supply chain management courses and logistics training.
But it’s not just about money – those in the supply chain industry also report high job satisfaction. Roles are varied and rewarding, with room for growth, opportunities for travel and good pay prospects, so you can enjoy a range of benefits from a career in supply chain management.
3. A Role for Everyone
In our increasingly connected world, supply chain jobs are no longer limited to just warehousing and distribution. Supply chain management and logistics offer a range of roles across different skillsets, levels and specialisms, so there really is something for everyone.
Even if you don’t have all of the experience required for a role, there are courses available to help you improve your skills, and employers are often willing to invest in workforce training to help you get where you want to be. Here at the Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM), we provide training for a range of relevant supply chain qualifications, to help you land that dream role.
4. Career Development Opportunities
Thanks to the speed at which the supply chain industry is growing and the variety of roles available, they are many opportunities for you to develop your career and progress to the next level.
Employers in the supply chain industry are keen to employ people who want to develop their skills, which has helped to foster a culture of self-improvement and professional accountability. The industry offers structured tiers of management and a complex range of roles, which means there are always opportunities to advance for those who apply themselves and are willing to work hard.
The multi-faceted nature of the supply chain industry will give you opportunities for multi-directional development. You’re likely to gain experience within many sectors, meaning your industry skills and transferable expertise will quickly grow.
With the industry constantly developing, it’s worth investing in the right training to aid your upward progression. At IoCSM, we offer a variety of courses in supply chain management and logistics which can help you to enhance your knowledge and certify your industry experiencewith professional qualifications.
5. A Diverse Industry
Long-gone are the old stereotypes of supply chain management, which was often perceived as a male-orientated environment focused around warehouses and heavy machinery. These days, the constantly evolving nature of the supply chain industry means that collaboration, creativity and problem-solving skills are in high demand, which has opened up opportunities for greater diversity across the supply chain and logistics sector.
Professional organisations such as Women in Logistics and Women in Supply Chain are dedicated to attracting, retaining and supporting women within the industry, challenging misconceptions and stereotypes about diversity in supply chain management. There is also an organisation in place called Achieving Women’s Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Education (AWESOME), which hosts an annual symposium to encourage networking and champion the accomplishments of outstanding women in the industry.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
The supply chain is one of the fastest growing and most innovative global industries in the world, offering unique and varied opportunities for everyone working within it.
If you’d like to progress your career in supply chain management, we can help you gain the qualifications you need to do so. Get in touch with our team today by calling 0800 1422 522, and our expert advisors will talk you through how we can support you with the next step in your career.