What Are Some Entry-Level Supply Chain Jobs?
From a supply chain titles hierarchy standpoint, entry-level positions start with an inventory control clerk or production (control) clerk. Individuals with a minimum of 6 months of experience purchasing, materials, or a production department are typically assigned to these positions. Although supply chain and logistics positions, both coordinating and servicing customers, are considered entry-level, experience in warehousing and traffic are typically qualifiers for assignment.
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Effective and efficient supply chains are vital in the business world, as they include the processes necessary to produce and distribute a product. Entry-level supply chain jobs can consist of a hierarchy of positions. Supply chain positions progress from entry-level supply chain positions to mid-level supply chain management to upper (or senior)-level supply chain management. Representative job titles are presented below by job title, median salary, and job growth. Also, supply chain job descriptions are included from entry-level to upper-level.
| Supply Chain Job Titles | Median Salary (2019) | Job Growth (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory Clerk | $30,010 | -1% |
| Production Clerk | $49,020 | -1% |
| Supply Chain and Logistics Coordinator | $74,750 | 4% |
| Supply Chain and Logistics Customer Service Representative | $74,750 | 4% |
| Import-Export Specialist | $74,750 | 4% |
| Logistics Analyst | $74,750 | 4% |
| Supply Chain and Logistics Sourcing Specialist (Buyer) | $69,600 | -7% |
| Supply Chain and Logistics Transportation Specialist | $74,750 | 4% |
| Purchasing Agent (Buyer) | $69,600 | -7% |
| Distribution Manager | $94,560 | 4% |
| Operations Manager | $100,780 | 4% |
| Supply Chain Manager | $69,600 | -7% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
As can be seen from the tables, the Bureau of Labor Statistics groups many supply chain jobs into the same salary and job growth indices.
Supply chain job growth is consistently in the supply chain and logistics area. The reason for this is typically the emphasis on managing foreign sources and transportation modes. For example, purchasing multiple products from China takes logistics coordination to pack and fill containers with the desired product mix. Once filled, the lowest cost, fastest route of transport for the container needs to be chosen. Domestically the port of entry is a key consideration due to offloading and customs inspection. Once a container is released, overland routes and carriers need to be selected.
Supply chain management salary is based on the level needed by an organization to accomplish complex inventory control, storage, and transport. Distribution managers and operations managers have typically held lower-level positions and have been promoted. This additional experience aids them in complex decision making.
Supply Chain Management: Entry-Level Job Descriptions
Inventory Clerk
Inventory clerk is an entry-level supply chain job. The functions include:
- Maintaining records of materials stored
- Receiving and counting items to be placed into inventory
- Label inventory with RFID chips, labels, or other identifying marks used by the business
- Cycle count inventory stored to ensure it matches inventory records
Production Clerk
A production clerk position is an entry-level supply chain function. The duties include:
- Develop production schedules and communicate them to their area of assignment
- Control and monitor production schedules with the intent of keeping the process on schedule by handling expediting needs and organizing the workflow to maximize output while minimizing cost and interruption
- Control and distribute work orders as needed
Supply Chain and Logistics jobs
These functions have similar onboarding requirements and knowledge:
- Supply Chain and Logistics (SCL) Coordinator - coordinates the material flow from domestic and international sources, utilizes WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) to coordinate storage and location, coordinates staging of materials with proper documentation for imported and exported goods, develops and maintains relationships with carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders.
- Supply Chain and Logistics (SCL) Customer Service Representative - handles inbound customer service calls and emails, aids customers with logistics, shipping, and fulfillment
Supply Chain Management: Mid-Level Job Descriptions
- Import-Export Specialist - facilitates cross border shipments, ensures adherence to customs regulations, tracks and documents shipments, informs customers of taxes, tariffs, or any quotas on their shipments.
- Logistics Analyst - analyzes the supply chain processes, identifies areas for improvement, shares logistics information, and audits and examines transportation costs for accuracy and areas to save cost.
- Supply Chain and Logistics Transportation Specialist - leads operations for organizations providing transportation services, heads transportation initiatives for wholesale or retail fulfillment operations, selects carriers and transportation routes, and negotiates rates and terms with transportation providers.
Purchasing or Buying Supply Chain Jobs
- Supply Chain and Logistics Sourcing Specialist - facilitates efficient product and service sourcing, builds relationships with suppliers, negotiates costs and contracts or agreements, advises and consults upper management to provide the most efficient supply chain sourcing strategy
- Purchasing Agent (Buyer) - a purchasing agent evaluates, researches, and buys products; creates purchase orders, negotiates price points; procures MRO items (those needed for maintenance, repair, or operations).
- Supply Chain Manager - a supply chain manager is very similar in function to a Purchasing Agent. Duties include procuring parts and raw materials, evaluating suppliers and negotiating contracts, controlling inventory levels, negotiating shipping and transportation arrangements.
Supply Chain Management: Upper-Level Job Descriptions
Distribution Manager
A distribution manager is an upper-level supply chain management job. The duties include:
- Directly oversees the organizations' storage and distribution operations
- Recruits and trains warehouse personnel
- Develops warehouse safety policies and procedures
- Establishes and enables the smooth flow of product through the facility
Operations Manager
An operations manager is considered an upper-level supply chain management job. The duties include:
- Manages the overall operations of the company
- Coordinates and facilitates interactions between production, sales, and distribution
- Measures operational productivity
- Identifies potential cost reductions
Characteristics of Successful Supply Chain Candidates
- Ability to communicate
- Ability to analyze data
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships
- Be detail-oriented
- Negotiating capability
Educational Perspective
- Demonstrate the five key characteristics listed
- Join organizations that facilitate leadership in supply chain management such as APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society), ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management), APS (American Purchasing Society), or AST&L (American Society of Transportation and Logistics)
- Attain a production, operations, purchasing, or logistics and supply chain management associates or bachelors degree
Often the demonstrated abilities of an individual will outweigh any degree obtained in supply chain management. However, some organizations insist on an individual having a degree or is actively participating in a degree program.
