Specific activities for a director of supply chain management include:
- Developing efficient and cost-effective supply chain strategies
- Managing inventory
- Monitoring the market and adapting supply chain processes to deal with changes
- Nurturing relationships with vendors and communicating specific order requirements
- Regularly analyzing vendor risk, vendor performance and overall supply chain effectiveness
A closer look at the professional landscape for a director of supply chain management
The professional landscape of supply chain management has many potential career paths. Other positions, including purchasing or logistics managers, are offshoots of this role. A purchasing manager plans, directs and coordinates the purchase of materials, products or services while overseeing buyers, purchasing agents and others in procurement-related occupations. Logistics managers analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain, managing the entire product lifecycle from acquisition to delivery. These jobs can each lead to supply chain management director roles, as they provide fundamental work experience coveted by employers.
The median salary for a director of supply chain management is $120,000, according to Payscale, but this can increase with experience, education and certification. Known to be a competitive field, one qualification employers may look for is your educational background and whether or not you have any certifications. Earning an MBA may improve your job prospects or even help you move up the supply chain ladder to roles such as vice president of operations or eventually, chief operating officer.
Certification isn’t often required, but it can be beneficial. There are quite a few options, including the Certified Professional in Supply Management credential offered by the Institute for Supply Management and the Senior Professional in Supply Management certification from the Next Level Purchasing Association. Both certifications have different requirements. The first combines a series of three exams with three years of relevant work experience plus a bachelor’s degree, while the latter requires applicants to complete six online courses and pass an exam. Exploring options like these while completing your MBA program can help you potentially earn certification as you’re completing your graduate degree, allowing you to enter the workplace as a highly competitive candidate.
Becoming a director of supply chain management
Based on your experience, you may decide to specialize in a particular field as a director of supply chain management, rather than simply looking for general supply chain opportunities. Often, individuals will opt for a career in a specific area like technology or a certain industry like education or retail.