Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Management is responsible for coordinating all parts of the Supply Chain, from supplying raw materials to delivering and/or production of products. Supply Chain Managers create a smoothly flowing system that saves the company time and money in the long run. Workers in the Supply Chain Management field make sure that goods and services get into the hands of consumers on time and up-to-standard.

You do not technically need a degree for this career, but any opportunities to gain knowledge about the industry and this job should be taken to better your chances of being hired. In order to gain hard skills as a Supply Chain Manager, or be introduced into the field of logistics, you will need to complete a short course, longer diploma or Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management.  Once you have chosen an area of the supply chain you would like to become specialised in, you can then take an additional course to become a specialist in that field.

Days can have long, irregular hours, and the job often requires frequent travel to various stores in the supply chain. In a typical work week as a Supply Chain Manager, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

As a Supply Chain Manager, you can expect to earn anywhere around the South African average yearly salary of R500 000, varying with the company you work for.

As a Supply Chain Manager, you should expect a very high-pace, intellectually-stimulating career. You will like this career if you are someone who likes carrying out projects and leading people by making many decisions. It may require risk taking and often deal with business and finances.