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Entry Level Supply Chain Management Jobs:
As with any other growing field, supply chain management has its own set of specific challenges when it comes to hiring new talent. There simply aren’t enough qualified professionals who are willing to take these entry-level positions and put in the time necessary to advance their careers further. The demand for supply chain professionals is expected to grow by more than 20% by 2024. To help you land that first job in the industry, we’ve compiled a list of entry-level supply chain management jobs and tips on how to ace your interview. Read on to learn more!
What Is Supply Chain Management?
The term “supply chain” is used to describe the process of getting a product from raw materials to the end user. The supply chain starts with the raw materials and goes through each stage in the process, including production, packaging, shipping, distribution, and finished goods. Supply chain management manages these processes to ensure that the final product is delivered to consumers at an affordable price and in a timely manner. There are many segments of supply chain management. Some professionals focus on procurement or logistics, while others work in purchasing or inventory management. There are 8 key benefits of supply chain management, and every company needs someone who can oversee every stage of production and delivery – someone with expertise in supply chain management.
Top Entry-level positions in supply chain management:
The supply chain field is growing, and there are many entry-level jobs available in this area. Some of these positions include:
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Logistics Analyst
- Distribution Management Specialist
- Production Planning Analyst.
These roles can be found in just about every industry, but they’re especially necessary for companies that rely heavily on manufacturing. If you take an entry-level position in the supply chain field, you’ll be responsible for the following:
- Gathering data and making recommendations to improve processes and efficiency.
- Tracking inventory from order to delivery.
- Managing budgets.
- Coordinating with suppliers to ensure all materials are delivered on time.
Get a Recognized Supply Chain Management Certification:
To help your chances of getting an entry-level supply chain management job, it’s a good idea to get a recognized certification. One of the most well-known certifications is the Certified Supply Chain Expert (CSCE) designation from the AIMS’ Institute for Supply Management. It is among the top supply chain management certifications, and it allows you to learn supply chain management with online courses to start building your resume and adding points to your interview. Certification also helps show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to be successful in one of these positions.
Tips for acing your supply chain interview:
1) Research the company thoroughly If you’ve never heard of the company before your interview, it could show that you aren’t passionate or knowledgeable about the field. It’s important to research the company before your interview and be able to speak intelligently about its history, products and services, goals, etc.
2) Make sure you can articulate your skills When asked what your strengths are, be prepared with a response. Make sure that you know what job description is being advertised and what skills are needed for the position.
3) Be confident in your abilities Even if you don’t have any experience in supply chain management, it would be better to say that you have some experience than none at all. If you have an internship or previous work experience in a related field, like logistics or entry level sales jobs in Cincinnati, then make sure to mention that when answering questions about your skills.
3 most common Entry-Level positions in supply chain management:
There are three main entry-level positions in supply chain management:
Logistics Specialist:
This role entails creating and following a logistics plan for an organization. The logistics specialist is responsible for tracking shipments, delivery times, inventory, and so on.
Procurement Specialist:
These professionals are in charge of purchasing goods for companies. They work with suppliers, negotiate terms, and keep track of inventory levels.
Supply Chain Analyst:
Supply chain analysts compile data to facilitate the production and distribution of a product or service. One of their primary duties is analyzing supply chains to find ways to reduce costs and increase profits.
