How to write a supply chain manager job description

Writing a job description for a supply chain manager presents unique challenges. You must accurately capture the complex scope of supply chain operations while highlighting your desired blend of tactics and logistics.

A well-crafted supply chain manager description is vital for attracting top candidates with the required technical experience who also align with the organization’s strategic vision. Meanwhile, a generic job description can lead to hiring missteps and operational inefficiencies, risking the smooth flow of a company’s supply chain.

In this article, we discuss the key elements of writing a clear and detailed job description – ensuring your organization can attract and hire a supply chain manager capable of enhancing your logistical operations.

What is a supply chain manager?

A supply chain manager oversees the many aspects of a company’s supply chain, from planning and sourcing materials to manufacturing and delivering finished products.

They manage and optimize a supply chain logistics network, focusing on cost reduction, flexibility, sustainable practices, and on-time delivery. Their strategies align supply chain processes with business goals.

Supply chain management (SCM) is vital for connecting different parts of an organization, maintaining supplier relationships, and ensuring operations run smoothly from start to finish.

Key skills to look for in a supply chain manager

Here are some essential skills for supply chain manager candidates.

Hard skills

• Supply chain optimization, including reducing lead times, improving supplier relationships, and more. This helps your company keep a competitive edge.

• Inventory management, including a deep understanding of demand forecasting and just-in-time inventory principles. This is key to avoiding overstocking and managing warehousing costs effectively.

• Logistics planning, including route planning, carrier selection, and freight cost negotiation. This skill ensures timely delivery and minimizes transportation costs.

• Data analysis and forecasting for identifying trends, forecasting future supply needs, and making data-driven decisions. This includes using statistical tools and supply chain analytics to predict market changes and respond proactively.

• Knowledge of supply chain software, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and SCM systems. Examples include Oracle SCM Cloud, SAP SCM, and Infor SCM. 

Soft skills

• Strategic thinking for developing long-term strategies for supply chain improvement that meet business goals

• Leadership for managing and motivating the supply chain team, fostering a collaborative and productive environment

• Problem-solving for identifying and resolving complex supply chain issues, ensuring smooth operations

• Communication competence for coordinating with different departments and external partners

• Adaptability to market conditions and supply chain disruptions, maintaining operational resilience

How to write an effective supply chain manager job description

Follow these four best practices to create a job description that brings in candidates with the right blend of technical knowledge, operational expertise, and strategic insight.

Clarify supply chain segments and tools

Specify which segments of the supply chain the manager will be directly handling, like raw material procurement, manufacturing processes, or distribution networks. This precision helps candidates self-assess their fit for the role.

Mention specific tools or systems they should have experience with, like RFID technology for inventory tracking or AI-based forecasting tools. The manager’s technological proficiency can significantly enhance the agility and responsiveness of the supply chain.

For example, you might require “experience managing end-to-end supply chains with a focus on lean manufacturing and RFID inventory tracking.”

Detail operational and strategic balance

Emphasize the need for a balance between operational insight and strategic planning. State the expectation for skills in both day-to-day logistics management and long-term supply chain strategy development. 

This is important because the best supply chain strategies improve operational efficiency and contribute to broader business objectives.

For instance, you might say you’re “Seeking a candidate who can efficiently manage daily logistics operations while also developing strategic plans for supply chain optimization.”

Highlight industry-specific knowledge

If your industry has unique supply chain challenges (like cold chain management in pharmaceuticals), highlight this in the job description.

This is crucial since industry-specific supply chain management often involves particular standards, technologies, and compliance regulations.

You might say, for example, that “knowledge of cold chain logistics and compliance with pharmaceutical industry standards is a must.”

Focus on global supply chain dynamics

Companies with a global presence must stress the importance of understanding international supply chain management. This helps you attract candidates adept at navigating the complexities of global supply chains.

For instance, your job description might say, “The ideal candidate will have proven experience managing international supply chains and possess a deep understanding of global trade regulations and cross-cultural team leadership.”

Supply chain manager job description template

Here’s a supply chain manager job description template you can customize to attract suitable candidates.

Company introduction

Start by summarizing your company, its services and products, work culture, strategic vision, and more. List any recent achievements. This information can draw in candidates who are aligned with your company. 

Highlight aspects of your company that would appeal to a supply chain manager, such as advanced logistical systems or commitment to sustainability in the supply chain. Emphasize the role a supply chain manager plays in your organization, detailing how their expertise contributes to the company's overall objectives and success.

Benefits of working with [Your company]

List the benefits for employees at your organization – especially those that might appeal to supply chain managers. Examples include:

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Generous vacation policy and flexible working arrangements

• Opportunities for professional development and career growth

• Access to cutting-edge technology and resources

Supply chain manager job brief

[Company name]

Job title: Supply chain manager

Reports to: [For example, chief operations officer (COO)]

Position type: [Full-time, part-time, on-site, or hybrid]

[Salary and compensation details]

Responsibilities and duties

• Strategically manage the supply chain lifecycle, from procurement to distribution.

• Develop and implement supply chain strategies to boost efficiency and lower costs.

• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to negotiate contracts and ensure quality standards.

• Monitor and forecast inventory levels, implementing just-in-time inventory practices to balance supply with demand.

• Use advanced supply chain management software for real-time tracking and analytics.

• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of supply chain operations with other business units.

• Stay informed about the latest industry trends and advancements in supply chain management.

• Implement sustainable and ethical supply chain practices, aligning with company values and regulations.

• Manage and mentor supply chain staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Skills and qualifications

Required skills and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field

• [Number+] years of experience in supply chain management, preferably in [name industry, if applicable]

• Strong understanding of supply chain optimization, inventory management, and logistics planning

• Proficiency in supply chain management software [specify any tools your company uses]

• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred skills and experience

• Professional certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

• Strong leadership skills and experience managing a team

• Experience with global supply chain management and international trade regulations

• Expertise in specific supply chain areas like green logistics

• Experience in integrating AI technologies for supply chain innovation

3 things to avoid when writing a job description for a supply chain manager

Here are three mistakes to avoid when writing your supply chain manager job description.

1. Overemphasis on tactical skills

While operational know-how is essential, a supply chain manager’s role often leans more toward strategic planning and decision-making.

Don’t focus solely on tactical skills like inventory management or procurement without equally stressing the importance of strategic skills like supply chain optimization, risk management, and relationship building with suppliers. Doing this can lead to hiring a supply chain manager who excels in operational tasks but lacks the strategic planning abilities crucial for long-term supply chain success and innovation.

2. Ignoring soft skills

Soft skills like communication, leadership, and adaptability are vital in this role, particularly for coordinating with different departments or negotiating with suppliers. 

Not evaluating these areas can lead to hiring candidates who are technically proficient but unable to effectively manage stakeholder relationships or teams.

3. Being vague about requirements

Supply chain management is a complex field requiring specific skills and experiences. Avoid using generic terms like “extensive experience” or “industry knowledge.”

Instead, be precise about the years of experience, types of supply chain systems, and scale of operations necessary for the role. This precision helps attract candidates who truly fit the job’s demands.

Next steps: Attracting and assessing supply chain manager candidates

Writing and posting your supply chain manager job description is the first step to hiring a good candidate for this role. Once the applications roll in, use talent assessments to evaluate applicants efficiently and without bias.

TestGorilla offers various talent assessments, including the following role-specific skills tests:

• Supply Chain Fundamentals test: Covers key skills like procurement management, ingoing and outgoing quality management, and dispatch management

• Transport Coordinator test: Evaluates candidates’ knowledge of outbound and inbound management, logistics server provider management, and more

• Business ethics & compliance test: Covers awareness and ethical judgment

• Warehouse supervisor skills test: Checks how well candidates can oversee warehouse operations

• Purchasing Manager test: Covers supply chain cost-saving strategies, vendor management, and more

• Working with Data test: Reveals a candidate’s proficiency at handling data, including graphs and charts

Combine some of these tests with personality and culture assessments to better understand a candidate’s overall fit for the role.

FAQs

Do supply chain managers need advanced degrees? 

Supply chain managers can enter the field with practical experience in place of advanced degrees. You should assess their ability to do the job rather than relying on advanced degree requirements. 

In fact, Steven Forth, a veteran supply chain executive, says he doesn’t rely on degrees when hiring. In an interview with Argentus, a recruitment agency specializing in supply chain and procurement staffing, Steve said:

“Tomorrow’s leaders of supply chain and sourcing are really at the junior levels today. Personally, I’ve removed the demand for a specific accreditation. I go after people with business smarts who have a more holistic understanding of the skills of the trade. If they have the ability to see the company vision,  connect the dots, place the nails, cut the boards, and be bigger and better than the flat out design, that’s somebody that’s truly adding a benefit to the process.”

What is the typical day of a supply chain manager?

A typical day can include monitoring inventory levels, liaising with suppliers, and analyzing supply chain performance. Supply chain managers may also attend meetings with different departments, manage logistics operations, and handle unforeseen supply chain disruptions.

TestGorilla is the best way to find top supply chain managers

Supply chain managers are vital to managing supplier relationships, on-time product delivery, and customer satisfaction. An effective skills-based job description that emphasizes technical skills, leadership abilities, and strategic balance can bring in experienced applicants.

TestGorilla has hundreds of tests you can use to evaluate every candidate’s technical proficiency and personality traits comprehensively and without bias. You can combine and customize tests to create personalized assessments and find the perfect fit for your organization.

Get started with TestGorilla by signing up for a free account or booking a free live demo.