Supply Chain managers are required to organise and plan the transferring process of materials and goods from suppliers and manufacturers to customers. They manage distribution operations in major retailer companies and other organizations. These managers may work with other professionals, such as logistics contractors, warehouse staff, purchasing officers, and transport clerks to ensure materials are stored correctly and dispatched to customers on time.

A Supply Chain manager usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Making sure targets are met.
• Overseeing shipment arrivals.
• Tracking material’s movement.
• Planning timetables for delivery.
• Monitoring stock levels.

• Having good geography knowledge.
• Being able to work under pressure.
• Having good written and spoken communication abilities.
• Having IT skills.
• Having high attention to details.
• Being able to work with a team.
• Having good planning skills.
• Being able to motivate others.
• Having math skills.
• Having good problem solving abilities.

Supply Chain job placements usually requires degrees, Higher National Certificates, Higher National Diplomas, and foundation degrees such as geography, international transport, logistics, transport management, and supply chain management. These courses are offered by many colleges and universities, for more details visit Universities and Colleges Admissions Service website.

There are NVQ’s in logistics operations management level 3 and integrated logistics support management level 4, and postgraduate degrees in logistics, transport planning and supply chain management.