Logistics

Supply Chain Manager job description

A Supply Chain Manager optimizes logistics, inventory, and procurement strategies to drive efficiency. Learn what a Supply Chain Manager does to excel here.

Published September 5, 2025Updated May 16, 20265380 likes

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Job brief

We are seeking a results-driven Supply Chain Manager to lead our logistics operations and scale our distribution capabilities. In this role, you will be the backbone of our supply chain team, tasked with optimizing our inventory turnover, streamlining transportation routes, and integrating new warehouse technologies. You will have the autonomy to identify and solve systemic inefficiencies, ensuring our products reach customers on time and under budget. If you are a strategic thinker who thrives on tackling complex logistics challenges, we want you to shape the future of our global supply chain.

Key highlights

Design and execute comprehensive logistics strategies to optimize transportation routes and reduce freight expenditure by leveraging data-driven TMS analytics.
Manage end-to-end inventory health, including safety stock levels, reorder points, and lead time tracking within SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite ERP systems.
Architect warehouse throughput workflows by implementing lean methodologies and WMS automation to decrease picking latency and improve material handling efficiency.
Coordinate customs brokerage and international freight forwarding processes, ensuring full compliance with import/export regulations and C-TPAT security standards.

What is a Supply Chain Manager?

A Supply Chain Manager is a strategic logistics professional responsible for orchestrating the end-to-end movement of goods, from raw material procurement to final customer delivery. They utilize advanced ERP and WMS platforms to harmonize inventory levels, transportation networks, and warehouse operations while balancing cost-efficiency with service speed. By leveraging data-driven forecasting, a Supply Chain Manager ensures organizational resilience, reduces supply chain volatility, and maintains competitive advantages in complex, multi-site distribution environments.

What does a Supply Chain Manager do?

On a daily basis, a Supply Chain Manager monitors real-time logistics data, resolves bottlenecks in the supply chain, and manages relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) providers and vendors. They conduct deep-dive analyses using TMS tools to optimize freight costs, oversee inventory cycle counts to ensure 99%+ accuracy, and collaborate with procurement teams to refine demand planning models. Their work involves reconciling shipping discrepancies, auditing customs compliance documentation, and presenting actionable performance metrics to leadership to drive continuous operational improvement.

Key responsibilities

Design and execute comprehensive logistics strategies to optimize transportation routes and reduce freight expenditure by leveraging data-driven TMS analytics.
Manage end-to-end inventory health, including safety stock levels, reorder points, and lead time tracking within SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite ERP systems.
Lead vendor management programs to ensure 3PL partners and carriers consistently meet service level agreements (SLAs) regarding transit times and delivery accuracy.
Architect warehouse throughput workflows by implementing lean methodologies and WMS automation to decrease picking latency and improve material handling efficiency.
Coordinate customs brokerage and international freight forwarding processes, ensuring full compliance with import/export regulations and C-TPAT security standards.
Analyze complex demand signals and market trends to improve forecast accuracy, minimizing stockouts and preventing excess capital tied up in slow-moving inventory.
Direct cross-functional collaboration with sales, finance, and procurement teams to align inventory availability with seasonal revenue targets and promotional activity.
Develop and maintain rigorous reporting dashboards using Power BI or Tableau to track KPIs such as perfect order rate, freight spend per unit, and dock-to-stock time.

Requirements and skills

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Research, or a related field; APICS or CSCP certification is highly preferred.
5+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, logistics, or distribution management within a high-volume, multi-site operational environment.
Advanced proficiency in enterprise-grade ERP (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and WMS software, with demonstrated ability to manage master data integrity.
Proven track record of utilizing lean six sigma or kaizen methodologies to identify waste and implement process improvements within warehouse operations.
Expertise in domestic and international transportation modes (FTL, LTL, Ocean, Air) and understanding of Incoterms, customs documentation, and bill of lading accuracy.
Exceptional analytical capability, specifically the ability to translate raw logistics data into strategic business insights using advanced Excel or SQL.
Strong negotiation skills evidenced by experience securing long-term service contracts with regional and national freight carriers and warehouse service providers.
Ability to articulate complex supply chain technical challenges and strategic project requirements to both warehouse staff and executive-level stakeholders.

FAQs

What does a Supply Chain Manager do on a daily basis?

A Supply Chain Manager oversees the daily flow of goods and information by monitoring shipment tracking, resolving inventory discrepancies, and managing relationships with logistics partners. They spend time analyzing performance dashboards to identify bottlenecks and adjusting procurement plans to meet shifting demand. By ensuring that systems like WMS and ERP are functioning correctly, they facilitate seamless operations from the factory floor to the final delivery point.

What qualifications are needed to become a Supply Chain Manager?

Candidates typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Business, combined with several years of hands-on experience in warehouse or transportation management. Professional certifications like CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) or CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution) from ASCM are highly valued. Proficiency in modern ERP software and analytical tools is essential for managing today's data-intensive supply chains.

Who does a Supply Chain Manager work with within a company?

A Supply Chain Manager acts as a central hub, collaborating daily with procurement teams for sourcing, sales teams for demand forecasting, and warehouse supervisors for operational execution. They also work closely with the finance department to manage inventory costs and with external stakeholders such as carriers, customs brokers, and suppliers. This cross-functional interaction is critical to aligning supply chain capabilities with broader business objectives.

Why is the Supply Chain Manager role important for business growth?

The Supply Chain Manager is critical because they directly impact the two biggest drivers of profitability: cost control and customer satisfaction. By optimizing logistics networks and reducing inventory waste, they free up working capital that can be reinvested into the business. Furthermore, a resilient supply chain strategy ensures that a company can scale efficiently during periods of rapid growth while maintaining reliable delivery standards that build brand loyalty.