Eight Lucrative Career Options in MBA Supply Chain

Supply chain management is one of the most critical components of modern economies and markets globally. A supply chain manager, on the other hand, is responsible for ensuring the needs of consumers are met in an efficient and timely fashion.

A breakdown in the supply chain of goods can cause disastrous effects on economies and human life.

Due to the nature of the role, supply chain management offers diverse job opportunities in almost every sector of business. You can select any industry in the world, and you will find a suitable position for a supply chain manager.

A supply chain manager is responsible for keeping track of a company’s logistics and regularly updating the inventory. Moreover, supply chain managers collaborate with vendors worldwide to ensure smooth business operations.

Furthermore, supply chain managers are also responsible for predicting the growing needs of consumers for specific products while ensuring there is always enough stock in production, proper distribution, and the products meet quality and safety standards.

If you’re planning on pursuing an MBA in the supply chain, here are eight lucrative career options for you to look into.

1. Supply Chain Executive

Supply chain executives manage various aspects of the supply chain and are the problem-solvers of the management chain.

They monitor and control the entire process from procurement to distribution of the goods. Their jobs entail overseeing and managing purchasing costs, production, and logistics of prompt delivery to the customers.

Supply chain executives are in demand in every industry. As a supply chain executive, you can find a lucrative hotel management position, hospital administrator, or automotive dealer.

However, it is pertinent to acquire a master’s degree to prepare for a fast-paced industry. Earning an online supply chain MBA degree from the ease of your home is an excellent idea to equip yourself with the skills and experience needed to understand the vast scope of supply chain management.

Earning a master’s degree will also increase your chances of landing a rewarding job.

2. Procurement Specialist

Procurement specialists are keys to a smooth and cost-effective manufacturing process. They manage inventories, purchase raw materials, negotiate with sellers, and manage client expectations. Their primary role is to ensure a steady flow of raw materials for production.

Procurement specialists make a production unit profitable. Their job also requires them to lower the materials’ costs while maintaining the products’ quality. You would need pronounced negotiation skills and leadership qualities for this job.

3. Chief Operating Officer

Chief operating officers (COO) are the management leaders and planners of the supply chain. COOs take strategic and policy initiatives for the overall improvement of the organization. They provide in-depth analysis and optimize the existing processes within the organization.

COOs are the go-to for the employees and the management. This role also requires them to ensure the employees are satisfied and well-connected with the organization. COOs are also responsible for the legal matters of the organization.

They work with local and international regulatory bodies and establish a good legal standing for the organization.

4. Production Manager

Production Managers are the doers of the organization. They are responsible for the timed production and manufacturing of goods. They also manage production schedules, monitor raw material stock availability, and the cost-effective production rates.

Product managers also maintain product quality control. They monitor the assembly lines for consistent output and install quality assurance procedures. Moreover, product managers are also responsible for the safety of employees in the workplace. They are also required to formulate and establish safety protocols for the workforce in case of accidents or emergencies.

5. Facilities Manager

Every safe and well-maintained workplace requires facility managers. These managers oversee the infrastructure of the organization is functional and well-kept. They conduct frequent maintenance checks for the workforce’s safety and the unit’s optimal functioning. They select and maintain the equipment on the ground and ensure the proper upgradation of the unit.

Facility managers also manage the stock and product warehouses. They ensure the materials and the products are stored according to the safety guidelines.

6. International Trade Coordinator

Trade coordinators deal with the logistics of products. Their primary role involves establishing effective communication between the organization and the customers.

In addition, an International Trade Coordinator books and ships the cargo negotiates the freight for cost-effective supply and provides customer service till the final delivery. Since international trade coordinators work with customers in different territories, they must be well-versed in international trade and laws.

7. Supply Chain Analyst

Supply chain analysts are tasked with ensuring the seamless operation of all the supply chain units. They provide detailed workings of every process step and determine the drawbacks or insufficiencies.

They provide customized solutions to improve the failings in the system. Supply chain analysts also collaborate with all the departments in the organization and ensure prompt initiatives are taken for workplace complications. They generally report to the COOs.

8. Vendor Relationship Manager

Vendor Relationship managers are the communication link between the organization and various suppliers. These managers work in tandem with vendors to manage the demand and supply of the products. They negotiate and oversee the prompt supply and the quality of the delivered products. 

In addition, vendor relationship managers communicate any misgivings from the customers to the vendors about their products. This feedback is vital for the improvement of the products.

Vendor relationship managers collaborate with different vendors to acquire cost-effective quality products for the organization. Effective communication and critical negotiating skills are a must for this job.

Conclusion

Smooth and efficient supply chain management is essential for the survival of humanity. Frequent natural disasters across the globe are the major factors in disrupting the important items’ supply chain. However, with appropriate supply chain management, many calamities can be managed.

With the advent of a swift and high-paced global market, supply chain management has become the touchstone for the success or failure of an organization. Organizations must invest and plan coherent and systematic supply chains to cater to customers’ needs.

An efficient supply chain management system will make the organizations profitable in return.

Graduates with master’s in business administration with specialization in supply chain management will find lucrative career opportunities in various industries and job opportunities.