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Job description: Retail Supply Chain
The supply chain involves the transfer of goods and materials from manufacturers and suppliers through to retail outlets and ultimately customers. This branch of the retail sector is also known as logistics or distribution.
As a supply chain manager, you would be responsible for planning and organising the entire process. Job opportunities also exist lower down the ladder, from clerk to supervisor level.
As well as retail companies, you could work in the supply chain for a variety of organisations, for example a logistics contractor specialising in shipping goods on behalf of other companies.
Whichever organisation you work for, your main responsibilities will include: planning delivery timetables, monitoring stock levels using computer databases, tracking the movement of goods through depots, overseeing the ordering and packaging process ready for dispatch and the arrival of shipments.
You would also be expected to monitor performance and make sure targets are met, and look at ways to improve the supply network. You would also be responsible for managing clerical, administrative and warehouse distribution staff, and deal with staff recruitment and training.
You will work closely with purchasing officers, warehouse staff and transport clerks to make sure goods and materials arrive at the depot as scheduled, are in good order, stored correctly and dispatched to customers on time.
Hours and Environment
Usually, you work 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. However, you may also be required to work evenings and weekends on a rota basis.
You may also be expected to be on-call to deal with emergencies. Distribution is a 24/7 business, and many firms now run 24-hour operations involving shift work.
You will be office based, usually in a distribution warehouse or depot.
Skills and Interests
For supply chain work, you'll need:
- Good planning skills
- The ability to motivate and lead a team
- Good spoken and written communication skills
- Good problem-solving and numeracy skills
- Attention to detail
- Confidence in using computer packages, such as spreadsheets and databases
- The ability to work under pressure to deadlines
- Good geographical knowledge
- Speaking a European language might also be very useful.
Entry
At management level, your main direct route is a foundation degree or BTEC HNC/HND. A specific degree in logistics, international transport, supply chain management, transport management and geography would be the optimum choices. These are available at colleges throughout the country - see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Check with the individual colleges for exact course entry details.
As you'd expect, entry qualification requirements below management level are less stringent. It's also possible to start as a transport clerk, for example, and work your way up to supervisor and then manager.
Training
If you have a degree, you may be able to start training with a larger employer on a graduate training scheme. These are structured programmes lasting from a few months to two years. During this time, you would have placements in several company departments, gradually taking on more responsibility.
On-the-job training may also include postgraduate degrees in transport planning, supply chain management and logistics.
NVQs are available in Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations Level 3, and Integrated Logistics Support Management Level 4.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) also offers certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses in Logistics and Transport. In addition, they have a continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for members.
Opportunities
You'll find opportunities in a wide variety of organisations, from small local firms to multinationals. Potential employers include retail organisations, warehousing and distribution firms, manufacturers, freight forwarders and even charities.
Long-term, the picture also looks rosy, especially in the south-east. The expansion of freight traffic is likely to drive continued demand for distribution support services.
With experience, you could also progress to senior planning jobs and consultancy work.
Annual Income
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Starting salaries for graduates are from £18,000 to £22,000 a year.With experience this rises to between £25,000 and £35,000 a year.
Senior supply chain managers can earn up to £60,000.
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