Supply chain manager

As a supply chain manager, you'll oversee and manage every stage of the production flow. This will include everything from purchasing raw materials to delivery of the final product.

You'll ensure the right amount of product is made at the correct time, as well as coordinating storage. Organising the movement of goods from distribution centres to customers and stores involves forecasting trends and managing inventories. You'll also work to keep costs down for the business.

What does a supply chain manager do?

As a supply chain manager you'll typically need to:

• work with procurement managers and buyers to source the right products, which will also include negotiating contracts with suppliers and customers
• control manufacturing and delivery processes
• plan and implement logistical strategy, ensuring targets are met
• oversee product storage, handling, and distribution
• use computer software to track goods from origin to delivery, schedule production, help plan routes, and more
• work on forecasts and inventories, keeping an accurate record of the process while analysing performance
• manage costs while maintaining quality
• manage and motivate a team of supply chain staff
• improve the overall supply chain performance and look for any possible innovations to the process, including developing new business relationships with suppliers
• identify, manage, and minimise risks, either operational or reputational, that could affect or interrupt the supply chain
• consider environmental impacts in order to meet sustainability targets
• understand and support anti-slavery in supply chains
• implement new technologies and be aware of new trends and developments in the sector.

Supply chain salaries

• Salaries at entry level, for example as a graduate trainee or buyer, are between £27,000 and £38,000 on average.
• According to the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Salary Guide, salaries for supply chain managers in the UK are around £54,000, though they can be as high as £65,000.
• At supply chain director level, earnings are typically around £80,000, but can be in excess of £100,000 per year.

Salaries vary depending on a range of factors, including your location (with income typically higher in cities like London), the size and type of company you work for, and the sector you work in, whether it's private, public, or charity/not-for-profit. Other factors include your skills, experience, level of seniority, and professional qualifications, e.g. chartership.

Income data comes from the 2025 CIPS Procurement Salary Guide. Figures are intended as a guide only.

How many hours does a supply chain manager work?

You'll usually work between 37.5 and 45 hours, Monday to Friday, with possible 8am starts. However, many companies run 24-hour operations and this may include shift work, with evening and weekend hours on a rota basis.

Your work environment will typically be office based, but you'll likely need to visit warehouses, customers, suppliers, etc.

There are opportunities for flexible and hybrid working, as well as occasions where overnight stays and overseas travel are a possibility.

What qualifications does a supply chain manager need?

Supply chain jobs are open to all graduates. However, it's common to hold a degree, HND, or foundation degree in a relevant subject, such as:

• business management
• computing
• finance
• information systems
• logistics management
• manufacturing or engineering
• supply chain management
• transport management.

Graduate trainee schemes are available, usually with large organisations.

You don't need a postgraduate degree to become a supply chain manager, but it may be useful, particularly if your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated subject. Search for postgraduate courses in logistics and supply chain management.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT(UK)) and Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) accredit a number of undergraduate and postgraduate supply chain management and logistics degrees. Search for:

• CILT(UK) accredited courses
• CIPS accredited courses

These qualifications also provide exemptions from some of the requirements for membership or chartered membership of the relevant body.

The Novus programme was created to help students interested in supply chain, logistics, operations, transport, and data analytics progress their careers. It provides access to summer and year-long placements, graduate roles, and mentors.

Alternatively, you could do an apprenticeship in supply chain or a related area, such as procurement management. Apprenticeships combine paid work with part-time study, meaning you can train on the job. They are available at various levels, including the Level 6 supply chain management degree apprenticeship.

A career in supply chain management is possible without a degreein an entry-level role, such as administrative assistant, purchasing assistant, or trainee buyer. It may then be possible to work your way up to the role of supply chain manager by taking relevant professional qualifications offered by CIPS or CILT(UK).

What skills does a supply chain manager need?

You'll need to have:

• excellent communication skills, both written and oral, which will include the ability to negotiate and influence others
• excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams, as well as lead others
• business management and analytical skills, as well as being strategic whilst solving problems and making decisions
• a logical and systematic approach to work, with the ability to interpret data, especially with the industry becoming increasingly more digital with a lean toward AI
• time management, particularly while working under pressure, but also maintaining accuracy
• IT literacy, with skills in Excel and an awareness of artificial intelligence being valuable
• an understanding of risk management in the context of the supply chain.

Where can I get supply chain work experience?

Some degree courses include a placement year option. This provides the opportunity to gain practical and real-world experience in supply chain management, increase your skills, and develop a network of contacts. There may also be options to undertake shorter placements during your course.

You could also apply for summer internships, which are usually available with larger organisations. Many large logistics companies have schemes in place, as do supermarkets.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who do supply chain managers work for?

Businesses source materials, products and services from all around the world, and any company that provides customers with a product will have a supply chain. This means jobs are available throughout the UK in the private, public, and charity/not-for-profit sectors. Supply chains can be hugely complicated processes with multiple operators and contributors.

Typical employers can be found in the following sectors:

• healthcare (e.g. the NHS) and pharmaceutical
• IT and telecommunications
• local and national government
• manufacturing and engineering
• retail and wholesale
• transport, distribution and storage.

Look for job vacancies at:

• CILT(UK) Jobs
• Supply Chain Online
• CIPS Procurement and Supply Jobs

Recruitment agencies, such as Robert Walters and Hays, also advertise vacancies. There are also jobs posted on social media sites like LinkedIn.

Where can a career in supply chain management lead?

There are various entry points into supply chain management, as well as a variety of career paths once you're in. It's possible to get an entry-level job or a graduate trainee role where you can then work your way up.

If you're on a graduate scheme, you'll get the opportunity to rotate through departments to get an insight into the whole supply chain process. These placements usually last one or two years. You may be able to fast track your career with accredited qualifications, personal coaching, and leadership development.

You can progress across all sectors to senior management and even to board level. The industry is characterised by career pathways that lead directly to senior management roles for those who have the right skills, experience, and determination.

Becoming a chartered member of CIPS or CILT(UK) may help your progression, as it shows you have the knowledge and expertise needed in a fast-moving industry, as well as showing you're committed to ongoing learning and development.

It's important to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. You can do this by taking professional qualifications offered by CIPS and CILT(UK). They offer a range of supply chain qualifications, from entry level certificates through to advanced certificates and diplomas.

Both organisations also offer the opportunity to become members and to work towards chartered status. You'll need a combination of accredited qualifications and experience to be eligible. You must also complete continuing professional development to keep your abilities and knowledge fresh.

Membership of a relevant professional body also provides the opportunity to get access to events, resources, and advice, as well to network with your peers. It's also possible to study for a Masters degree in supply chain management if you don't already have one.