Supply chain manager

Positions for trainee managers are open to graduates of most subjects though you may find it useful to do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• logistics
• supply chain management
• transport management
• business management

You can find out about industry sponsored degree courses in supply chain management from NOVUS.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You may be able to apply for a Supply Chain Practitioner Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which could lead to an assistant manager position.

You might also be able to do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, such as:

• Supply Chain Leadership Professional
• Express Delivery Manager
• Senior Procurement and Supply Chain Professional

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications

You could start in a junior role, like transport clerk, and work your way up through training and promotion.

You might study for work-based qualifications through The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport or the Institute of Supply Chain Management .

Further information

You can find more details about careers and training in the supply chain industry from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

As a supply chain manager, you could:

• work with procurement managers and buyers to select products that will sell well
• negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers
• plan how to get goods from suppliers to distribution centres and retailers
• track shipments and stock levels using computer software
• make sure retailers receive their goods on time and in the right condition
• look at ways to improve supply chain networks
• monitor overall performance and meet targets
• prepare forecasts and inventories
• recruit, train and manage a team of supply chain staff

You could work in an office or at a client's business.