The Top Supply Chain Jobs for 2023 and Beyond

If you’re a student preparing for a career in supply chain, you may be wondering what opportunities will be available to you. From procurement manager to supply chain transformation manager, here are 12 great career paths in supply chain, according to the experts!

  1. Procurement Manager
  2. Roles with Global Impact
  3. Data Analyst
  4. Global Logistics Manager
  5. Supply Chain Analyst
  6. Purchasing Manager
  7. Quality Manager
  8. Inventory Analyst
  9. Material Manager
  10. Demand Planning Analyst
  11. ESG Compliance Expert
  12. Supply Chain Transformation Manager

1. Procurement Manager

Procurement as a field provides you with insights from both sides of the table — you learn what is happening from the supplier’s side and what is happening on the buyer’s side.

In the world’s current volatile situation, the most demanding job is to procure from sustainable sources and with A-grade quality.

Owais Ahmed Khan, Group Sr. Manager Supply Chain, Naveena Group

2. Roles With Global Impact

As supply chains become more massive, the world is becoming a smaller place. The focus goes to people who have experience in global roles, such as global supply chain managers, global operations, and global logistics. These are roles that will have an impact in 2023 and beyond.

Niveditha Sunderraj, Global Supply Chain Manager, Google

3. Data Analyst

Today, professionals who analyze data quickly and objectively earn more and are sought-after by companies.

Almost all open jobs require professionals who know at least two or three data analysis tools, with a huge volume of information. Professionals need to know how to tell a story with data for better decision-making.

Orlemyr Sousa da Silva, Logistics Specialist, CNH Industrial

4. Global Logistics Manager

With the rise of e-commerce and global supply chains, businesses need experienced professionals to help them manage these complex networks. One such supply chain job for 2023 is that of a global logistics manager. 

This role involves managing a company’s global shipping and distribution networks, ensuring their products are quickly delivered to customers worldwide. They understand global trade regulations, select the best carriers for product delivery, track shipments, and optimize inventory levels.

Michael Fischer, Founder, Elite HRT

5. Supply Chain Analyst

In a recent report from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), the role of supply chain analyst was a top job for 2023 and beyond. As the name suggests, supply chain analysts play a vital role in analyzing and improving the flow of goods and materials through the supply chain.

In today’s increasingly complex and globalized business environment, efficient supply chains are essential to success. We expect demand for qualified supply chain analysts to continue to grow in the coming years. If you’re interested in a career in supply chain management, then a position as a supply chain analyst is certainly one to consider.

Natalia Brzezinska, Marketing and Outreach Manager, US Visa Photo

6. Purchasing Manager

The position of purchasing manager is among the highest-paid jobs in supply chain management. It requires experience and is not suitable for new entrants. 

The manager oversees the buyer’s process, reviews the products, and handles other complex tasks. They maintain records of goods ordered and maintain healthy relations with vendors. 

Among the benefits, the purchasing manager might need to travel across the globe to meet vendors. It depends on ‌the company. The skills a candidate must have for this job role are marketing and research tactics and the ability to effectively negotiate with clients.

Jay Bats, Cofounder, ContentBASE

7. Quality Manager

One of the best supply chain jobs for 2023 simply has to be a role in quality management.

The industry is ever-growing to begin with; however, this role asks you to be constantly learning and developing. It’s perfect for anyone who is looking for a job that is not only challenging but with room for progression.

Keeping up with industry regulations, internal processes, and operational aspects of compliance (and generally ensuring that everything is as optimized as possible) are the foundations of this type of role. It truly is an excellent career path to follow.

Wendy Makinson, HR Manager, Joloda Hydraroll

8. Inventory Analyst

Inventory management is a critical function of any supply chain, but especially so in fast-paced, consumer-facing industries. Companies that sell perishable or time-sensitive products must keep their inventory levels tight to avoid unnecessarily quick product sell-outs. 

Inventory analysts use data from existing inventory systems to create more accurate forecasts of future demand and guide purchasing decisions to keep inventory levels at a sweet spot — not too high, not too low — for optimal sales.

Admir Salcinovic, Cofounder, Pricelisto

9. Material Manager

One of the top supply chain jobs is a material manager. This position will require you to manage various aspects of a company’s logistics, from procurement to delivery, in order to meet customer demands.

You will need strong organizational skills and exceptional communication and coordination abilities. In addition, this role requires an understanding of supply chain dynamics and trends so that you can make sound decisions for expanding or contracting your supplier base.

Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO, JohannesLarsson.com

10. Demand Planning Analyst

Demand planning analysts forecast demand and create plans to meet that demand. They use data from a variety of sources, including sales, marketing, suppliers, customers, and distributors. They also look at macroeconomic trends to determine their company’s future needs.

Demand planning analysts need to have strong analytical skills and excellent communication skills in order to communicate their findings with their organization and with customers and vendors. They must also be able to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines set by management at all times.

Amer Hasovic, Content Writer, Love & Lavender

11. ESG Compliance Expert

Governments are putting more on firms to show that they run ethical and sustainable operations. The Germany Supply Chain Due Diligence Act will go into effect in January 2023. It mandates that companies monitor supply chains for human rights abuses and makes sure that their partners are not contributing to environmental degradation throughout their whole supply chain. 

There have been supply chain regulations created to ensure that businesses upheld various facets of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) performance. But compliance legislation that was so extensive and significant has never been seen before by supply chain professionals. 

This type of ESG legislation was formerly concentrated on a particular risk domain, such as child labor, forced labor, or the 2020 Uyghur Forced Labor Act.

Kurt Uhlir, Chief Marketing Officer, kurtuhlir

12. Supply Chain Transformation Manager

One of the top supply chain jobs for 2023 is the supply chain transformation manager. 

This role involves the planning and execution of supply chain transformation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive growth. The supply chain transformation manager will develop and implement strategies to improve the performance of global supply chains, thus identifying areas for improvement and establishing KPIs to measure success. 

The role will require strong organizational and analytical skills, as well as experience in project management and data analysis.

Zulfiqar Haider Shah, Supply Chain Executive, Nesma & Partners

Stukent helps you stay current with the latest trends in the supply chain space. Whether you’re a student getting ready to graduate or a professor who teaches supply chain, Stukent can help you with two new supply chain courseware that provide real-world applications and hands-on experience.

To learn more about Stukent’s supply chain products, visit our site.

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