A look at the world of supply chain jobs

• By Purcon
• Friday, May 16, 2008
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Whether you are an existing logistics professional - or somebody looking speculatively at the supply chain jobs market - it always helps to know exactly what the options are.

To the lay person, the world of supply chain jobs may seem hopelessly labyrinthine or even relatively simple. The truth is, supply chain management is a simple concept, but one that takes many different roles to make it work - from the materials planner to the forecast manager.

The simple explanation of how supply chain management takes shape is to imagine the lifespan of a product. Between the factory and the home, that product makes its way from the production line to a wholesaler. From there, it will go to a retailer, which will then sell to the consumer. How this process takes place is where supply chain jobs come in.

One example of how important management of the supply chain - from the production manager to the inventory planner - is to the success of a business is the case of Boeing. IndustryWeek.com recently cited the aerospace firm's 787 Dreamliner as an example of poor logistical planning leading to repeated delays in the delivery of the product.

But while Boeing's attempts to innovate their supply chain operations have been deemed by some as a failure, the future for supply chain jobs is definitely one that involves new and revolutionary technology.

For example, another player in the same field as Boeing, Exostar, was this week lauded by START-IT as being one of the leading providers of manufacturing technology to the defence and aerospace industry.

On receiving an award from the publication, Exostar summed up what is expected of this branch of the logistics industry - and gave an insight into the fast-moving environment that supply chain jobs seekers can expect.

"In today's highly competitive industry, extended supply chain visibility and process efficiency are critical to reduce program risk, cost and information lag-time," said Peter Scott, vice president of supply chain solutions at the firm.

So, the future for anybody searching the supply chain jobs market is one of evolution and opportunity. With the right support and skills, however, the right person can only flourish.

This story has been brought to you by Purcon, the Supply Chain recruitment specialists.

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