Supply Chain Management Jobs in the United States

Supply Chain Management Jobs Overview

Supply chain management jobs keep manufacturers operating from start to finish. For example, when you visit the grocery store, you're seeing the work of a supply chain manager.

Supply chain managers determine customers' needs, make plans, procure raw materials, oversee production, and coordinate deliveries. Sometimes, unexpected events, such as workers leaving or equipment breaking down, interrupt the flow. It's up to the supply chain manager to get the project back on track.

When you search for supply chain management jobs, you'll find options in a range of industries — from food and retail to government and healthcare. Once you're on board, you'll be helping manufacturers to optimize production, reduce costs without sacrificing quality, and add more products to store shelves. You'll use your specialized knowledge to work with different methods.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasters project an impressive 28% growth rate for supply chain logisticians over the next decade. New manufacturers and increased buying power are expected to lead to more positions.

Supply Chain Management Salaries

A supply chain management job salary averages about $85,000. Salaries range from $50,975 to $108,521 with major cities paying the most. A sample of pay rates includes:

• New York, NY: $94,704
• Chicago, IL: $94,502
• Atlanta, GA: $90,490
• Los Angeles, CA: $88,294
• Houston, TX: $86,747

Check out Monster's Salary Calculator to learn more about your potential pay. Simply enter your job title and location, view median salaries in your area, and see how they compare to the nationwide estimate. Review job descriptions to learn about each employer's benefits, such as retirement plans and health insurance.

How to Find Your Ideal Supply Chain Job

First, decide which manufacturing industry you want to enter. Some supply chain professionals prefer working in an industry that they're familiar with, such as food or retail, while others prefer specialized fields like aerospace, military, or media. You can switch industries later, but you'll acquire more specialized knowledge if you stay in one field.

Next, figure out how your needs factor into your strengths as a potential employee. If you thrive with varying shifts and overtime opportunities, for example, you may be considered a stronger candidate by a hospital. Also consider your desired pay, benefits, commute, work-life balance, and growth opportunities in the supply chain management field.

Review Supply Chain Management Job Descriptions

Make sure that the job suits your education, skills, and experience. You don't necessarily need to have every listed qualification, but a good match increases your chances of receiving a job interview.

Postings for supply chain management jobs may include:

• industry, such as retail or packaging
• manufacturing goals
• management responsibilities
• qualifications, including education and certifications
• benefits

Research the Company

Visit the company's website to learn about its mission, history, services, and total number of employees. If you see that the business is opening new stores or warehouses, that’s a good sign for job stability. However, you might prefer a smaller company with lower levels of production to manage.

Also, read reviews of the company for an objective take on the employer. See how former employers describe upper management and the company culture. Do they distribute work fairly? Do they help workers when an issue arises? Do they offer overtime pay?

Locate Growth Opportunities

A long-term career with a company can mean better benefits and higher pay. When you review the website and job description, look for opportunities to advance to upper management. Likewise, see if the employer offers supply chain management training and networking events.

Applying for Supply Chain Management Jobs

When you apply for a job, you want to get everything right the first time. Review the job description and take notes of all the submission requests. Then, gather your documents, and submit them as soon as you can.

Prepare Your Resume

A clean, scannable resume will grab the human resources manager's attention faster. In your resume, introduce yourself with a headline and professional summary before detailing your experience and education.

Job descriptions offer keywords that you can include in your resume. You can pull them from the required skills and qualifications. For example, if the job description mentions using a continuous flow model, you could add "experience with continuous flow models" to your resume.

Ask previous managers and coworkers if they can provide references. If they agree, include their names, email addresses, phone numbers, and relationships with you.

For ideas, check out this sample supply chain resume. If you really want to stand out, take advantage of the Monster Professional Resume Writing Service. Our career experts will write your resume and cover letter and deliver your documents within two business days.

Write a Strong Cover Letter

A cover letter gives you the chance to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the perfect fit for a position. While not all supply chain management jobs require them, you should include one if it’s requested.

Strong cover letters include information on how your qualifications set you apart, any previous experience, and why you would like the position. Like this sample logistics cover letter, use short paragraphs to make the document scannable. It’s also important to tailor your letter to the company, referencing any success you’ve had that may relate to the role.

Submit Your Application

Once you're ready to submit your application, sign up for a Monster account. After you have set up your account, you can apply for the jobs that you want and allow potential employers to view your profile.

Changing the status of your profile to “Visible" lets recruiters see your skills and expertise. Make sure to double-check everything for incorrect information and typos before submitting any applications.

Following Up with Employers

Wait roughly five business days after you’ve submitted your application before sending a follow-up email. Keep in mind that hiring managers often need more than a week to review job candidates.

How to Follow Up

Follow-up letters should be professional while showing that you’re eager to join the team. This sample follow-up letter reiterates the applicant's qualifications while thanking the employer for their consideration. The writer also points out that they have years of experience and are willing to relocate, making them stand out from other applicants.

Within your brief (one to two paragraphs) follow-up message, be sure to:

• Include your name and the job title.
• Restate your interest in the position.
• Ask for an update on your application.
• Offer to provide more info about yourself if they need it.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.

Who Do You Contact?

You can reach out to the person mentioned in the job description, who is often a hiring or HR manager. If you can't find contact information, call or email the company to request the name of the right recipient.

Interviewing for Supply Chain Management Jobs

To prepare for your interview, research the company online so that you can ask questions specific to their type of supply chain management, showing your genuine interest in the position. Learning about the company and its place in the industry will give you an idea of what questions may be asked of you in the interview. If the website emphasizes particular values, you can incorporate those attributes in your responses.

Be sure to research the company's dress code before your meeting. There are supply chain management jobs in many different industries, and some may require more formal business attire than others. If you can't find information online, call the HR manager to see if they prefer professional or business casual attire.

For supply chain management jobs, interviewers typically ask questions about your role, communication skills, and goals for the company. Rehearse your interview at home, either in the mirror or with a friend that will help you do a mock interview. While rehearsing, think about the supply chain management strategies that you used at previous jobs.

What Happens During Your Interview?

Some employers start with a phone interview where you answer basic questions. If you interview well, the manager may reach out for an in-person interview. Depending on the company, they could decide after the first interview or invite you back for multiple sessions.

Tips for a Successful Interview

Questions may include, "What would you do if your equipment suddenly broke down?" or, "How would you resolve an issue with a supplier?" When the interviewer asks you about a situation, respond using the STAR method to frame your answers:

• Situation: Describe the situation you encountered.
• Task: Talk about the steps you took to resolve the issue.
• Action: Discuss the actions you performed.
• Result: Describe the ways that your actions resolved the situation.

Using concrete examples helps interviewers imagine you working on the factory floor, creating a positive impression. Be prepared to give specifics about how you’ve handled or would handle mistakes with production or inefficiencies.

How to Follow Up

Send a follow-up email within 24 hours after the interview that highlights your commitment to the position and thanks the interviewer for their time. If you don't hear back within a week, send a polite follow-up message reiterating your interest and requesting an update on the hiring process.

What to Do When You Receive an Offer

Respond quickly when you receive an offer, but take time to review its details before accepting. The job offer should include your salary, benefits, and responsibilities. Ensure that the schedule and benefits meet your needs. If you have questions, email the person who sent you the offer for clarification.

Negotiate the Salary

When you receive an offer, check to see how close the salary is to the median pay for that job in your area. If the employer offers less than average or you feel that your education and experience qualify you for more, consider negotiating your salary. Supply chain managers can earn six figures at the top of their industry.

When you request a negotiation, the manager might speak with you over the phone, through email, or in person. Make your offer, and then, back up your request by highlighting your accomplishments and your location's median salary for supply chain management jobs. The interviewer may accept your offer or make a counteroffer. Negotiate professionally until you reach an agreement.

Accept The Offer

If you decide to accept the offer, notify the employer of your acceptance and thank them for the opportunity. If any documents are needed for a background check, send them in as soon as you can.

If you have applied for multiple jobs, politely inform the other employers considering your applications that you wish to be withdrawn from consideration. This allows them to focus on other applicants that are interested in the job.

Supply Chain Management Career Paths

Successful supply chain managers are analytical, logical, and detail-oriented. They keep projects on track and think quickly when an unexpected event arises. If you have these traits, you can take your career even further by joining supply chain organizations, attending networking events, and seeking credentials such as the APICS Certified Supply Chain Certification (CSCP).

For the future, industry trends include increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, stronger supply chains, global information sharing, tougher cybersecurity, and increased demand for online shopping. To grow as a supply chain manager, figure out how to navigate these trends and responsibilities.

As you gain experience, you'll reach higher levels within your industry. The next stages of your supply chain management career could include jobs like director of distribution and head of operations.

Similar Occupations

Other roles in the supply chain industry include:

• supply chain analyst
• supply chain specialist
• supply chain engineer
• supply chain planner