by Fronetics | Mar 14, 2018 | Blog, Content Marketing, Logistics, Marketing, Supply Chain, Talent
Logistics and supply chain careers are increasingly high paying, diverse, and in demand.
With the talent gap growing wider every day, ambitious current and future supply chain professionals have many interesting opportunities. And not only that — Logistics and supply chain careers are increasingly high paying, according to LinkedIn’s State of Salary Report 2017.
According to Rob Byrne of Logistics Bureau, “Through its extensive span of activities, the supply chain sector offers wide-ranging possibilities for employment and career progression. The variety of functions involved — product design, procurement, warehousing, production, transport, distribution, sales, for instance — encourage demand for new employees.”
Here’s a look at five of the top logistics and supply chain careers available to today’s professionals.
Top 5 logistics and supply chain careers
1) Customer Satisfaction Director
Automation and analytics are taking over in fulfillment centers, and the options for building a load, planning a route, and confirming shipments are extending. Forbes contributor Kevin O’Marah writes, “Customer contact at the point of delivery may be your best chance to make a great impression and renew the business.”
The industry once thought of the customer satisfaction director as a “logistics manager.” But as technology revolutionizes the sector, this role has — and will continue to — evolve.
2) Distribution Center Supervisor
These are professionals who administer all the daily activities of a distribution center. They manage expenses, minimize losses, and are responsible for ensuring that goods are sent to buyers at the right time. This role requires juggling complicated tasks to keep processes running smoothly.
3) Procurement Manager
Procurement managers are responsible for finding the most competitive prices to buy goods for their company. If you have excellent communication and negotiation skills, love working with numbers, and are adept at establishing professional networks, this could be a great career option for you.
4) Demand Planning Analyst
As a demand planning analyst, you would be responsible for analyzing your company’s inventory and billing processes, managing stock levels, and purchasing goods. If you’re someone who enjoys quantitative analysis, this is a fulfilling option.
5) Supply Chain Consultant
Supply chain consultants provide a third-party perspective to companies regarding vendor and inventory management, or any aspects of their supply chain and logistics activities. This is a great option for seasoned supply chain professionals looking for a career shift, as experience is a plus when it comes to consulting.
These logistics and supply chain careers represent just five of the many exciting options available to professionals these days. What career paths do you find most exciting/fulfilling/promising?
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by Jennifer Hart Yim | Feb 27, 2017 | Blog, Supply Chain, Talent
Argentus Supply Chain Recruiting answers the question about what supply chain companies are looking for in new hires in terms of education.
This guest post comes to us from Argentus Supply Chain Recruiting, a boutique recruitment firm specializing in Supply Chain Management and Procurement.
This is the first installment of a new Argentus feature where we answer career questions. We’re starting this feature to help put our years of recruitment experience to good use, whether your questions are specific to our recruiting specialty of Procurement and Supply Chain or more general. You can find more questions and answers on our blog.
Drum-roll please for our first question:
Hello,
What value do you see in getting a Master’s Degree in Business/Supply Chain vs. some of the designations out there? (APICS, SCMA, etc.)?
Thanks, Vince C.
Thanks for the question, Vince. First of all, we aren’t experts in the curricula of both of these types of programs. Every university program is different, just as every professional designation is different. So we can’t speak to the specifics of various programs. However, we can speak to what companies are looking for in hiring, and how graduating from these programs builds your personal brand. We talk to lots of people in the field.
The short of it is that both an MBA and a Supply Chain designation such as APICS or SCMA can be a boon to your career, but your mileage may vary. It’s fairly common that a client looking to hire has designations as a requirement. It’s less common that they’ll ask for a particular designation (i.e. SCMA), although it’s certainly happened before. Companies are often looking to see that candidates are invested in their continued career development and education. A designation is a good way to establish that, and to pick up some valuable skills in the process.
It’s worth mentioning at this point that a designation is also often valuable for newcomers to North America who might have overseas Supply Chain Management experience, but haven’t yet secured that all-important first U.S./Canadian role in the field. A designation can be a great way to learn about local Supply Chain practices and increase your initial marketability while searching for that first role. While this option isn’t financially feasible for all newcomers, we’ve heard of candidates using it successfully in the past. A designation can provide networking opportunities, make you more marketable, and boost your income.
So is a designation the right move for your career?
One thing to keep in mind is that roles we get that “require” designations are typically at the sole contributor level — meaning below the “manager” level. Sole contributor roles can pay anywhere from 50k to 130k, so it’s not necessarily a roadblock, but it’s less common that leadership roles require designations. And while many designations offer strategic components to their curricula, we’ve had feedback from certain executives that a lot of the education offered is more transactional in nature — and that can be a limitation. For example, learning how to fill out a purchase order might make you a more immediately employable Procurement clerk at the junior end, but when looking for future leaders, executives want to hire people who have a holistic understanding of business strategy. Why are you filling out that purchase order? What’s the impact on the business? Should we be purchasing from someone else? Can we streamline our purchasing process? Should we be purchasing this at all?
The key to progressing into leadership is an understanding of strategy — so if that’s your goal, assess designations based on their strategic content.
Which brings us to MBAs — the coveted Master’s of Business Administration. It’s becoming more common for hiring managers to require Bachelor’s degrees, but it’s rare that they require an MBA. It’s also pretty new to have Supply Chain as an MBA specialization in the first place, and some people have used them to good effect to boost their careers.
The perception is that an MBA is going to be strategic. That they’re polished. That they have enhanced presentation ability. All of these are leadership qualities, and that’s why MBAs are seen as future leaders, even if the degree isn’t an absolute requirement to advance into business leadership — especially within Supply Chain.
However, there’s also the perception that an MBA isn’t going to be hands-on. From our perspective, an MBA isn’t going to work as a replacement for solid work experience. There’s a reason why people often work for 5-10 years in the field before pursuing an MBA: it’s going to augment your leadership potential, but it’s not going to give you leadership potential if you don’t have a variety of experience beforehand.
MBA programs encourage their students to think ambitiously, but it’s important not to let an MBA “go to your head.” We sometimes hear from recent MBA grads who expect to earn 150k+ on the merits of their degree rather than their experience, and they often find themselves in a 70k job a few years after graduating. If you’re prepared for this possibility, an MBA can be valuable, and it can help make you more marketable as a business leader.
So if you’re looking to slot into a Sole Contributor role, a designation might get you there faster. But if you’re looking to eventually climb into a Director, VP or CPO or CSCO role, an MBA might help you more. But don’t expect immediate dividends.
Again, we hope our advice is helpful! And every case is different, so take it with a grain of salt.
Oh, and send us more questions by visiting our blog and filling out a brief form. It can be Procurement and Supply Chain-specific, or it can be about any career topic.
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by Fronetics | Jul 6, 2016 | Blog, Logistics, Strategy, Supply Chain, Talent
The talent gap represents a professional opportunity for motivated individuals looking to advance their supply chain career.
The global supply chain is continuously evolving, offering new opportunities as demands shift and new technologies are born. But how do you evolve with it?
The key is knowing where to look and how to leverage your talent and skills to fit demand. Opportunities are abundant now, but they are also growing, according to the U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling & Logistics. It predicts there will be 1.4 million new jobs in the logistics and supply chain field by 2018.
In fact, the number of supply chain employees is expected to double by 2017, with a high demand for managerial talent. That equates double the opportunity for you to move your career forward!
Here are 5 key actions to advance your logistics or supply chain career:
1) Consider all the skills in your wheelhouse.
Evaluate and take stock of your skills and experience. Know how to articulate exactly what you bring to the table when you consider a new position. Your skills may also be highly transferable, so it is wise to be open to new opportunities. Finally, expand those skills with certifications that will give you a competitive advantage. Look for certifications that enhance your operations and supply chain management skills, like those through the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS).
2) Network within the industry.
Employers seeking supply chain talent have to be able to find you. Join associations like APICS, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSMCP). You will gain access to career advice and be a part of a network of supply chain professionals. Join online interest groups and professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn. Follow industry blogs and make connections that relate to, and promote, your career aspirations.
3) Expand your software and technology skills.
This is a constantly evolving area in the supply chain, with new software emerging and a growing demand for talent that knows how to use it. Educate yourself within the software and technology space, and you will open many new doors of opportunity.
4) Know how to promote your soft skills.
Do you have problem-solving experience? A background in communication? Leverage those skills on your resume. Recruiters typically have a list of about 30 job skills that they look at when reviewing job candidates. But soft skills take priority because they produce the most successful new hires. These include: knowledge of basic business ethics, problem-solving acumen, and solid communication skills.
5) Let your differences shine.
You may not see much young or female talent in today’s supply chain industry, but don’t let that discourage you. In fact, this signals opportunity. Many companies are ramping up efforts to recruit (and keep) young talent. And women tend to be strong in many of the soft skills needed for the future of SCM. According to Shanton J. Wilcox, vice president, North America, and lead for logistics and fulfillment at Capgemini, “Many so-called tactical jobs will be replaced by positions requiring more interpersonal and relationship management skills.”
With the present challenges in securing supply chain talent, recruiters are actively searching for specific skills and new employees. You can answer to this demand if you know how to leverage, expand, and promote your skill set to the right people.
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by Fronetics | Dec 30, 2013 | Blog, Leadership, Strategy, Talent
career resolutions
After the ball has dropped and after the champagne has been drunk, the New Year will begin. Forty-five percent of Americans will start the New Year with at least one resolution. Whether or not you are typically a resolution-maker, the New Year is a great time to evaluate your career and set goals.
Here are nine career resolutions everyone should make.
Get out of dodge
If you are miserable in your job take the time to sit down and determine why you are unhappy. If you are unhappy with your current position but you like your company, reach out to your boss and/or HR and determine if there is another position within the company that would be a better fit. Finding a new opportunity within your current company is often easier and quicker than finding an opportunity at a new company. However, if your current company is not a good fit or if there are no growth opportunities, find a new job. Just like there are other fish in the sea, there are other jobs out there.
If you decide it is time to find a new job, use all tools at your disposal. For example, network, brand yourself, use a recruiter, and/or work with an executive search firm.
A word of caution – find a new job before you quit your current job. Finding a job can take time.
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Network, network, network
I recently wrote about the importance of networking and quoted Kathryn Minshew, founder and CEO of The Muse and The Daily Muse. who offered this sage advice: “Network Your Face Off.”
Why network? A recent study found that a 50 percent increase in network size accompanies a 3.8 percent increase in salary with respect to the average. Studies have also found that the majority of jobs (between 49 percent and 80 percent) are landed through networking. Networking also brings opportunities that benefit and feed your career, professional development, and personal interests. What’s more, networks make you happier and smarter.
Brand yourself
Like it or not, you are a brand. First impressions are no longer face to face. Rather, first impressions are now comprised of information which can be gathered via a quick search of the Internet. A first impression can be, for example, inclusive of your LinkedIn and Facebook pages, your personal blog, your Instagram page, your Twitter account, your Klout score, your pins on Pinterest, and anything else that may have made itself onto the Internet. Because of this, that 7 seconds you used to have to make a first impression when you enter the room is gone – chances are that the first impression was made long before you arrived. The reality is that when you walk into that room you are likely being evaluated against the first impression that was made prior to your arrival.
If you want to be successful you need to take steps to build and enhance your brand.
Work for someone smart
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Expedia, Inc., believes that there is one constant: great, smart people stay great and smart. Because of this he recommends “find[ing] the smartest and most competent person around you and work[ing] for that person. It doesn’t matter if the move is lateral, down or up. Just get yourself working for that great person. Don’t ask for much; just work your ass off.” Why? Khosrowshahi points out that by doing this you will learn a lot, be challenged, and you will grow both as a person and as a professional. Moreover, “smart people tend to get promoted. When they get promoted, you’ll tend to follow them as they rise in the ranks (assuming you’ve done a great job).”
Optimize for the next 1 to 2 years
Don’t get hung up on mapping out a five or 10 year career plan. Instead, optimize for the next one to two years. Khosrowshahi, again, offers words of wisdom: “Look for the right opportunities, stay flexible, have some idea of what direction you are headed in, but don’t lock into a long-term direction because chances are that the world will change up on you.”
Get active
Exercise not only improves your health, but research has also found that a regular exercise routine can make you happier, smarter, and more energetic.
And interested in a leadership position? The Wall Street Journal reported that data compiled by Center for Creative Leadership found that “Executives with larger waistlines and higher body-mass-index readings tend to be perceived as less effective in the workplace, both in performance and interpersonal relationships.”
Try something new
Not only is the world always changing, but there is also a big bog world out there – a world full of opportunity. Look at the technology used by your colleagues and your competitors. Is there something they are using that you aren’t? LinkedIn or Twitter for example. What about something new and exciting outside of the office? Is it time to give skydiving a try?
Trying something new requires courage. You will find that courage begets courage. You may also find something new you enjoy.
Work-life balance
Research by the Families and Work Institute found that 55 percent of respondents reported feeling overwhelmed with the sheer amount of stuff on their plate. A survey conducted by Monster found that 80 percent of respondents are not happy with their work-life balance.
Are you happy with your work-life balance? If you are not, take stock of what is on your plate. Write a list of your priorities. What can you eliminate, shift, or even outsource to find better balance?
Take a vacation
57 percent of American’s don’t take their vacation time. Each year there are 175 million vacation days which American workers are entitled to which are not taken.
Taking time off is important to both your mental and physical health. Taking time off is also has a positive impact on work performance and productivity. For example, a 2011 Harvard Medical School study found that sleep deprivation costs American companies $63.2 billion a year in lost productivity. Ernst & Young offers another example. In 2006 the company conducted an internal study of its employees and found that for each additional 10 hours of vacation employees took, their year-end performance ratings from supervisors (on a scale of one to five) improved by 8 percent. What’s more – retention rates were significantly higher among vacationers.
by Fronetics | Dec 30, 2013 | Blog, Leadership, Strategy, Talent
career resolutions
After the ball has dropped and after the champagne has been drunk, the New Year will begin. Forty-five percent of Americans will start the New Year with at least one resolution. Whether or not you are typically a resolution-maker, the New Year is a great time to evaluate your career and set goals.
Here are nine career resolutions everyone should make.
Get out of dodge
If you are miserable in your job take the time to sit down and determine why you are unhappy. If you are unhappy with your current position but you like your company, reach out to your boss and/or HR and determine if there is another position within the company that would be a better fit. Finding a new opportunity within your current company is often easier and quicker than finding an opportunity at a new company. However, if your current company is not a good fit or if there are no growth opportunities, find a new job. Just like there are other fish in the sea, there are other jobs out there.
If you decide it is time to find a new job, use all tools at your disposal. For example, network, brand yourself, use a recruiter, and/or work with an executive search firm.
A word of caution – find a new job before you quit your current job. Finding a job can take time.
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Network, network, network
I recently wrote about the importance of networking and quoted Kathryn Minshew, founder and CEO of The Muse and The Daily Muse. who offered this sage advice: “Network Your Face Off.”
Why network? A recent study found that a 50 percent increase in network size accompanies a 3.8 percent increase in salary with respect to the average. Studies have also found that the majority of jobs (between 49 percent and 80 percent) are landed through networking. Networking also brings opportunities that benefit and feed your career, professional development, and personal interests. What’s more, networks make you happier and smarter.
Brand yourself
Like it or not, you are a brand. First impressions are no longer face to face. Rather, first impressions are now comprised of information which can be gathered via a quick search of the Internet. A first impression can be, for example, inclusive of your LinkedIn and Facebook pages, your personal blog, your Instagram page, your Twitter account, your Klout score, your pins on Pinterest, and anything else that may have made itself onto the Internet. Because of this, that 7 seconds you used to have to make a first impression when you enter the room is gone – chances are that the first impression was made long before you arrived. The reality is that when you walk into that room you are likely being evaluated against the first impression that was made prior to your arrival.
If you want to be successful you need to take steps to build and enhance your brand.
Work for someone smart
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Expedia, Inc., believes that there is one constant: great, smart people stay great and smart. Because of this he recommends “find[ing] the smartest and most competent person around you and work[ing] for that person. It doesn’t matter if the move is lateral, down or up. Just get yourself working for that great person. Don’t ask for much; just work your ass off.” Why? Khosrowshahi points out that by doing this you will learn a lot, be challenged, and you will grow both as a person and as a professional. Moreover, “smart people tend to get promoted. When they get promoted, you’ll tend to follow them as they rise in the ranks (assuming you’ve done a great job).”
Optimize for the next 1 to 2 years
Don’t get hung up on mapping out a five or 10 year career plan. Instead, optimize for the next one to two years. Khosrowshahi, again, offers words of wisdom: “Look for the right opportunities, stay flexible, have some idea of what direction you are headed in, but don’t lock into a long-term direction because chances are that the world will change up on you.”
Get active
Exercise not only improves your health, but research has also found that a regular exercise routine can make you happier, smarter, and more energetic.
And interested in a leadership position? The Wall Street Journal reported that data compiled by Center for Creative Leadership found that “Executives with larger waistlines and higher body-mass-index readings tend to be perceived as less effective in the workplace, both in performance and interpersonal relationships.”
Try something new
Not only is the world always changing, but there is also a big bog world out there – a world full of opportunity. Look at the technology used by your colleagues and your competitors. Is there something they are using that you aren’t? LinkedIn or Twitter for example. What about something new and exciting outside of the office? Is it time to give skydiving a try?
Trying something new requires courage. You will find that courage begets courage. You may also find something new you enjoy.
Work-life balance
Research by the Families and Work Institute found that 55 percent of respondents reported feeling overwhelmed with the sheer amount of stuff on their plate. A survey conducted by Monster found that 80 percent of respondents are not happy with their work-life balance.
Are you happy with your work-life balance? If you are not, take stock of what is on your plate. Write a list of your priorities. What can you eliminate, shift, or even outsource to find better balance?
Take a vacation
57 percent of American’s don’t take their vacation time. Each year there are 175 million vacation days which American workers are entitled to which are not taken.
Taking time off is important to both your mental and physical health. Taking time off is also has a positive impact on work performance and productivity. For example, a 2011 Harvard Medical School study found that sleep deprivation costs American companies $63.2 billion a year in lost productivity. Ernst & Young offers another example. In 2006 the company conducted an internal study of its employees and found that for each additional 10 hours of vacation employees took, their year-end performance ratings from supervisors (on a scale of one to five) improved by 8 percent. What’s more – retention rates were significantly higher among vacationers.
