Supply Chain Managers
Supply chain managers direct and coordinate activities related to production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, and financial forecasting. They work to reduce costs, improve accuracy, and enhance customer service and safety. These professionals typically work in manufacturing plants, distribution centers, retail companies, and logistics firms.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against supply chain managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A supply chain manager might review warehouse inventory levels in the morning, then meet with purchasing staff about supplier contracts. They analyze cost data and identify inefficiencies in current processes. The afternoon could involve coordinating with production teams on demand forecasts, updating distribution schedules, or resolving a shipment delay. They regularly examine procedures to streamline operations and improve safety protocols.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECR. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy organizing complex systems and making data-driven decisions. You're comfortable with details and procedures, and you like seeing tangible results from improving efficiency. You work well directing others toward clear goals while maintaining focus on the bottom line.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Supply Chain Operations - Life Sciences Manufacturing Quality - Manager · EY · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $152,393–$152,393
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $124,290 | $145,000 | $176,010 | 310 |
| Washington | $106,090 | $136,500 | $166,730 | 2,490 |
| Colorado | $102,490 | $132,610 | $167,200 | 2,310 |
| District of Columbia | $105,750 | $132,180 | $189,950 | 610 |
| New Jersey | $105,080 | $130,610 | $169,390 | 9,120 |
| New Hampshire | $102,230 | $129,470 | $161,660 | 530 |
| New York | $99,080 | $127,180 | $163,210 | 6,740 |
| Massachusetts | $94,990 | $123,830 | $169,740 | 4,310 |
| California | $86,290 | $123,780 | $166,100 | 30,540 |
| Georgia | $94,240 | $123,330 | $164,650 | 6,700 |
| Illinois | $91,940 | $120,250 | $156,020 | 11,030 |
| Virginia | $93,570 | $119,140 | $157,250 | 3,380 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) — Association for Supply Chain Management
- SCPro Level One: Cornerstones of Supply Chain Management — Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
- APICS Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain (CTSC) — Association for Supply Chain Management
- SCPro Level Two: Analysis and Application of Supply Chain Challenges — Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
- Certified Technician-Supply Chain Automation & Skill Boss Logistics — Manufacturing Skill Standards Council
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) — Institute for Supply Management
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against supply chain managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-3071.04 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.