Supply Chain

Career Overview

$74,600
median salary
174,900
jobs nationwide in 2018
8,400
approximate # of new jobs by 2028
Analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain.
Manage a product’s life cycle from design to disposal.
Oversee activities including purchasing, transportation, inventory, and warehousing.
Develop relationships with suppliers and customers, and find ways to grow the business.
Identify areas to improve with innovative technology.
Propose strategies to cut costs or minimize the time required to transport goods.

What It Takes

Supply chain management is a career where quick thinking—and the ability to stay focused on completing the job—are essential skills. If you enjoy regimented work and are a fast thinker, this career is worth a look.

Strong People Skills

Supply chain managers need to be excellent and efficient communicators to meet the needs of suppliers and customers.

Organizational Acumen

This career requires detailed record-keeping while managing several projects at once. 

Critical Thinking

You must tackle unforeseen challenges, including delivery problems, and adjust plans as needed to resolve the issues.

Technology Skills

Supply chain experts must have a strong grasp on—or willingness to learn—automated technology.

Career Progression

Step 1
Earn bachelor’s degree
Step 2
Get certified through APICS
Step 3
Other certifications
Step 4
Work toward operations leadership

Key Companies

more companies
Global leader in automotive technology
view
Allison Transmission is the world’s largest manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for commercial-duty vehicles.
view
more companies

Browse Open Positions

I applied
1.
Warehouse Associate Opportunities
sign up

Related Careers

Driver

Becoming a driver in the logistics industry gives you the chance to take command of the open road in the country you helped protect.
Median Salary:$43,680
Desired Skillsexcellent hand-eye coordination, exceptional hearing, good health
view

Operations Leadership

Supervise the work of logistics specialists, planners, and dispatchers.
Median Salary:$94,730
Desired Skillseye for detail, adaptability, critical thinking
view

Vehicle Maintenance

Inspect brakes, steering mechanisms, transmissions, engines, and other vehicle parts.
Median Salary:$50,390
Desired Skillspeople skills, a steady hand, diagnostic skills, organization
view

Create Your INvets Profile

Take the first step toward your new career and start browsing open positions right now.

let’s do this