The supply chain manager holds a central position in a company. A true conductor, he or she improves, coordinates and synchronizes the entire supply chain, optimizing physical and financial flows. From suppliers to customers, this manager implements the company's operational strategy and ensures customer satisfaction. Their objective is to reduce production costs and lead times. To fulfill their missions, they need to have a broad knowledge of marketing, management, sales and finance.

Supply chain managers manage and optimize the flow of information and goods. They mainly work for large industrial, transport or logistics groups. Depending on the nature of the project, the position may have an important strategic dimension. This professional implements distribution logic. They design and control logistics operations. They are in constant contact with other company departments (purchasing, after-sales service, production) and external players (carriers, suppliers, service providers, general management, customers, customs, etc.).

The supply chain manager has many missions: 

• Creation and implementation of a flow management strategy for the entire supply chain: 
• define the operational and strategic organization of the supply chain (sales forecasting, procurement planning and organization, flow control),
• ensure proper distribution of products and raw materials to warehouses, production sites and customers, 
• coordinating all supply chain activities and strengthening links between the various players,
• continuous improvement and development of the supply chain (creation of new offers, new products and services),
• overall budget planning.

Monitoring operational performance : 

• creation of dashboards and monitoring of activities in terms of quantified results,
• implementation of KPIs and reporting (analysis of data relating to the efficiency of global supply chain processes, using analytical tools)
• monitoring the operational implementation of defined action plans, 
• implementation of a continuous improvement approach to logistics processes.

Developing relationships between customers and suppliers:

• activities and services offered to customers, 
• ensure customer satisfaction, 
• analyze customer needs and anticipate requests, 
• developing relationships with suppliers and service providers,
• be a driving force behind sales proposals.

Human resources management : 

• leading, coordinating and controlling teams,
• team performance assessment,
• human resources management (recruitment, interviews, training),
• integration of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) practices.

The supply chain manager must demonstrate leadership and managerial ability to manage diverse teams. With a strategic and operational vision, they improve the supply chain. A skilled negotiator, the manager has excellent interpersonal and argumentation skills. Rigor is one of their greatest qualities. They are able to analyze and synthesize, and have a keen sense of responsibility. Finally, anticipation and stress management are prerequisites for the position of supply chain manager.

The supply chain manager ensures that the right products are delivered at the right time. The job requires specific technical skills and professional aptitudes. 

• Excellent knowledge of supply chain principles.
• Mastery of sales, planning and improvement techniques. 
• Proficiency in IT tools and logistics information systems (ERP, ECR, EDI, WMS, TMS, etc.).
• Mastery of management tools and performance indicators.
• Very good knowledge of the company's business lines (procurement, production planning, sales forecasting).
• Know how to structure and negotiate contracts.
• Mastery of continuous improvement approaches.
• Knowledge of customs and freight regulations. 
• Managerial skills (hierarchical and cross-functional).
• Proficiency in foreign languages (English is a priority).

To become a supply chain manager, it is strongly recommended to have a BAC +4 or BAC +5. Although BAC +4 profiles are accepted, recruiters are looking for candidates with field experience (sandwich courses or internships). There are several possible routes to the supply chain manager's job.

• Master's degree in logistics and transport management.
• Master's degree in supply chain.
• Engineering degree with specialization in supply chain, transport, purchasing, industrial systems engineering.
• Business school diploma. 

Today, one sector in particular stands out for its constant growth. It's luxury goods. Never one to go into recession, it's driving luxury houses and boutiques to recruit from all over the world. different jobsfrom communications to marketing to the supply chain. Future luxury professionals who want to work in the supply chain and logistics field can join ISAL Paris. This institute trains students in fashion and luxury professions and promotes young brands. Through a range of internships and work-study programs, it supports each student in developing their project and acquiring the skills they need to practice their dream profession. 

Training Master of Fashion and Luxury Management is ideal for becoming a supply chain manager. Students with a BAC +3/4/5 in marketing, commerce, logistics, distribution, management or applied languages can take part in this work-study MBA program. The dense, professionalizing program enables them to learn how to manage a company, adopt strategic thinking and develop a digital strategy. In the second year, they manage projects, draw up business plans and benefit from a broad fashion culture, by analyzing fashion and luxury trends.

As the supply chain manager moves up the company organization chart, he or she gains experience and their role evolves. He or she can rise to a variety of positions: logistics manager, purchasing manager or customer relations manager. Their salary will depend on the size of the company employing them and their years of experience. On average, a junior logistics manager can earn between €45,000 and €60,000 gross per year. A senior manager's salary can rise to €90,000 gross per year.