Supply Chain Careers

Supply Chain Management and Analytics offers some of the most diverse and expansive opportunities for career development within the business discipline as it encompasses a broad range of activities and responsibilities that are increasingly recognized as being key for improving organizational performance

The UMSL SCMA degree prepares you for a myriad of supply chain jobs in areas that include:

Purchasing: You are responsible for the procurement of products and goods for use in the business by identifying potential supplier sources, screening them and negotiating favorable payment terms as well as developing mutually beneficial relationships

Manufacturing: You plan, schedule, and manage one or more manufacturing production processes to ensure that manufacturing performance, volume and quality goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) are met

Warehousing: You manage and supervise all activities of one or multiple warehouses, which often involves expediting the receiving and shipping of goods, and ensuring efficient, organized storage so that products are readily available when needed for distribution

Transportation: You ensure that goods are shipped and delivered safely and efficiently by selecting the best transportation mode, designing delivery routes, and coordinating shipments with all entities from point-of-origin to destination

Planning: You create demand forecasts and coordinate supply chain resources in order to optimize the delivery of goods and services from supplier to customer, balancing supply and demand

Analytics: You apply sophisticated analytics methods to make data-driven decisions that address various types of business problems

You can also steer your supply chain career path into other areas of interest where supply chain is becoming increasingly relevant: e-commerce, global trade, risk management, supply chain finance, supply chain software and technology, operational excellence (lean management and six sigma), sustainability, humanitarian logistics and many other emerging fields. Supply Chain Management jobs in these areas are increasingly in demand.

Coordination and integration are key aspects of any supply chain management job. So, although you may choose to begin your career path specializing in one of these areas, you can expect to interact with managers of other backgrounds, organizational functions and from your organizations customers and suppliers in order to maximize the performance of the supply chain as a whole. In fact, most leadership positions in supply chain and analytics require professionals who have moved through multiple roles as they have advanced in their careers.

The average supply chain analyst salary is greater than other business fields. Traditional Supply chain management job titles include: strategic procurement manager, global sourcing director, vice president of supply management, supply chain analyst, supply chain planner, demand planning manager, director of manufacturing operations, distribution manager, plant manager, warehouse manager, logistics director, director of transportation, and logistics project manager.

In terms of the supply chain and analytics industry, many companies have positions to offer, from private to public sector to government and non-profit, as well as manufacturing and the service industry. The St. Louis region is centrally located and known as the freight hub of the Midwest, which has become one of the most vibrant logistics corridors in the country and is home to many of best supply chain companies including a variety of manufacturing, service, logistics, and multimodal transportation companies that hire UMSL SCMA graduates. Most of these organizations are involved with our Supply Chain and Analytics Executive Advisory Board. These executives are a small sample of professionals that have chosen a job in supply chain management and are making a difference in their organizations.

The Supply Chain & Analytics department is also pleased to partner with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) as well as the CSCMP St. Louis Roundtable. The department offers a discounted student membership to all actively enrolled Supply Chain & Analytics students, and covers many of the fees associated with participating in CSCMP events. A CSCMP membership provides students with networking, volunteer, mentorship and leadership opportunities as well as exposure to local roundtable events, scholarships, awards and supply chain conferences. Student members will also receive an annual subscription to CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly Magazine.