So, what exactly does a career in supply chain involve? Roles vary, however they all revolve around the same important function: to oversee the multitude of processes involved in the manufacturing and delivery of a product or service.
Some of the top skills required for success in this fast-paced field are critical-thinking, problem-solving, and strategic management—perfect for anyone who enjoys flexing their intellectual muscles to complete complex puzzles.
One of the best ways to pick up these dynamic skills is by studying a supply chain-focused business master’s degree. There, you will learn core logistics concepts alongside traditional leadership skills, leaving you well poised to enter a management role in an expanding industry.
Convinced supply chain is your calling? Here are the most exciting roles can you enter straight after your business master’s:
8 Entry Level Supply Chain Jobs For Business Master’s Grads
1. Logistics analyst
Average salary: $88,000
If you’re someone with a highly critical eye, becoming a logistics analyst could be a rewarding career path. The role typically entails tasks such as analyzing supply chain processes and recommending any applicable adjustments for efficiency, as well as taking responsibility for maintaining the information in logistic databases.
As such, logistics analysts need to have a strong understanding of supply chain metrics, inventory management, and data analysis skills.
2. Materials Coordinator
Average salary: $69,000
As a material coordinator, you shoulder a significant amount of responsibility for the company’s shipping schedule. This means engaging with a whole range of tasks, including ordering necessary supplies, scheduling deliveries, and managing your company's inventory.
To be able to keep up with the demands of the role, it is necessary to have a flexible skillset that includes strategy, organization, and time management.
3. Supply Chain Manager
Average salary: $147,000
One of the highest-paying entry level supply chain jobs, becoming a supply chain manager means connecting with procurement managers and buyers to source the right products, negotiating contracts, and planning and implementing logistical strategy to ensure targets are met.
It’s a job well-suited to those who enjoy coming up with strategic logistical frameworks and who can juggle large quantities of information.
4. Operations Manager
Average salary: $110,000
An operations manger’s key role is to ensure that the company’s products and services meet quality standards. This involves engaging with a variety of people-focused tasks, including collaborating with quality control teams and staying on top of consumer demands.
As such, operations managers need to have strong communication skills while also being effective planners.
5. Procurement Manager
Average salary: $145,000
As a procurement manager, you’ll be responsible for helping your company get the best possible deals on products and services. This means liaising with suppliers and building connections in order to secure the best price alongside making sure that contracts are fulfilled on time.
Top skills needed include organization, communication, and negotiation.
6. Project Manager
Average salary: $135,000
A highly strategic role, project managers work with their teams to introduce initiatives to improve supply chain processes. This includes streamlining a variety of areas, including purchasing, distribution, warehousing, logistics, and production.
They are also responsible for identifying potential risks in the supply chain and thereby ensuring the future of the company.
Top skills include critical thinking, creative problem solving, and an aptitude for handling data.
7. Import/Export Manager
Average salary: $70,000
As a manager of imports and exports, you need to have an up-to-date knowledge of government law and licensing regulations to make sure the company is abiding by customs rules. You will also need to be able to resolve complex issues surrounding clients, customs officials, and suppliers.
Particularly if you are working for an international company, this role requires strong cross-cultural communication skills—being multilingual is often a bonus!
8. Distribution Manager
Average salary: $112,000
Distribution managers have the final say on a company’s delivery process. They get to determine when, where, and how much of a product is distributed. This requires the leveraging of IT and software to make predictions over where their product is best needed.
As such, strong tech skills are a must, as well as the ability to plan effectively.
So, there you have it. Here are the top entry level supply chain jobs for business master’s grads, offering competitive salaries and exciting room for growth.
Average salaries are provided by Glassdoor and include average cash compensation.
