Supply Chain Management Analyst Career and Salary Guide

Are you passionate about crunching numbers? Would you enjoy a career where your efforts get results and positively impact a business’ bottom line? If you have a knack for streamlining processes to make them more efficient, you may be a good fit for a supply chain management analyst career.

This career guide can help get you started with information about employment opportunities, education and training requirements, typical job duties and potential salary.

What is a Supply Chain Management Analyst?

A supply chain management analyst studies the movement of goods through a supply chain in order to identify gaps in efficiency and other areas needing improvement. These professionals use analytical and quantitative methods to understand, forecast and recommend improvements to supply chain processes. They may also be required to maintain databases, prepare reports, track product flow, and develop solutions to supply chain problems and inefficiencies.

Supply Chain Management Analyst Education Preparation

If you’re interested in pursuing a supply chain management analyst career, you’ll want to be sure you obtain the education and training required by employers. Specific qualifications will vary, but earning a college degree is a good place to begin.

• Associate’s Degree: Entry-level supply chain analyst jobs may be attainable with a two-year associate’s degree, but most employers will require some work experience, which can be obtained through an internship or summer job. Career advancement will likely require a bachelor’s degree.
• Bachelor’s Degree: Many employers hiring for supply chain analyst management positions will require at least a four-year bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering, mathematics or a related discipline. Job titles such as Supply Chain Technical Analyst may be within reach with a bachelor’s degree. 
• Master’s Degree: Qualifying for a senior supply chain management position or an executive career will often require a graduate degree in Supply Chain Management or a Master’s in Business Administration.

Employers will also typically asses a candidate’s interpersonal and business skillset, character attributes and knowledge of their particular industry.

Training, Qualifications and Advancement for Supply Chain Management Analysts

Aspiring senior supply chain management analysts must be adept at complex problem solving, critical thinking, and written and verbal communication. In addition, they should be ready to demonstrate the following:

• Effective negotiation skills
• Attention to detail
• The ability to plan and analyze complex processes
• Proficiency in computer software programs and databases
• Data mining and extrapolation skills

Advancing in the supply chain management field may be possible after gaining the necessary work experience and educational qualifications. Some employers may also offer tuition assistance that could enable you to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Potential Salary for Supply Chain Management Analysts

According to a 2014 national survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, the average annual salary for logisticians, an employment category that includes supply chain analysts, was $76,830. Because salary potential may vary depending on location, education and experience, prospective students are encouraged to conduct independent research to determine actual earning potential.

Are You Ready to Launch a Supply Chain Management Analyst Career?

If crunching data and solving problems are within your area of passion and expertise, you could be well suited to a supply chain management analyst career. Knowing what potential employers are looking for will be a big advantage when planning your educational path and preparing yourself for this challenging and satisfying career. 

Category: Supply Chain Management