Supply Planner Job Description

Supply Chain Planning

Supply chain planners look at current processes and determine methods for improvement with regard to cutting costs, controlling and replenish inventory, and shipping products. They respond to unexpected events and fix breakdowns along the chain. A supply chain planner knows that finding new efficiencies can mean going with a new vendor that doesn't deliver on promises or choosing a cost-saving shipping path that delays delivery to the end customer.

They know that some changes in the supply chain can be risky, but they are able to manage those risks effectively without losing sight of their job purpose. Endpoint delivery requires human hands and judgment as well as some factors beyond anyone's control. They plan for safety in mind.

Staying up to date on destination factors such as snow and ice, which could delay package shipments and jeopardize driver safety, is just one of the concerns. They encourage warehouse staff to be safe. Supply chain planners use technology and data to create reports that detail efficiency and areas for improvement.

Global Supply Chain Planners

Global supply chain planners are responsible for developing, planning and scheduling project management tools in support of a global organization. They work closely with colleagues in the production, sales, and logistics industries to ensure that their plans are in line with demand supply. The global supply chain planners specialize in planning and analysis, which is what makes it so difficult to create a global production plan that is doable.

The purpose is to increase efficiency, improve customer service, decrease waste and lower costs. Global supply chain planners help the bottom line and corporate sustainable by ensuring that the goods consumers want are readily available. Global supply chain planners are usually responsible for monitoring and managing global inventories and forecasting sales and production levels.

The Job Types in Supply Chain Management

It is best to categorize the job types in supply chain and logistics so that they are easier to understand. The supply-chain Plan, Make, Source, and Deliver model is what we are looking at. It is easy to forget that the production environment is a part of the supply chain.

It could be that you already work in manufacturing or production and have plans to move into a different area. If so, you are in a good position to do so. If you want to take on more responsibility in the supply chain, you can leave the manufacturing function and become a distribution, or supply chain manager, and then go to a senior management role.

The inbound supply chaincludes procurement, sourcing, and purchasing functions, which is a great place to learn how sales, service, and inventory management, and logistics mesh together in balancing supply with demand. You can strike out for other areas of supply chain management at any time. It is not uncommon for professionals in the supply chain to move sideways into logistics management.

The management of logistics is concerned with the movement of materials, goods and information that is rarely mentioned. There are many jobs in Logistics, from warehouse operatives to senior management positions. The positions listed above can eventually lead to more general supply chain management roles.