Job profile

Supply Chain Manager

In an increasingly globalised and networked economy, supply chain managers (SCM) play a crucial role. This important role in companies ensures that the supply chain runs smoothly, from material procurement and production through to product sales and service.

Supply chain management ensures that products and services are available exactly when they are needed (just-in-time). Supply chain managers are therefore an indispensable part of any company involved in logistics and production.

Their tasks are both varied and challenging. They coordinate the flow of goods, optimise supply chain processes and manage supplier companies. Supply chain managers bear a great deal of responsibility, as their work has a direct influence on value creation within the company. This is one of the reasons why their salaries are often above average.

Key Facts
Supply Chain Manager

Tasks

Optimisation of the flow of goods
Development and implementation of new strategies along the supply chain

Training

Studies in business administration, logistics or supply chain management

Skills

ERP system knowledge
Project management skills
Strategic thinking
English language skills

Salary

Ø €59,000 gross per year

Tasks

Optimisation of the flow of goods
Development and implementation of new strategies along the supply chain

Training

Studies in business administration, logistics or supply chain management

Skills

ERP system knowledge
Project management skills
Strategic thinking
English language skills

Salary

Ø € 59,000 gross per year

content

► Definition
► Salary
► T asks
► Training, studies & further education
► Skills
► FAQ

What is a supply chain manager?

Supply chain managers are responsible for monitoring and managing all activities within a company's supply chain. The supply chain includes all processes associated with the production, logistics and delivery of a product or service from start to finish.

In their role as supply chain managers, the experts develop and control the logistical flow of goods across company boundaries and act as a central link between IT and logistics. The main task of supply chain managers is to optimise the flow of goods and shorten delivery times. This includes organising procurement processes, coordinating and monitoring production, managing stock levels, planning and controlling logistics and distribution and optimising customer satisfaction.

SCM definition: The importance of supply chain management

Supply chain management (SCM) is a term used to describe the management of the entire supply chain.

SCM combines the various logistics departments such as procurement, production, distribution, disposal and transport. Together, these form the entire supply chain. Although SCM is often equated with the term logistics, supply chain management is much more than that. It includes numerous components of business administration, which is why supply chain managers often have a degree in business administration.

Supply Chain Manager Salary Austria:
A comprehensive overview  

In Austria, the average supply chain manager's gross salary is around €59,000 per year.

The salary of supply chain managers depends on many factors such as experience, education, company size and location.

At larger companies and in higher positions, the gross salary can also be significantly higher than the average. It is important to note that the salary also depends on the specific role and responsibilities within the company.

Starting salary as a supply chain manager:
Junior supply chain manager salary in Austria

At the start of a career as a Supply Chain Manager, the average starting salary is between €1,910 and €2,960 gross per month.

Supply Chain Manager:
Tasks and activities  

The tasks of supply chain managers are varied and challenging, as they involve a large number of areas and stakeholders. However, the core task in SCM is to develop a strategy for optimising the flow of goods.

The supply chain is a network of companies and activities that is important for the manufacture of a product or service, from the extraction of raw materials to the end consumer. The supply chain typically consists of several steps:

Raw material extraction and procurement: This step involves the procurement of the required materials. This can include the cultivation of plants, the extraction of rocks or the production of important components.

Production: Next, the raw materials are converted into finished products. This can take place in several stages, depending on the complexity of the product.

Distribution: After production, the products are delivered to wholesalers, retailers or directly to consumers. This can include the transport, storage and sale of the products.

Consumption: After all, the end customers use the product. After use, the product can be recycled or disposed of, which in turn can have an impact on the supply chain.

The aim of supply chain management is to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain in order to increase customer satisfaction and reduce costs.

Here is an overview of the most important supply chain manager tasks:

Development and maintenance of supplier relationships (supplier management)
Planning, management and control of all processes along the supply chain
Compliance with legal regulations and provisions
Organising training courses for other employees
Process improvements
Risk management
Development and implementation of innovative supply chain strategies
Optimisation of the flow of goods

How do you become a Supply Chain Manager in Austria?
– Training, studies & further education

To become a supply chain manager, interested parties generally need a degree in business administration, logistics, engineering, supply chain management or a similar specialisation from a university of applied sciences or university. However, school education or an apprenticeship can also be sufficient to qualify.

In this field, it is important to have both theoretical and practical knowledge in order to be prepared for the challenges of supply chain management.

Supply Chain Manager advanced course

The advanced course in logistics and supply chain management is part-time in Austria and requires previous professional experience in the field of logistics.

After successfully completing the programme, participants receive a certificate or diploma.

Many companies that offer SCM jobs also have internships or trainee programmes that allow those interested to gain practical experience in SCM before starting a course or degree.

Supply Chain Manager studies

However, a degree in a business-related field is usually a prerequisite for a career in supply chain management.

During the degree programme, students learn the basics of business administration, logistics and supply chain management. They acquire knowledge in areas such as materials management, production planning, logistics, procurement and sales. In addition, they acquire skills in strategic planning and optimisation of supply chains. A Master's degree in these areas can further improve career prospects.

If you study supply chain management while working, you can even combine theoretical principles with practical experience. Further training and certifications in supply chain management can also improve your job prospects.

Possible degree programmes for Supply Chain Management in Austria:

Industrial Logistics at the University of Leoben (Bachelor)
Business Administration – Specialisation in Logistics & Supply Chain Management at the WU Executive Academy (part-time Bachelor)
Supply Chain Management at WU Vienna (Master)

Further training as Supply Chain Manager

As technologies and methods in the field of supply chain management are constantly evolving, continuous professional development is important. This can be done by attending specialised seminars, participating in workshops or through additional certifications.

Possible further training in supply chain management:

Other possible areas of further training could be:

Industrial logistics
Transport management
Business studies
Logistics management

Supply Chain Manager: Certifications

There are various certifications that can be useful for supply chain managers. These include, for example, the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification from APICS or the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

It is important to note that the specific requirements can vary depending on the company and industry. It is therefore advisable to enquire with companies about the exact requirements.

Skills of supply chain managers

Successful supply chain management requires a range of special competences. These form the basis for successfully mastering the diverse and demanding tasks involved in supply chain management.

Hard Skills:

Knowledge of ERP systems and other technological tools for SCM
Project management experience
Sound understanding of the procedures and processes in supply chain management
English and other language skills are an advantage

Soft Skills:

Communication and negotiation skills
Numerical reasoning
Interdisciplinary thinking
Strategic and analytical thinking

Supply chain manager careers:
opportunities on the labour market

Efficient value chains are a high priority for every manufacturing company these days. In general, turnover in the areas of logistics and warehousing has increased in recent years, which is a positive development for supply chain managers. Nevertheless, the industry is heavily dependent on the general global economic situation.