A supply planning manager is in charge of overseeing the acquisition of materials and distribution of finished goods. People who work in these positions are usually employed manufacturing companies. A supply planning manager may be in charge of operations at a single work location or of a company’s operations across multiple plants and factories.
Applicants for these positions are typically required to have completed undergraduate degree programs in business, management, or related fields. People in charge of overseeing operations at multiple facilities may be required to have a master’s degree in one of these fields. Regulatory boards or industry associations in some countries hold training courses for supply managers on contract laws, negotiation techniques, ethical standards, and safety regulations. The classes usually end with a licensing exam; some employers will only hire people who have one of these licenses.
In order to produce goods, manufacturing companies must purchase raw materials, and the supply planning manager collaborates with the procurement manager to acquire these items. The procurement manager negotiates deals for supplies, but the supply planning manager is responsible for making arrangements for the items to be shipped, which frequently involves entering into long-term shipment contracts with haulage companies or shipping companies. The manager of a large company may delegate some of these responsibilities to junior shipping clerks, but this individual is ultimately responsible for ensuring that goods arrive when and where they are needed.
The supply planning manager must collaborate with the production team to design the best packaging for a product after it has been manufactured. Fragile items often require custom packaging, whereas durable items can often be shipped in simple cardboard containers. It’s possible that the planning manager will have to work out deals with outside vendors to get packing materials. In addition, the supply manager must communicate with the firm’s clients in order to arrange for the shipment of finished goods to retail stores and distribution centers. Typically, these people work out distribution agreements with trucking or shipping companies to get goods to specific locations.
A supply planning manager, like any other department supervisor, must ensure that the department’s operations do not exceed the annual budget. If shipping costs increase, the manager must find a way to offset the increase cutting packaging or labor costs, or eliminating other costs. Aside from managing the company and negotiating with outside vendors, someone in one of these positions is responsible for supervising a team of supply clerks, which includes hiring, coaching, and firing.