We surveyed 3,278 supply chain managers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical supply chain manager. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a supply chain manager?
Low
High
Working as a supply chain manager typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a supply chain manager?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a supply chain manager typically depends predominantly on qualities you’re born with, with a small aspect of skills you can learn.
Is it easy to get a job as a supply chain manager?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a supply chain manager. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for supply chain managers.
Do supply chain managers work full-time or part-time?
96% of supply chain managers work in full-time roles while 4% work part-time.
Is being a supply chain manager stressful?
Low
High
Stress is very commonplace for supply chain managers, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a supply chain manager?
Low
High
Organization is considered a very important trait for supply chain managers, and is critical to success in the field.
How competitive is the workplace for supply chain managers?
Low
High
Supply chain managers see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a supply chain manager require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Supply chain managers will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.
Are supply chain managers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Supply chain managers rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do supply chain managers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally supply chain managers will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a supply chain manager physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a supply chain managers is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are supply chain managers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, supply chain managers tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a supply chain manager require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for supply chain managers.
Does being a good supply chain manager require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a supply chain manager.