Why this matters:
The global supply chain depends on numerous factors to run successfully, and turbulent times can lead to disruptions. While no one can predict the future, the best supply chain managers can quickly recognize and respond to these disruptions. An ideal candidate has the analytic and observational skills necessary to keep the company’s supply chain stable during periods of change.
What to listen for:
- Familiarity with current trends in supply chain management
- Ability to recognize how global affairs, from politics to natural disasters, affect the supply chain
- Nuanced understanding of industry challenges and how to overcome them
Why this matters:
Certain times of year, especially around holidays, are particularly busy for many companies. Thankfully, these patterns are often predictable, and experienced supply chain managers know what to do. The strongest candidates will be able to formulate plans for high-demand periods to keep business moving.
What to listen for:
- Review of prior data to predict periods of high demand
- Careful management of inventory to meet demands
- Preparation of transportation teams for high-traffic periods
Why this matters:
Leveraging enterprise-wide technology for insights is an important part of supply chain management. Supply chain managers use ERP software for a range of tasks, from demand planning to invoicing. An ideal candidate is familiar with common ERP software and knows how to put it to use.
What to listen for:
- Familiarity with common ERP software such as Oracle and Sage
- Ability to leverage tools effectively and adopt new technology quickly
- Interest in technological innovations in supply chain management
Why this matters:
At some point in their careers, most supply chain managers encounter a scenario where they don’t have enough goods to meet customer demands. The strongest candidates will work to remedy the situation, ensuring that shortages are only temporary and customers walk away happy.
What to listen for:
- Identification of shortage areas
- Communication with suppliers to address shortages
- Calm demeanor and ability to problem-solve under pressure
Why this matters:
The supply chain is delicate, and unforeseen circumstances can lead to disruptions and delays, posing a challenge to supply chain managers. The best candidates have met this situation before and are able to deploy a step-by-step approach to identify the cause of the delay and address its consequences.
What to listen for:
- Communication with vendors and transporters to identify the cause of the delay
- Recourse to buffer inventory if necessary
- Ability to act decisively in response to challenges
Why this matters:
Consumer goods increasingly rely on parts sourced from different areas of the world. Supply chain managers are responsible for assembling these numerous parts in one place so that manufacturers can take over and ready the product for market. A strong candidate will have some experience in managing projects of this magnitude.
What to listen for:
- Willingness to acquire deep knowledge of the product and its components
- Ability to source diverse materials from global vendors
- Capacity to organize multiple supply chain flows
Why this matters:
Keeping accurate records of inventory and the inbound and outbound movement of goods is one of the chief responsibilities of a supply chain manager. Errors can lead to headaches down the line. An ideal candidate for the role has a keen eye and diligent approach to record-keeping and their work as a whole.
What to listen for:
- Strong attention to detail and meticulousness
- Extensive documentation and habit of double-checking work
- Outreach to partners and internal stakeholders to verify information
Why this matters:
Supply chain managers have to coordinate the movement of hundreds of orders across vast geographical regions. Doing this successfully requires strong leadership skills — even though they may not directly interact with any vendors or drivers. The best candidates feel comfortable coordinating projects on this scale.
What to listen for:
- Ability to give clear and direct instructions
- Willingness to take responsibility for outcomes
- Decisive response to challenges
Why this matters:
The supply chain is a complicated system that requires a great deal of attention to understand. Strong candidates should feel at once like experts and perpetual students: confident in their ability to perform their responsibilities, and eager to learn how they can perform even better. This requires staying informed of supply chain trends, news, and innovations.
What to listen for:
- Interest in current events and how they affect the supply chain
- Willingness to self-educate by seeking out industry publications or networking groups
- Constant desire to improve and learn more about the discipline
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