What is the role of a supply chain manager?

The role of a supply chain manager encompasses a broad set of responsibilities that include overseeing and optimizing all aspects of the supply chain, which ranges from sourcing raw materials to the delivery of finished products to customers. This position is vital for ensuring that the entire supply chain operates efficiently and effectively, thereby maximizing productivity and minimizing costs.

A supply chain manager coordinates various functions such as procurement, production planning, inventory management, logistics, and distribution. By doing so, they ensure that all these elements work harmoniously to meet customer demands while maintaining quality and efficiency. This holistic approach is essential to enhance the overall performance of the supply chain and to create a competitive advantage for the organization.

In contrast, options that limit the scope of the supply chain manager's role either to shipping, financial aspects of purchasing, or record-keeping miss the comprehensive nature of supply chain management, which requires a strategic view across all operations in order to be successful.