Job profile

Supply Chain Manager (m/f/d)

In an increasingly globalised and networked economy, supply chain managers (SCM) play a crucial role. This important profession ensures that the supply chain runs smoothly in companies and organisations, i.e. from the procurement of materials to the production and distribution of a product.

Supply chain management ensures that products and services are available exactly when they are needed. Supply chain managers are therefore an indispensable part of any company that produces or trades in goods.

Your tasks are varied and demanding, which is also reflected in your salary. 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 actions have a direct influence on the added value and competitiveness of your company.

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► Definition
► Salary
► Tasks & activities
► Training, studies & further education
► Skills
► FAQ

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What is a supply chain manager?

A supply chain manager is a professional who is responsible for monitoring and managing all activities within a company's supply chain. The supply chain includes all processes associated with the manufacture and delivery of a product or service from start to finish.

In their role as supply chain managers, these specialists develop and control the logistical flow of goods across company boundaries and act as a central link between IT and logistics. The main tasks of supply chain managers can include the planning and organisation of procurement and procurement processes, the coordination and monitoring of production and warehousing, the management of stock levels, the planning and control of logistics and distribution and the optimisation of 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, which together form the entire value 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 many supply chain managers have previously completed a degree in business administration.

Supply Chain Manager Salary Switzerland: A comprehensive overview

In Switzerland, the average supply chain manager's gross salary is around CHF 106,671.00 per year. This was found out by the jobs.ch job portal.

The earnings of supply chain managers depend on many factors, including 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 Switzerland

At the start of a career as a Junior Supply Chain Manager, the average Supply Chain Manager salary is around CHF 99,000.00 per year.

Senior Supply Chain Manager salary: SCM earnings after several years of professional experience in Switzerland

For experienced senior supply chain managers, the salary in Switzerland rises to around CHF 112,000.00 gross per year after around nine years. Here too, there are differences between salaries in supply chain management depending on location, company size and industry.

Supply Chain Manager: Tasks and activities

The tasks of supply chain managers are as varied as they are challenging, as they involve a large number of areas and stakeholders. They require strategic thinking, strong communication skills and a high level of solution-orientation.

The core task in SCM is to develop strategies for more efficient processes in the flow of goods.

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

Raw material extraction and procurement: This is where the raw materials and supplies required for production are procured. This can include the cultivation of plants, the extraction of minerals or the manufacture of important components.
Consumption: Ultimately, the end customers use the product. After consumption, the product can be recycled or disposed of, which in turn can have an impact on the supply chain.
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.
Production: In this step, the raw materials and materials are converted into finished products. This can take place in several stages, depending on the complexity of the product.

The aim of the Supply Chain Manager 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
Introduction of 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? Training, studies & further education

To start a career as a supply chain manager, interested parties usually need a degree in business administration, logistics, engineering, supply chain management or a similar specialisation. You can also complete an SCM training programme lasting 1.5 years.

First and foremost, 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 training

The (Junior) Supply Chain Manager HFP course in Switzerland lasts around 1.5 years and can be completed in three different specialisations:

Digital integration
International freight forwarding logistics
Corporate logistics

The apprentices graduate with the title of Supply Chain Manager.

Many companies that offer SCM jobs also have internships or trainee programmes that enable interested parties to gain practical experience in SCM before starting an apprenticeship or degree course.

Supply Chain Manager studies

A career in supply chain management generally requires a degree in a business-related field.

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. They also acquire skills in the 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 as part of a dual degree programme, 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 Switzerland:

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:

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

To be successful as a supply chain manager, young professionals need a number of key competences. These form the basis for successfully mastering the diverse and demanding tasks in supply chain management.

Hard Skills:

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

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. Therefore, the career opportunities for prospective supply chain managers are good. Large and medium-sized companies in particular have vacancies in SCM that need to be filled.

Regular SCM training is important in order to remain in demand on the market. This is because the professional field is developing rapidly and agilely.