![[Featured Image] Four members of the operations management team, two men and two women are meeting around the conference table.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7uYjpjhoHQmEUZ2Z3iHMw8/bf21592f3a1ebc15e3cb81de888118b3/GettyImages-912920596.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Operations Management: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
Get to know all about the field of operations management and relevant career paths you can take.
June 8, 2022
Article
As an advanced supply chain analyst, you’ll lead supply chain management and operations, handling complex data analysis and problem solving. Check out the resources below to develop the skills to advance as a supply chain analyst.
Build skills in supply chain analytics and management
Unilever
Skills you'll gain: Data Governance, Descriptive Analytics, Data Storytelling, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Demand Planning, Presentations, Supply Chain Systems, Supply Chain Planning, Transportation, Supply Chain, and Logistics, Process Improvement, Data Management, Data Lakes, Predictive Analytics, Customer Demand Planning, Forecasting, Data Analysis, Data Analysis Software, Real Time Data, Data Visualization Software
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Skills you'll gain: Demand Planning, Competitive Intelligence, Strategic Sourcing, Competitive Analysis, Procurement, Market Intelligence, Purchasing, Supplier Management, Supply Chain, Inventory Management, Supply Management, Vendor Management, Management Consulting, Data Collection, Inventory Control, Business Consulting, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Control Systems, Forecasting, Supplier Performance Management
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Irvine
Skills you'll gain: Supply Chain Planning, Demand Planning, Customer Demand Planning, Inventory Management System, Inventory Control, Supply Chain Management, Capacity Planning, Materials Management, Process Optimization, Forecasting, Operations Management, Resource Allocation, Service Level, Capacity Management, Performance Measurement, Microsoft Excel, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Statistical Methods, Cost Reduction, Simulation and Simulation Software
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Advanced supply chain analysts deepen their expertise in supply chain analytics and begin to take on managerial responsibilities. By developing their ability to reduce costs and time for inventory and operations, they can advance into higher positions.
Furthering your career as a supply chain analyst can mean transitioning to a supply chain manager, who oversees the entire supply chain and leads teams toward effective business strategy. You might take on more complex projects, mentor junior-level employees, and use artificial intelligence in software to achieve efficiency.
Advance your supply chain analyst career with these resources:
Senior supply chain analysts make an average annual base salary of $81,481, according to Glassdoor. These roles typically require three to five years of experience. Salaries only go up as you advance, so a supply chain manager makes an average base salary of $90,664**. Glassdoor. “Senior Supply Chain Analyst Salaries, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/senior-supply-chain-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,27.htm.” Accessed February 6, 2024. **Glassdoor. “Supply Chain Manager Salaries, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/supply-chain-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm.” Accessed February 6, 2024.
At all levels, supply chain analysts come up with ways to improve the supply chain process, to achieve cost savings and timely deliveries. Senior supply chain analysts tackle more advanced problems and use software, machine learning, statistics, and business intelligence, to transform insights into business recommendations. They may take on mentoring and leadership opportunities to move into a manager role.
To advance into senior supply chain analyst roles, you’ll want to demonstrate strong skills in quantitative data analysis, problem solving, and project management. As you gain expertise through work experience and education, continue to build your leadership skills. Many who start as analysts can advance into manager roles.