Supply Chain Management is one of those careers that is very important, and yet very poorly understood. Businesses run off it, consumers (us) rely on it, and the economy depends on it. Yet most people can’t define what it means. But maybe we can clear that up with this quick supply chain management explainer, and help you see why it’s something you might want to consider a career in. It’s also something you can get started on right here at Centennial in our Supply Chain Management programs. But first, let’s dig a little deeper into supply chain management duties and what it’s all about.
Understanding supply chain management
To put it simply, supply chain management’s meaning lies in how a company manages the flow of goods and services, from where they first come from, to the point they reach you, whether in a store or at your doorstep. Usually, that flow looks like this: “a company gets raw materials, changes them into products, then delivers them to their customers.” Think about how an Amazon package can get you your doorstep in just a day or two. That’s an example of really good supply chain management.”
Everything you buy has a supply chain baked into it. Consider a loaf of bread. The ingredients need to be sourced from somewhere, sent to a bakery and baked, before shipping the final product (the loaf of bread) to the store. But when supply chains aren’t working right, orders don’t get fulfilled. And this can be especially critical, because supply chains are the key to having enough food, medicine, and other vital supplies.
“Supply chains are essential to almost every sector of the economy, making SCM professionals less susceptible to economic downturns than other industries,” says Vickie McInnis, program coordinator for Supply Chain Management at Centennial College. “Even during challenging times, such as the recent inflationary pressures, the demand for supply chain expertise remains resilient because companies must continue to source, move, and deliver goods efficiently.”
The role of a supply chain manager
In a supply chain manager job, you are responsible for all of this movement and flow. Supply chain management operations include overseeing procurement, production, and logistics. Essentially, where you get materials, how you process them, and the details of getting them where they need to go.
But the supply chain management process can also get complicated really fast. Challenges might include managing storage for the items in transit or understanding your customers well enough so you can predict how much of an item you need. You also need to pick the right suppliers, manage your relationship with them, and coordinate how their goods are going to get to you. Additionally, you need to analyze how you’re doing, so you can make your supply chain even better. And it’s a particularly important skill to have when it comes to supply chain management in Canada.
“Canada's position as a trade hub between North America and the rest of the world makes it a prime location for supply chain management,” says Vickie. “With ongoing trade agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) and access to global markets, SCM professionals play a crucial role in managing international flows of goods and services.”
Supply chain management: more essential than ever
Having good supply chain management is more important now that it’s ever been. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to supply chains just as online shopping experienced an unprecedented surge. With people stuck at home, and an urgent demand for quick delivery of healthcare supplies, it led to scarcity, uncertainty, and all kinds of other problems.
“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for skilled professionals who can manage complex logistics, demand forecasting, and inventory,” says Vickie. “As industries and economies recover, there's a rising demand for SCM professionals to streamline and optimize these systems.”
On the positive side, it certainly made everyone more aware of the importance of a good supply chain management system. In fact, if you have ever heard the words “supply chain” before this, it was probably from hearing about how the pandemic disrupted it. In other words, it’s a highly sought-after profession, especially since the global economy is still recovering today.
Why you should consider a career in supply chain management
“There is a widespread shortage of skilled workers in the logistics, transportation, and procurement sectors across Canada,” adds Vickie. “As businesses struggle to find qualified professionals, those entering the field have more opportunities.”
It’s made getting a supply chain management degree a very good career move, because manufacturers need people who can make sure a situation like the scarcity of the pandemic doesn’t happen again. The importance of supply chain management has increased, as has its reputation.
“Supply chain professionals, particularly those with experience or advanced certifications, are well-compensated,” says Vickie. “According to industry reports, the median salary for supply chain managers in Canada is competitive, and senior roles such as director of supply chain or procurement manager offer even higher salaries.”
How to launch your career in supply chain management
Centennial College’s supply chain management programs, including Business Administration – Supply Chain and Operations Management, and Supply Chain Management – Logistics, are good options for getting into the field.
Business Administration – Supply Chain and Operations Management is a six-semester advanced diploma program, focused on making sure you’re up to date with the technology and certifications of the business.
“Through hands-on training with SAP, one of the most widely used enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, students gain practical experience in managing business processes and data,” Vickie says. “The program also offers the opportunity to earn the CIFFA certification, recognized globally in the freight forwarding and logistics industry, enhancing graduates' employability in this dynamic sector. With the inclusion of an optional cooperative semester, students can apply their learning in real-world business environments, gaining valuable industry experience and building professional networks for future career opportunities.”
As for Supply Chain Management – Logistics, it’s a shorter, one-year, two-semester version of the offering, designed for post-graduate students looking to upgrade their skills through a supply chain management certification. “This combination of theoretical knowledge, technical expertise, and professional experience prepares graduates for success in the dynamic field of international and domestic supply chain management and logistics,” Vickie adds.
“The sector offers job security, lucrative salaries, career growth, and the opportunity to contribute to sustainability and innovation in both the public and private sectors,” says Vickie. “For those seeking a stable, challenging, and rewarding career, SCM in Canada presents an ideal opportunity.” And if you’re ready to seize the opportunity, Centennial College has the programs to help you get started!