Supply Chain Management

Summary

The Purchasing and Procurement job family is comprising roles responsible for sourcing, evaluating, negotiating, and acquiring materials, goods, and services on behalf of an organisation. The range of roles includes, but is not limited to, buyers, procurement managers, sourcing specialists, commodity managers, and category managers. These positions are commonly found across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, public sector, technology, and professional services organisations. The overarching objective is to secure the timely and cost-effective supply of goods and services that meet quality standards, while developing strong supplier relationships, managing contractual obligations, and continuously improving procurement processes to support organisational goals.

Typical Activities

• Developing and executing purchasing and sourcing strategies that align with organisational objectives, balancing cost, quality, risk, and supplier diversity considerations.
• Identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers through market research, request-for-proposal processes, and supplier assessments to build a reliable and competitive supply base.
• Negotiating prices, contract terms, service level agreements, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve optimal value and mitigate supply risk.
• Managing ongoing supplier relationships, monitoring performance against key metrics, and resolving quality, delivery, or contractual issues in a timely manner.
• Coordinating with internal stakeholders across departments to understand requirements, consolidate demand, and ensure that purchased goods and services meet specification and quality standards.
• Analysing procurement spend data, market trends, and supplier performance to identify cost reduction opportunities and support strategic decision-making.

Synonyms or related job titles

Buyer, Procurement Manager, Sourcing Specialist, Commodity Manager, Category Manager, Purchasing Agent, Strategic Buyer, Procurement Analyst, Vendor Manager, Supply Chain Buyer, Contract Specialist, Procurement Officer.

Summary

The Materials Management job family is comprising roles responsible for the planning, procurement, storage, control, and distribution of materials and supplies needed to support organisational operations. The range of roles includes, but is not limited to, materials managers, inventory control specialists, materials planners, stock controllers, and materials coordinators. These positions are commonly found in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, energy, defence, and large-scale industrial operations. The overarching objective is to ensure that the right materials are available in the right quantities at the right time, while minimising carrying costs, reducing waste, and maintaining efficient inventory levels aligned with production and operational demands.

Typical Activities

• Developing and maintaining materials plans that align with production schedules, forecasted demand, and organisational objectives to ensure uninterrupted supply of required materials.
• Monitoring and controlling inventory levels through regular stock-taking, cycle counting, and inventory analysis to maintain accuracy and prevent overstocking or shortages.
• Coordinating the receipt, inspection, storage, and issue of materials and supplies within the organisation, ensuring efficient handling and proper documentation at each stage.
• Planning and scheduling the transportation of materials to and from suppliers, production sites, and storage facilities to meet operational timelines.
• Managing the disposal and recycling of surplus, obsolete, and waste materials in accordance with organisational policies and environmental regulations.
• Analysing materials usage patterns, lead times, and supplier performance data to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.

Synonyms or related job titles

Materials Manager, Inventory Control Specialist, Materials Planner, Stock Controller, Materials Coordinator, Inventory Analyst, Supply Planner, Materials Scheduler, Stores Manager, Inventory Manager, Materials Handler, Goods Controller.

Summary

The Logistics job family is comprising roles responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the movement, transportation, and storage of goods and materials from origin to destination. The range of roles includes, but is not limited to, logistics managers, logistics coordinators, dispatchers, freight forwarders, and customs clearance specialists. These positions are commonly found in manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, third-party logistics providers, distribution centres, and international trade organisations. The overarching objective is to ensure the smooth, timely, and cost-effective flow of goods through the supply chain while maintaining quality, accuracy, and compliance with shipping and customs regulations.

Typical Activities

• Planning and coordinating the transportation of goods and raw materials via road, rail, sea, and air, selecting the most efficient and cost-effective routes and carriers.
• Monitoring shipments throughout the delivery process, tracking consignments, and resolving delays, damages, or discrepancies to ensure on-time and in-full delivery.
• Managing import and export documentation, customs clearance processes, and trade compliance requirements to facilitate the smooth cross-border movement of goods.
• Developing and implementing logistics strategies to optimise transportation networks, reduce lead times, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
• Coordinating with internal departments, clients, suppliers, and third-party logistics providers to align logistics activities with production schedules and customer requirements.
• Analysing logistics performance data, freight costs, and delivery metrics to identify improvement opportunities and support continuous process optimisation.

Synonyms or related job titles

Logistics Manager, Logistics Coordinator, Dispatcher, Freight Forwarder, Customs Clearance Specialist, Transport Planner, Shipping Coordinator, Logistics Analyst, Distribution Coordinator, Import and Export Coordinator, Freight Broker, Logistics Planner.

Summary

The Warehousing job family is comprising roles responsible for the receiving, storing, managing, and dispatching of materials, goods, and finished products within warehouse and distribution centre environments. The range of roles includes, but is not limited to, warehouse operatives, warehouse managers, stock clerks, forklift operators, and picking and packing operatives. These positions are commonly found in distribution centres, manufacturing plants, retail fulfilment operations, e-commerce companies, and third-party logistics providers. The overarching objective is to ensure the accurate, efficient, and safe handling of inventory through well-organised storage, timely order fulfilment, and effective stock management that supports the broader supply chain.

Typical Activities

• Receiving, inspecting, and verifying incoming shipments against purchase orders and delivery documentation, identifying and reporting any discrepancies, damages, or quality issues.
• Storing and organising goods within the warehouse using appropriate racking, shelving, and location systems to maximise space utilisation and facilitate efficient retrieval.
• Picking, packing, and preparing orders for dispatch in accordance with customer requirements, shipping schedules, and quality standards.
• Operating material handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and conveyor systems to move goods safely and efficiently within the warehouse environment.
• Conducting regular inventory counts, cycle checks, and stock reconciliations to maintain accurate records and support inventory control objectives.
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organised warehouse environment in compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Synonyms or related job titles

Warehouse Operative, Warehouse Manager, Stock Clerk, Forklift Operator, Picking and Packing Operative, Warehouse Supervisor, Distribution Centre Worker, Goods-In Clerk, Shipping and Receiving Clerk, Warehouse Coordinator, Inventory Clerk, Warehouse Associate.

Please match in this collective family all specialised Supply Chain Management jobs that cannot be assigned to one of the above-mentioned families. Competencies from the parent family will be shown. A selection of parent family-specific Benchmark Job Matches is available and can be selected manually. The availability of benchmark job matches depends on the survey vendor chosen.

Summary

The Vehicle Operations job family is comprising roles responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of commercial vehicles used for the transportation and delivery of goods. The range of roles includes, but is not limited to, commercial drivers, fleet managers, dispatchers, route planners, and vehicle maintenance coordinators. These positions are commonly found in logistics and transportation companies, distribution centres, manufacturing firms, retail organisations, and courier services. The overarching objective is to ensure the reliable and timely delivery of products while maintaining vehicle fleet condition, optimising route efficiency, controlling operational costs, and adhering to transportation regulations and safety standards.

Typical Activities

• Operating commercial vehicles, including trucks, vans, and heavy goods vehicles, to transport goods and materials along scheduled routes and delivery timings in compliance with road traffic regulations.
• Conducting pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections to verify roadworthiness, identify defects, and ensure compliance with safety standards before and after each journey.
• Managing fleet maintenance schedules, coordinating regular servicing, repairs, and statutory inspections to maintain operational efficiency and minimise vehicle downtime.
• Utilising fleet management systems and telematics to plan routes, track vehicle locations, monitor fuel consumption, and assess driver performance and behaviour.
• Training and supervising drivers and operational staff to ensure understanding of and compliance with transportation laws, company policies, and safety procedures.
• Developing strategies to optimise fleet utilisation, reduce operational costs, and improve delivery efficiency, including the adoption of sustainable driving practices and technologies.

Synonyms or related job titles

Fleet Manager, Commercial Driver, Truck Driver, Dispatcher, Route Planner, Vehicle Maintenance Coordinator, Logistics Driver, Fleet Operations Specialist, Delivery Driver, Transport Manager, Heavy Goods Vehicle Driver, Fleet Coordinator.

Summary

The Import/Export Management job family is comprised of jobs that specialise in the cross-border movement of goods and trade compliance. The range of roles includes, but is not limited to, customs specialists, trade compliance analysts, import coordinators, export control officers, and freight forwarding managers. These positions are commonly found in manufacturing companies, global retailers, logistics providers, freight forwarders, customs brokerage firms, and governmental trade agencies. The overarching objective is to ensure that international shipments comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and trade agreements while optimising cost, speed, and efficiency of cross-border transactions.

Typical Activities

• Coordinating the import and export of goods across international borders, ensuring all shipments meet regulatory requirements and are accompanied by accurate documentation.
• Managing customs clearance processes, including tariff classification, duty calculations, and liaison with customs authorities and brokers.
• Monitoring and ensuring compliance with international trade laws, export controls, sanctions, and embargo regulations across all markets in which the organisation operates.
• Maintaining and updating trade compliance programmes, including record-keeping, audits, and internal training on import and export procedures.
• Evaluating and leveraging free trade agreements, duty relief programmes, and foreign trade zones to reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency.
• Collaborating with logistics, procurement, and legal teams to resolve cross-border shipment issues, delays, or regulatory disputes.

Synonyms or related job titles

Customs Specialist, Trade Compliance Analyst, Import Coordinator, Export Control Officer, Customs Broker, International Trade Specialist, Freight Forwarding Manager, Import and Export Manager, Trade Operations Analyst, Customs Administrator, Global Trade Compliance Manager, Shipping Documentation Specialist.

Summary

The Freight Forwarding and Brokerage job family is comprised of jobs that specialise in arranging and coordinating the shipment of goods on behalf of clients across multiple modes of transport, including air, ocean, road, and rail. The range of roles includes, but is not limited to, freight forwarders, freight brokers, shipping coordinators, air freight specialists, ocean freight specialists, and chartering specialists. These positions are commonly found in freight forwarding companies, logistics service providers, customs brokerage firms, shipping lines, and international trade organisations. The overarching objective is to ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and timely movement of goods across domestic and international supply chains by selecting optimal carriers, routes, and transport modes on behalf of shippers and consignees.

Typical Activities

• Coordinating end-to-end shipment arrangements across air, ocean, road, and rail, including booking cargo space, preparing shipping documentation, and managing handoffs between transport modes.
• Negotiating freight rates, service contracts, and terms with carriers, shipping lines, and transport providers to secure competitive pricing and reliable capacity for clients.
• Consolidating shipments from multiple clients to optimise container or cargo utilisation, reducing costs and improving transit efficiency.
• Monitoring shipment status and proactively managing exceptions such as delays, route disruptions, or capacity constraints, keeping clients informed throughout the transport cycle.
• Advising clients on the most suitable transport modes, routes, and incoterms based on cost, transit time, cargo characteristics, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintaining accurate records of shipments, carrier performance, and freight costs to support invoicing, reporting, and continuous improvement of forwarding operations.

Synonyms or related job titles

Freight Forwarder, Freight Broker, Shipping Coordinator, Air Freight Specialist, Ocean Freight Specialist, Multimodal Transport Coordinator, Chartering Specialist, Freight Sales Executive, Cargo Agent, Shipping Agent, Forwarding Agent, Transport Broker.

Summary

The Supply Chain Planning and Demand Management job family is comprised of jobs that specialise in forecasting, planning, and balancing supply with demand to ensure optimal inventory levels and resource allocation. The range of roles includes, but is not limited to, demand planners, supply planners, forecast analysts, inventory analysts, and sales and operations planning managers. These positions are commonly found in manufacturing companies, consumer goods organisations, retail enterprises, pharmaceutical firms, and third-party logistics providers. The overarching objective is to align supply chain capacity with market demand, minimising costs and waste while ensuring product availability and customer satisfaction.

Typical Activities

• Analysing historical sales data, market trends, and customer insights to develop accurate demand forecasts across product lines and regions.
• Coordinating the sales and operations planning process, bringing together commercial, finance, and operations teams to align on a consensus demand and supply plan.
• Managing inventory strategies and setting optimal stock levels, reorder points, and safety stock parameters to balance service levels with working capital targets.
• Developing and maintaining supply plans that account for production capacity, supplier lead times, and material availability to meet forecasted demand.
• Monitoring forecast accuracy and planning performance through key metrics, identifying root causes of variance, and implementing corrective actions.
• Leveraging planning systems and advanced analytics tools to model scenarios, assess risks, and support data-driven decision-making across the supply chain.

Synonyms or related job titles

Demand Planner, Supply Planner, Forecast Analyst, Inventory Analyst, S&OP Manager, Materials Requirements Planner, Supply Chain Planning Manager, Demand and Supply Analyst, Inventory Planning Manager, Production Planner, Replenishment Analyst, Capacity Planner.