A supply planning manager oversees the procurement of materials and distribution of finished goods in manufacturing companies. They work with purchasing managers, negotiate shipping agreements, and manage budgets. A degree in business or management is usually required, and some countries offer training courses and licensing exams. They also work with production teams to design packaging and negotiate distribution agreements with customers.
A supply planning manager oversees the process by which materials are procured and finished goods are distributed. People employed in these roles typically work for manufacturing companies. A supply planning manager may oversee operations at a specific job site or preside over a company’s operations across several different plants and factories.
Typically, companies require candidates for these roles to have completed degree programs in business, management, or related topics. Persons tasked with overseeing operations at various facilities may be required to have completed an advanced degree in one of these subjects. In some countries, regulatory boards or industry associations organize training courses for procurement managers to learn about contract laws, negotiation techniques, ethical standards and safety regulations. Classes typically culminate in a licensing exam; some companies only hire people who hold one of these licenses.
Manufacturing companies need to purchase supplies of raw materials to produce goods, and the supply planning manager works closely with the purchasing manager to acquire these items. The purchasing manager negotiates agreements to purchase supplies, but the supply planning manager needs to make arrangements for items to be shipped, which often involves entering into long-term shipping agreements with shipping companies or carriers. Within a large company, the manager may delegate some of these responsibilities to junior clerks, but this individual is responsible for ensuring that goods are received as and when the items are needed.
When a product is produced, the supply planning manager needs to work with the production team to design the best packaging for the product. Durable items can often ship in plain cardboard containers, while fragile items often require custom packaging. The planning manager may have to negotiate agreements with outside vendors to supply packaging materials. In addition, the supply manager must liaise with the company’s customers to arrange for finished products to be shipped to retail stores and distribution centers. Typically, these individuals negotiate distribution agreements with trucking companies or carriers to transport items to certain locations.
Like any departmental supervisor, a supply planning manager must ensure that the department’s operations do not exceed the annual budget. If shipping costs increase, the manager must find a way to offset this cost by reducing packaging or labor costs or eliminating other types of expenses. In addition to managing the company and negotiating with outside vendors, someone employed in one of these roles must oversee a team of procurement workers, which often involves hiring, training, and firing employees.
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