A supply chain officer is in charge of coordinating and managing all aspects of the supply chain. They’re tasked with reducing shortages and minimizing costs to ensure overall operational efficiency. Supply chain officers are essential personnel for businesses in various industries, including energy, defense, and manufacturing.
If you’re wondering, “What does a supply chain officer do?” here are some of their usual tasks and responsibilities.
Stock and Supplies Management
A supply chain officer tracks current, incoming, and outgoing stocks and supplies. They ensure that stocks are stored, transferred, and released safely and securely. What does a supply chain office do to prevent loss or damage to stocks and supplies? Here are some of their usual responsibilities:
- Arranges the most appropriate transportation method
- Inspects stock and supplies, facilitates their inventory, and ensures proper storage
- Ensures a secure moving process, in case the relocation of stock and supplies is necessary
- Ensures suitable disposal when there is a surplus or when stocks are damaged, expired, or becomes obsolete
- Evaluates and selects suppliers that meet the company’s budget and quality requirements
- Ensure that custom brokers and freight forwarders comply with legal procedures for the transportation of the supplies and stocks
- Implement industry-standard policies regarding the safety and quality of the stocks being purchased, released, or moved
Financial and Budgetary Management
A supply chain officer is in charge of the company’s finances when it comes to incoming and outgoing supplies. They’re responsible for optimizing the company’s resources while also minimizing costs and managing inventory.
What does a supply chain officer do to ensure healthy finances for the company? Below are some examples of their typical tasks:
- Estimates the number of stocks and supplies needed by the company
- Creates budget forecasts for future expenditures to prevent shortages and surpluses
- Researches about the market, production, and supply trends to ensure more accurate numbers for purchase orders
- Prepares purchase orders and justifies the necessity of the items listed therein
- Coordinates the entire purchasing and distribution process
- Ensures the accuracy of the company’s records by comparing purchase orders with invoices
- Accepts or rejects bids of potential vendors or suppliers
- Sets the prices of outgoing stocks and supplies
Record Management
A supply chain officer is in charge of keeping relevant records regarding the company’s supplies and stocks. They’re also tasked with creating reports for stock management and inventory.
Here are some of the usual responsibilities that a supply chain officer is expected to do:
- Manage inventory levels and ensure data accuracy
- Create procedures to ensure timely satisfaction of warehouse demands and production schedules
- Share warehouse data that affects operational productivity and quality
Conclusion
What does a supply chain officer do? In a nutshell, they’re tasked with ensuring effective supply chain management. There are many other tasks and responsibilities under this supply chain job description. When they do their job well, a supply chain officer positively contributes to the productivity and growth of a business. Know more about supply chain officer here!