Supply chain manager
Supply chain manager role
As a Supply Chain Manager, you can expect a full-time role with either a permanent contract or interim assignment, depending on the client’s needs. Most positions are based in corporate offices or distribution hubs with standard office hours and occasional travel.
Salary or hourly rate
- Permanent: €6,500 – €9,500 gross per month (depending on experience, company size and international scope)
- Interim: €85 – €130 per hour (freelance or via payroll).
Addition conditions
- Company car and fuel card
- Annual performance bonus up to 20%
- Pension scheme (for permanent roles)
- Health insurance, phone and laptop.
Skills & Competencies
End-to-End Supply Chain Strategy
- Network design: optimizing supplier base, warehouse locations and transport lanes.
- Demand & supply planning: balancing forecasts with capacity and inventory targets.
- S&OP leadership: driving cross-functional alignment on volume, revenue and risk.
Stakeholder & Vendor Management
- Supplier relationships: negotiating contracts, SLAs and continuous improvement plans.
- Internal alignment: collaborating with sales, procurement, finance and operations.
- Risk mitigation: developing contingency plans for disruptions and geopolitical issues.
Analytics & Digital Transformation
- Data-driven decisions: using ERP, TMS, WMS and BI tools for visibility and forecasting
- Process excellence: implementing Lean, Six Sigma and automation across the chain
- Sustainability: integrating ESG goals into sourcing, transport and packaging.
What does a supply chain manager do?
A Day in the Life of a Supply Chain Manager
07:00 – Early review of global shipment status and inventory dashboards. Flag any red alerts.
07:30 – S&OP prep meeting with demand planners: refine 18-month rolling forecast.
09:00 – Supplier performance review (virtual): address late deliveries with Asian tier-1 vendor and agree on corrective actions.
10:30 – Internal strategy session with procurement: evaluate dual-sourcing for critical components to reduce risk.
12:00 – Working lunch with CFO: present Q4 cost-saving initiatives and impact on margin.
13:30 – Site visit to new DC: assess layout, automation readiness and labor planning.
15:30 – Digital project update: review TMS implementation timeline and user training plan.
17:00 – Prepare board update: highlight OTIF improvement, carbon reduction targets and budget variance.
18:00 – Final emails and handover to APAC colleague for overnight coverage.
18:30 – Sign off, knowing the chain is resilient and aligned with business goals.
Is this your next logistics job?
Do you excel at connecting global dots, balancing cost with resilience and leading cross-functional teams? Are you analytical, diplomatic and future-focused?
As a Supply Chain Manager, you’re the architect of flow: you design, you synchronize, you protect. Every decision impacts profitability and customer satisfaction.
If you thrive on complexity, love data and negotiation, and take pride in end-to-end excellence: you might be the one we’re looking for.
Education & Career Development
Most Supply Chain Managers have a Master in supply chain, logistics, business or engineering. Employers may also require:
- 7+ years in supply chain, procurement or operations.
- International experience and multi-site responsibility.
- Certifications in APICS, CIPS, Lean or Six Sigma.
Development options include:
- Progression to Director of Supply Chain, VP Operations or Chief Supply Chain Officer.
- Executive programs in digital supply chain, AI and sustainability.
- Global rotation or board-level exposure.
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FAQ supply chain manager
How do you handle a sudden supplier failure?
Activate pre-qualified backup suppliers, reroute inventory, communicate transparently with stakeholders and conduct post-mortem to strengthen resilience.
What’s your approach to inventory optimization?
Using ABC/XYZ analysis, safety stock modeling, DDMRP principles and real-time visibility to minimize holding costs while ensuring service levels.
How do you integrate sustainability into supply chain decisions?
By setting carbon targets, auditing suppliers on ESG, optimizing transport modes and collaborating on circular packaging solutions.
Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years?
Leading a global or digital supply chain transformation, moving into C-level strategy or consulting on resilient networks.
How does N&J Connect support supply chain managers in finding the right assignment?
N&J Connect matches managers with organizations based on strategic fit, industry expertise, international exposure and leadership needs. With exclusive client access and executive coaching, we deliver precise placement and career acceleration.
