4 answers
Tiffany
Student
Rosemead, California
3
Questions
Asked
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Anyone here have experience in operations and supply chain management What does an average day at the office look like? What do you specifically manage at work? ?
Senior interested in supply chain management.
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4 answers
Suzanne Panzica
Logistics and Customer Experience Director
4
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Tiffany, my professional journey has been largely rooted in Logistics Operations and Supply Chain, in various capacities. I started off in an administrative role in a shipping office, situated within a large manufacturing company's warehousing division. Gradually, I expanded my skill set, and completing my degree in management. I began taking on diverse roles such as receiving, product acquisition, and even building logistics databases in collaboration with the IT department.
Eventually, I stepped into a managerial role, setting up logistics networks and overseeing all aspects of warehousing. The potential for growth and exploration in this field is truly limitless.
I've had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, from warehousing offices to corporate office spaces. More recently, I've been working remotely, while also traveling to different facilities to support business changes or reviews.
In the early stages of your career, you might find yourself working any shift and typically around 40 hours a week, sometimes with a bit of overtime. As you ascend to management roles, you'll generally find yourself working day shifts. However, leadership is needed around the clock. As a manager or leader, the role might demand more than a standard 40-hour week at times. But remember, it's crucial to establish boundaries to ensure a healthy work-life balance and maintain your mental well-being. The journey is challenging, but incredibly rewarding.
Arrange to take a tour of a manafacturing or Warehouse operations. Take note on the types of roles being performed
Ask for a mentor from a local and reputable Supply Chain company that can give you the ins/outs of the day to day
Eventually, I stepped into a managerial role, setting up logistics networks and overseeing all aspects of warehousing. The potential for growth and exploration in this field is truly limitless.
I've had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, from warehousing offices to corporate office spaces. More recently, I've been working remotely, while also traveling to different facilities to support business changes or reviews.
In the early stages of your career, you might find yourself working any shift and typically around 40 hours a week, sometimes with a bit of overtime. As you ascend to management roles, you'll generally find yourself working day shifts. However, leadership is needed around the clock. As a manager or leader, the role might demand more than a standard 40-hour week at times. But remember, it's crucial to establish boundaries to ensure a healthy work-life balance and maintain your mental well-being. The journey is challenging, but incredibly rewarding.
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
Helaine Poon
Consultant
5
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Helaine’s Answer
Hi Tiffany,
I have a degree in Supply Chain Management, and there are many career paths you can take with this major. What your job looks like each day really depends on the industry and specific area of supply chain you're in. In my experience, if you're managing product procurement, your day might involve working with suppliers, reviewing contracts, and analyzing costs. You might be responsible for a particular product, making sure the company buys the right items at the best price for customers. Another path could focus more on project management, like improving business processes, making manufacturing more efficient, or using new software and technology in daily supply chain operations. There's no one-size-fits-all, but you can definitely find a role that suits your style and interests.
I have a degree in Supply Chain Management, and there are many career paths you can take with this major. What your job looks like each day really depends on the industry and specific area of supply chain you're in. In my experience, if you're managing product procurement, your day might involve working with suppliers, reviewing contracts, and analyzing costs. You might be responsible for a particular product, making sure the company buys the right items at the best price for customers. Another path could focus more on project management, like improving business processes, making manufacturing more efficient, or using new software and technology in daily supply chain operations. There's no one-size-fits-all, but you can definitely find a role that suits your style and interests.
Cindy Waznik
Supply Planner
1
Answer
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Hi Tiffany,
I spent 16 years in Procurement in the High-Tech industry and handled the planning and buying of computer peripherals in all functional areas (New Products, Production and Service). Supplier management, inventory planning and control, discrepancies in both receiving and accounting and unplanned upticks in forecasts requiring additional supply in short timeframes. Supply Chain also includes Forecasting, Logistics and New Product planning.
The day to day can include working with suppliers, checking stock levels again forecast, working with manufacturing facilities/warehouses to ensure correct product is shipping at correct times. Working with Demand Planning to ensure forecasts make sense and are fully realized, with Logistics to ensure timely arrival of all products and Warehouse receiving to ensure timely receipt into inventory system.
I find that asking questions to understand how each department handles their job allows you to better understand how to help them which helps you. You are not an island so understanding how your work impacts both up and down stream processes will make you a better team member.
I spent 16 years in Procurement in the High-Tech industry and handled the planning and buying of computer peripherals in all functional areas (New Products, Production and Service). Supplier management, inventory planning and control, discrepancies in both receiving and accounting and unplanned upticks in forecasts requiring additional supply in short timeframes. Supply Chain also includes Forecasting, Logistics and New Product planning.
The day to day can include working with suppliers, checking stock levels again forecast, working with manufacturing facilities/warehouses to ensure correct product is shipping at correct times. Working with Demand Planning to ensure forecasts make sense and are fully realized, with Logistics to ensure timely arrival of all products and Warehouse receiving to ensure timely receipt into inventory system.
I find that asking questions to understand how each department handles their job allows you to better understand how to help them which helps you. You are not an island so understanding how your work impacts both up and down stream processes will make you a better team member.
Leslee Morioka
Manager, Internal Careers
4
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Leslee’s Answer
While I may not be a manager in the supply chain sector, I've gained some experience in recruiting for this field. The supply chain is multifaceted, with areas like procurement, logistics, and operations, each with its unique environment, be it a warehouse, manufacturing plant, or office.
If you find yourself in a purchasing role, you'll likely interact with a variety of vendors. For those in logistics, your work could involve liaising with transportation companies or vendors to ensure timely deliveries. Meanwhile, those in operations focus on optimizing space usage for quick inventory access, boosting manufacturing efficiency.
If you find yourself in a purchasing role, you'll likely interact with a variety of vendors. For those in logistics, your work could involve liaising with transportation companies or vendors to ensure timely deliveries. Meanwhile, those in operations focus on optimizing space usage for quick inventory access, boosting manufacturing efficiency.