Last Reviewed: June 2026
To become a supply chain manager, many professionals use a blend of a college degree in related subjects and experience in the industry. While it is possible to become a supply chain manager without a degree, having advanced training makes it easier to climb the corporate ladder and reach advanced positions in the industry.
During the pandemic, the global supply chain developed bottlenecks that caused shortages of key goods around the world. As people stockpiled canned goods from grocery stores, it quickly became apparent how important supply chain management is to the global economy.
While the job of a supply chain manager often occurs in the background, these managers play an integral role in moving inventory, improving logistics networks, and preventing disruptions. By pursuing the right experience, education, and certifications, you can take the first step toward a lucrative career in this growing industry.
This guide is for anyone aiming to become a supply chain manager. It covers what the role involves, the typical education and career path, useful certifications, and the skills employers expect.
What Does a Supply Chain Manager Do?
A supply chain manager is responsible for overseeing products as they move from the producer to the consumer. They also handle procurement, logistics coordination, inventory management, sourcing, forecasting, and supplier relationships. During a typical day, they may work with warehouse teams, drivers, and suppliers. In the United States, a supply chain manager earns an average of $95,571 per year (Payscale, 2026).
A Typical Education and Career Path for Supply Chain Managers
This is one field where your career path can vary greatly. Some people start out in a warehouse and then use a degree to propel themselves into a manager role. In other cases, people begin as supply chain managers right out of college. It all depends on the industry you’re employed in, the degree you get, and what opportunities are available post-graduation.
If you’re starting at zero, the following career path is a common progression for future supply chain managers. For more insights into which career path matches your personality traits, check out our 12-question supply chain career quiz.
Earn a Certificate or Degree
Many supply chain managers start out with degrees in other fields, such as accounting, business management, or finance. There are also degrees that are more closely related to supply chain and logistics. For example, you can study:
- Operations management and analytics
- Supply chain and operations management
- Applied project management
Gain Relevant Job Experience
Like many fields, real-world experience is essential for your success. My sister has spent most of her working life in the logistics industry. One of her biggest pet peeves is working with people who have a degree and theoretical knowledge of how the sausage is made, but no practical experience. The sooner you start working in a warehouse, manufacturing hub, or logistics center, the better.
Develop Your On-the-Job Skills
To climb the corporate ladder, you’ll need to translate your education and experience into new skills.
- Leadership: You’ll need leadership skills to manage teams and keep operations flowing smoothly.
- Communication: A supply chain manager must communicate effectively with team members, vendors, drivers, executives, customers, and other stakeholders.
- Problem Solving: When a truck is delayed or has to spend time bobtailing to the next location, it sets your entire operation back. Delays are inevitable in supply chain logistics, so a good manager has excellent problem-solving skills.
- Data Analysis: Today’s supply chain managers must understand how to use spreadsheets, use forecasting software, and work with data visualization platforms.
- Inventory Management: Great managers understand procurement, transportation scheduling, and order fulfillment so they can manage warehouses and shipping logistics.
- Adaptability: The technology behind supply chains continues to change, so successful managers can adapt to new software systems.
Pursue a Managerial Position
Once you have the skills, education, and on-the-job experience, you can start applying for managerial positions in the field. Initially, you may apply for positions as a team lead or shift manager. As you gain leadership experience, you can work toward high-level managerial roles. Many managers eventually take on senior leadership positions as a supply chain director, chief operations officer, director of operations, logistics director, global supply chain director, or procurement director.
Consider Specialized Certifications
Besides a bachelor’s or master’s degree in supply chain management, you can also advance your career through certifications in the industry. The following are just a few of the most effective certifications and designations offered through the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
- Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
- Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD)
While ASCM certifications are widely respected, there are other certification providers that are popular in the field as well. For example, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) offers certifications as a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), a Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD), or an Associate Professional in Supply Management (APSM).
| Certification | Provider |
|---|---|
| Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) | ASCM |
| Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) | ASCM |
| Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD) | ASCM |
| Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) | ISM |
| Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD) | ISM |
| Associate Professional in Supply Management (APSM) | ISM |
| Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) | SOLE |
Top Degree Paths for Supply Chain Managers
Unlike some career fields, you aren’t required to get a specific degree to become a supply chain manager. Instead, the best option is to pick a degree field that gives you the skills you need to further your career. While degrees aren’t strictly required, you’ll generally be expected to obtain one if you want to reach an advanced position in the industry.
Certification Programs for Supply Chain Managers
Certification programs, like the ones offered by ASCM and ISM, are effective ways to demonstrate that you have the skills and industry knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. You can also become a Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) through the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). Many certifications require specific experience and degree requirements, so verify the required qualifications before you apply.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs for Supply Chain Managers
To become a supply chain manager, you can study a range of majors.
- Supply chain management
- Operations management
- Industrial engineering
- Finance
- Management information systems
- Logistics and transportation
- Accounting
- Business administration
Even if your major isn’t in supply chain management, it can still set you up for a successful career. When I was studying for my master’s in business administration (MBA), many students came from backgrounds in logistics. They recognized that the MBA’s focus on accounting, business management, leadership, and financial management would give them an edge in the industry, even if it wasn’t specifically focused on supply chain management.
Master’s Degree Programs for Supply Chain Managers
Like a bachelor’s degree program, you can study a master’s degree in a range of subjects. Besides a master’s in supply chain management, you could also study a master’s degree in operations management or business administration.
FAQs About Becoming a Supply Chain Manager
Do you need a degree to be a supply chain manager?
No, you do not. While a degree increases the likelihood you’ll be hired and can make your day-to-day work easier, it is generally not a requirement for entry-level supply chain positions. However, it’s important to note that many employers prefer applicants who have a degree, especially for supply chain manager positions. Applicants with degrees are often prioritized, making it difficult to access higher promotions without one.
How long does it take to become a supply chain manager?
In order to get the appropriate level of experience and schooling, it may take around six to eight years before you can be hired as a supply chain manager.
Does your degree need to be in supply chain management?
No, it doesn’t. Many people use degrees in business administration, finance, accounting, or industrial engineering to become a supply chain manager.
What industries can you work in as a supply chain manager?
You can work in any industry that relies on logistics, inventory, and shipping to receive, create, or deliver products. For example, many supply chain managers work in the manufacturing, food and beverage, transportation, energy, aerospace, technology, retail, or automotive industries.
How much does a supply chain manager earn?
In the United States, supply chain managers earn an average of about $95,571 per year, though pay varies by industry, experience, and location. Senior roles such as supply chain director or director of operations typically pay more.
What Career Path Makes Sense for Supply Chain Managers?
If you want to become a supply chain manager, it helps to know where you fit in the supply chain. Our supply chain quiz can pair you up with a career archetype that matches your personality type. For example, the diplomat archetype is good at building relationships, working with suppliers, and thinking strategically. Often, they do well in roles as procurement managers and supplier development engineers. In comparison, the expeditor’s logistical coordination and transportation management abilities make them a natural fit as a logistics coordinator or distribution center manager.
Interested in a career in supply chain management? Take our 12-question supply chain career quiz to see which archetype matches your personality style.