Careers in Supply Chain, Logistics & Operations
Supply chain, logistics and operations keep fashion and retail businesses moving — making sure the right products and resources get to the right place at the right time. It's a fast-paced, commercially important career combining organisation, problem-solving, planning and analytical skills.
Supply Chain, Logistics & Operations Job Description
Supply chain, logistics and operations professionals are responsible for ensuring products, stock, people and resources move efficiently through a business. Depending on the organisation, this can involve working with suppliers, warehouses, carriers, stores, e-commerce teams and internal departments to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The role can cover everything from forecasting demand and managing inventory to coordinating shipments, overseeing warehouse operations and monitoring the performance of suppliers and logistics partners.
In fashion and retail, these teams play a particularly important role due to seasonal collections, changing customer demand and the need to move products quickly and efficiently from suppliers through to stores and customers.
Did You Know?
Behind every product on a shop floor or delivered to a customer’s door is a complex supply chain. Supply chain, logistics and operations teams coordinate everything from ordering and stock management to warehousing, transport and delivery to ensure products reach customers efficiently and on time.
A Supply Chain, Logistics & Operations Professional’s Core Responsibilities
Supply Chain Planning
Forecasting demand and planning stock requirements to ensure the business has the right products and resources available at the right time.
Stock & Inventory Management
Monitoring stock levels, identifying shortages or excess stock and ensuring inventory is recorded and managed accurately.
Logistics & Distribution
Coordinating the movement of products from suppliers to warehouses, stores and customers, ensuring deliveries are made efficiently and on time.
Operations Management
Overseeing the day-to-day processes that keep a business or department running efficiently, identifying improvements and ensuring operational targets are met.
Supplier & Partner Management
Working with suppliers, manufacturers, carriers and logistics partners to monitor orders, delivery schedules, service levels and performance.
Order & Delivery Management
Tracking purchase orders and shipments, resolving delays or issues and ensuring products move through the supply chain as planned.
Data & Performance Analysis
Monitoring operational and supply chain performance, analysing data and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer service.
Problem-Solving & Continuous Improvement
Responding to unexpected challenges such as delivery delays, stock shortages or changes in demand, while identifying ways to improve processes and operational performance.
Typical Job Titles by Level
Entry Level
Key Skills Needed
Salary
Figures are indicative and vary with experience, employer and location.
Progression
Supply chain, logistics and operations offer a wide range of career progression opportunities. Many professionals begin in an administration, coordination, stock control or operations role before progressing into specialist positions.
With experience, you can move into roles such as Supply Chain Planner, Demand Planner, Supply Chain Analyst, Logistics Manager, Inventory Manager or Operations Manager, taking responsibility for increasingly complex processes, projects and budgets.
As your career develops, you may progress into Supply Chain Manager, Senior Supply Chain Manager or Head of Supply Chain / Operations positions, managing teams and overseeing the performance of a department, business area or entire supply chain.
There are also opportunities to specialise in areas such as Logistics, Procurement, Inventory Management, Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning, Warehousing, Distribution and Operations.
At senior level, experienced professionals can progress into Supply Chain Director, Operations Director, Logistics Director or Supply Chain & Operations Director roles, helping to shape the overall strategy, efficiency and performance of a business.
Ready to start your career in Supply Chain, Logistics & Operations?
Explore live Supply Chain, Logistics and Operations roles on Fashion & Retail Personnel, or brief the team directly so we can match you to the right opportunity.