SUPPLY CHAIN & INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SUSTAINABILITY
How Will Sustainability Help with Careers in This Major?
Supply Chain as a field is heavily reliant on innovation and building resilient process chains which have the ability to pivot with changing times. Sustainability in supply chain is a fast-growing field because there are incredible opportunities for companies to pivot their business model to be more resilient while also reducing negative impact on communities and the environment. The consumer demand for sustainably produced and manufactured products is also rapidly increasing. It is necessary for companies to be able to meet these demands to prevent losing market share. Supply Chain management plays a key role in these initiatives. Being well-versed in sustainable supply chains, one can help in projects like reducing the logistical carbon footprint, sustainable and responsible procurement, reduction of packaging and transportation waste and end-life product capture. The job market in this area is expanding as more companies look toward supply chains to lessen their negative impacts and enhance their positive impacts throughout the supply network.
Sustainability-Focused Career Pathways
Many companies have specific roles that incorporate supply chain management and sustainability with titles such as “Supply Chain Sustainability Lead” and “Supply Chain Energy and Sustainability Lead”. There are also roles that incorporate sustainability in the supply chain into an overall sustainability officer or manager role. The career path to these types of positions typically start in a more general supply chain function.
For example, this “Sustainability Program Manager” position available with Microsoft, has requirements including 7+ years experience as a product manager plus a solid understanding of carbon accounting and Product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), among others. By reviewing qualifications for high-level positions you would like to pursue, you can map your experience pathway and start by applying for entry-level positions like the ones described below, building upon this experience to reach your career goals.
Procurement Analysts
Companies and organizations hire procurement professionals, sometimes as entry-level positions. Responsibilities typically include developing supplier relationships; evaluating market conditions and trends; developing terms and conditions for goods and services; surveying markets for supply sources; and preparing bid invitations.
Materials Analysts
Material Analysts can integrate sustainable sourcing recommendations even in instances where sustainability is not specifically outlined in a position description. Typically, a materials analyst is responsible for managing inventory levels, reporting on use, scheduling shipments, and sourcing recommendations.
Supply Chain Consultants
As a consultant, you will collaborate with a company’s team to assess and create plans for improvements on any areas within the supply chain from design to end-life use. Using technology, you will measure impact and predict impacts of the supply chain on communities, emissions, and waste streams.
Transportation Managers
Managing transportation internally or through contracted services requires a highly detailed professional who is able to problem-solve with multiple stakeholders. A transportation or fleet manager may have responsibilities such as: build a global network of parcel carriers, ensure timely delivery to customers, oversee orders from 3PLs (third-party logistics) partners, identify and solve delivery-related issues, report on performance and cost metrics of transportation options, identify risks, partner with stakeholders internally and externally to improve efficiency and customer experience.
Operations
Operations roles can vary from efficiency management, production oversight, inspection, distribution, and more. Many companies offer entry-level operations positions that can lead to higher-level supply chain management strategist and analyst roles. Operations positions can include responsibilities such as inventory and warehouse management, LEAN and continuous improvement management, product inspection, staging shipments, and scheduling deliveries.
Learn More About How to Land and Build a Sustainability Career
If reading about these sustainability career options sparks your interest, check out our resources on how to talk about sustainability with recruiters, as well as career fair tips and sustainability career searches.
ADVANCE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF SUPPLY CHAIN & INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Learn what sustainable supply chain is all about and its importance
Learn the important things to know in this field
Learn how sustainability fits into your courses
Learn how sustainability relates to your career