Supply Chain

The Supply Chain function of an organisation ensures the creation and distribution of drugs from manufacturer to end user.

What does Supply Chain mean?

Put simply, a Supply Chain is the network of individuals, companies, resources, activities, and technologies used to make and sell a product or service. A Supply Chain starts with the delivery of raw materials from a supplier to a manufacturer and ends with the delivery of the finished product or service to the end consumer.

What are the tasks of the Supply Chain teams?

Working in a Supply Chain team is highly complex and involves dealing with multiple stakeholders, from manufacturers to end users, to other Supply Chain teams. Ensuring the quality and safety of drugs is a top priority and is regulated by government agencies. To ensure authenticity and reduce the risk of counterfeits, a robust traceability system is necessary to track drugs over the whole supply chain. Team members may include:

• Planners – evaluate the market and forecast the organisation’s needs;
• Procurement specialists – responsible for sourcing goods and other products;
• Buyers – responsible for selecting the products and materials to purchase on behalf of the organisation;
• Logistics experts – oversee the logistical operations of the supply chain;
• Warehousing operatives – handle goods received, and control inventory storage and accurate fulfilment of orders;
• Data analysts – monitor and examine master and key data within the organisation;
• Supply chain analysts – gather data and use it for monitoring and recommending improvements.

Popular job titles within Supply Chain

Supply Chain – what’s it like working in this field?

Working in Supply Chain gives you opportunities to work in one of several areas, as many parts of an organisation are involved in the Supply Chain and need to work closely together to ensure that it runs smoothly. You may work in logistics/warehousing, procurement or planning, for example. The Supply Chain field has seen many changes over the decades; disruptions, drug shortages and regulatory issues have presented new challenges. Do you have IT skills? Modern advances in digital technology such as Blockchain technology and IoT (Internet of Things) are helping to transform the Supply Chain. Improving data quality, accuracy, visibility and consistency is key to creating a complete picture of the Supply Chain and working with stakeholders to ensure data security and compliance with regulations. If you have the right skills and experience, more opportunities are opening up to work in this interesting field. Whichever part of the Supply Chain sector you work in, you may also be involved in reducing waste and emissions, as the industry is increasingly focused on sustainability in line with the latest directives and initiatives.

A Supply Chain career – where can it take me?

Supply Chain is a broad field with many areas for career entry and progression, depending on your qualifications and experience. A career in Supply Chain offers many opportunities for progression in every area – for example, in logistics, planning or procurement. If you already have a particular interest and aptitude for one Supply Chain area such as planning or procurement, that might be a good place to start. From a supporting role, you could then move up into a specialist or management position within your chosen area, with new levels of responsibility.
Not only that, but it is possible to move from one area of supply chain to another as you gain more knowledge and skills. You can then develop your career by transferring to another sector such as logistics or data analysis.

Need help finding the right Supply Chain job for you?

Use the search options and keywords for the Supply Chain vacancy you are looking for. You don’t see the right one for you at the moment? Then fill out the contact form using the button above or below. We are always looking for the right people to fill Supply Chain jobs. As well as the vacancies we advertise in this area, there may be other opportunities on our books that are not advertised due to confidentiality. All the consultants at Talentmark have worked in the Life Sciences sector, so talk to us!