Set of Questions & Answers asked for a Supply Chain management Role

Consider these questions and sample answers to display yourself as the ideal
candidate for the supply chain management role:

1. What is supply chain management?

This is a basic definitive question that employers may ask to ensure you can describe
supply chain management to customers or other employees. Interviewers are typically
looking for a simple answer that clearly defines the term in a way that's easy to
understand.

Ans: "Supply chain management is the management and planning of all supply chain
activities that take place in a business. This can include product development, logistics,
sourcing and producing."

2. What would you do if your warehouse ran out of stock?

Interviewers are interested in learning your process for situations where the business
may run significantly low on its available products. Explain how you'll calmly and
logically handle the decrease in stock.

Ans: "If we ran out of stock on any of our products, I'd first identify the shortage of
products or materials and determine the amount we have left, if any. I'd then meet with
the original supplier to see if we can get a rush order of supplies."

3. Which skills are needed to be successful in supply chain management?

Hiring managers often use this question to determine if the skills you mention align with
what they believe a candidate needs to be successful in the role. Think about the skills
you hold that make you a great candidate and how they'll benefit the company.

Ans: "I believe a great supply chain employee should have great customer service and
communication abilities. I used these skills in my previous role when I regularly met and
negotiated with suppliers. I remained professional and courteous, which resulted in a
strong, dependable relationship with them."
4. Are you updated on current supply chain management trends?

Many employers want to hire supply chain management team members who stay
updated on current technology trends in the industry to stay ahead of the competition
and adopt innovative solutions. Share any supply chain technologies you've recently
discovered and how they could benefit the company.

Ans: "One trend I recently read about was a transport management software that used
computerized tracking systems to integrate every operation from a single panel. You
can operate this panel from a mobile device to organize inventory levels, oversee
distributions and manage shipping from anywhere, which could drastically improve
efficiency levels."

5. Do you have experience collaborating with overseas suppliers?

Suppliers may be located across the world, so employers may expect you to have a
process in place for staying in touch with them. Describe your strategy for staying
connected with suppliers.

Ans: "In my previous position, I worked directly with Japanese suppliers to obtain
materials for our best-selling product. We communicated regularly using a chat
management software that allowed the supplier to update us on the progress they made
on creating and shipping our supplies."

6. How do you prepare for an upcoming holiday season?

The busiest time of year for many companies is usually the holidays, which is when
they'll receive a large influx of sales in a short time. Hiring managers usually look for
employees who plan for this mass increase in sales. Detail this plan in your answer.

Ans: "I'll review the sales numbers from past holiday seasons and will order additional
supplies and materials for items that were high in demand. I'll then contact our
transportation teams to give them a breakdown of what to expect in terms of shipment
and delivery during the upcoming months."
7. What supply chain management software have you used?

Employers expect you to have sound knowledge of common software tools to record
updates on products' manufacturing and delivery progress. Your answer should explain
how you use communication tools to connect with employees, delivery drivers,
manufacturers and suppliers.

Ans: "At my previous company, I found and adapted a software system that allowed us
to monitor inventory and supply levels, oversee transportation locations and collaborate
effectively with clients. Implementing this software tool increased our efficiency levels by
20%."

8. What do you consider to be key elements in inventory planning and management?

Hiring managers will expect you to make important decisions regarding how many items
to order and how often. Demonstrate your process for effectively increasing profits by
maintaining strong inventory levels.

Ans: "My strategy for keeping balanced inventory and supply levels at all times is to
carefully review product orders and inventory numbers for the past few months. I'd use
these to determine how many supplies and products to order for the upcoming months."

9. Has a shipment to your warehouse ever been unexpectedly delayed? How did you
handle the situation?

Shipments may unexpectedly run late. Employers will want to know your process for
ensuring this doesn't lead to a large setback in productivity and customer satisfaction.
Your answer should feature an actionable plan that keeps customers and suppliers
happy during this situation.

Ans: "If a delay occurs, I'll reach out to the driver or supplier to learn the reasoning and
updated delivery date. Next, I'd check our buffer inventory to see if we ordered any extra
items that could replace the delayed ones."

10. How could your skills and experience add value to our business?
Employers often use this question to analyze your strengths and background to
demonstrate why you're the best fit for the role. Consider which strengths and expertise
made you a strong asset in your previous roles.

Ans: "I'd be a great fit for this position because I have advanced communication skills
and negotiation abilities, which can be used to build lasting relationships with your
clients and suppliers. I can negotiate quality product prices that work well within your
company's budget."

11. What would you improve our company's supply chain management processes?

Since you may handle the making, purchasing and shipping of the company's product,
the employer will want to know how familiar you are with the company and its items.
Conduct research and demonstrate the knowledge you've gained about the company to
explain how you'd improve it.

Ans: "After reading various customer reviews, I've learned that customers are pleased
with your quality products, but sometimes the shipments seem to arrive later than
expected. I'd adopt new supply chain management systems to speed up production and
deliveries."

12. Describe your process for finding suppliers for a 100-piece product

Employers may ask situational questions to understand your process for finding
suppliers for larger products. Explain a process you've used in the past when gathering
materials for a large product.

Ans: "I would work with our product team to determine which supplies we need. I'd
search our supply chain management system to determine if we already conduct
business with existing suppliers who carry similar materials. I'd reach out to them to
ensure they can provide us with the necessary quantity and quality we're looking for at a
reasonable price."

13. What has been your most challenging moment in a supply chain role? How did you
resolve it?
Hiring managers typically ask this question to learn how you'll handle difficult situations
in the workplace. Answer this question honestly by describing a time when you were
assigned a challenging task and your process for resolving it.

Ans: "I once had a supplier who was running behind on shipments. I reached out to our
suppliers to better understand the problem and to get the materials shipped to us as
soon as possible. Once they arrived, I instructed our team to assemble and prepare the
products for shipping right away."

14. Explain how you'd gather supplies and materials for this (item)

This question will give hiring managers an idea of your process for analyzing a product
and locating the materials needed to create it. For example, they may ask about a pen.
Remain clear and descriptive in your answer.

Ans: "I'd first review each part of the pen to determine what makes it function properly.
I'd work directly with our product team to gather each part that makes up the pen, like
the ink and springs. Finally, I'd negotiate with suppliers to find items that meet the
products' quality needs at a reasonable price."

15. What planning process do you use to manage and track products and materials?

Employers want to ensure their team members are well-organized and aware of
production schedules. Use this question to demonstrate the strategy you follow to keep
up with deliveries and shipment times.

Ans: "I use a master production schedule system to remain updated on a product's
progress. The system details how many items to produce, the materials needed for
every product, expected shipment dates and customer delivery dates."

16. Do you have experience with downstream and upstream production processes?

An upstream production process involves gathering materials needed to produce a

product. Downstream production is the process of using these items to sell a final
product. Describe your knowledge of these industry terms and how you use them on the
job.
Ans: "When handling the upstream process, I collaborate closely with our team to
determine the materials needed to obtain quality items for our products. During
downstream production, I work with our customer service teams to determine which
improvements to add to our product line."

17. What's your process for handling cost efficiency through strong relationships with
suppliers?

Supply chain employees typically work closely with suppliers to build lasting
relationships. Use this question to show employers how you use these relationships to
secure reasonable prices on products.

Ans: "I work to maintain ongoing relationships with suppliers by constantly updating
them on our company's needs and preferences. This polite and professional relationship
with clients allows us to build mutual trust that leads to reasonable pricing on quality
supplies."

18. Describe your process for finding the best suppliers for your product

One of your responsibilities may be to find new suppliers for products, so employers
want to feel confident in your ability to locate them. Your answer should clearly explain
your method for finding and keeping great suppliers.

Ans: "I conduct careful online research on the best suppliers within our budget for
certain materials. If I already have connections with suppliers who sell similar materials,
I'll ask their opinion on the best vendors available with the materials I need."

19. What type of forecasting method do you prefer?

Employers will ask this question to understand your approach to accurately forecasting
materials and product inventory amounts. Explain the forecasting method you've used in
the past that has provided you with significant results, what you like about it and why
you prefer it over others.

Ans: "I've found the best results from demand forecasting. I'll take the demand data of
products to determine what we'll need in upcoming months according to factors like
items placed in a customer's cart, purchase orders and revenue gained from that
product."

20. Tell me about a recent supply chain management book or article you read and what
you took away from it

Hiring managers want to know you're informed and updated on changes taking place in
the supply chain industry to ensure you're adapting your strategies accordingly. Mention
a specific article or book you've read and what you gained from it.

Ans: "I recently read an article about how artificial intelligence and big data are using
predictive analytics to make demand and route planning more accurate. This new
system could improve the supply chain management efficiencies drastically by ensuring
products constantly remain on schedule."

Typical Job Responsibilities of a Supply Chain Manager/Resource

Supply chain managers coordinate every aspect of the supply chain, including planning,
sourcing, manufacturing, delivery and disposal. They're responsible for maintaining low
costs while striving for high efficiency. They foresee possible disruptions in the normal
flow of goods and establish effective plans to react to these challenges.

Supply chain managers typically report to the organization's chief operations officer
(COO), and they may work in industries ranging from manufacturing to energy.

Supply chain managers' responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Evaluate supply chain strategies:

These managers regularly evaluate overall strategies to ensure that each aspect of the
supply chain is as efficient and cost-effective as possible. They research opportunities
to streamline the process to achieve maximum productivity.

Recommend improvements:

Supply chain managers regularly develop and present methods for decreasing costs,
improving business growth and increasing safety. In order to make informed
recommendations, supply chain managers use logistical data points to establish
benchmarks, track progress and analyze results.
Develop business relationships:

Supply chain managers build and maintain relationships with partners to maintain low
costs and high efficiency. Most people in this position work with and negotiate contracts
with suppliers, manufacturers, delivery coordinators and return processors.

Train staff members:

Supply chain managers often recruit and interview staff members. They also provide
training and development to help team members learn their jobs.

Establish supply chain contingency plans: Supply chain managers often anticipate
disruptions in the overall flow of goods and institute comprehensive backup plans to
maintain productivity. This may entail developing new business relations with alternative
suppliers or working with existing partners to establish protocols for possible
interferences.

Supply chain manager requirements and skills

Supply chain management jobs usually require a bachelor's degree, technical skills and
at least five years of experience in this field. Many also earn professional certifications.

Here's an overview of the qualifications necessary:

Education

Almost all employers require supply chain managers to have a bachelor's degree. Some
of the most common majors for this industry are:

Business administration: You learn core topics like cost accounting, operations
management and organizational behavior with a business administration program.
Many bachelor's programs in business administration also allow specializations in
operations or supply chain management.

Supply chain management: Many universities offer this degree as a business-focused

concentration or as an independent major. In either program, you can expect to learn
the basics of inventory monitoring, product lifecycles, procurement strategies and
transportation and storage logistics.

Systems engineering: A systems engineering degree focuses on systems and

structures and can help you master the basics of logistics and business processes. With
this degree, you can anticipate learning about statistical modeling, inventory monitoring
and supply chain principles.
Training

Supply chain managers generally get on-the-job training while working in entry-level
positions. Most have at least five years of experience working in logistics, procurement
or supply chain management. Some also serve in the military and gain experience
working in logistics department.

Certifications

Some employers require supply chain managers to have additional certifications. These
professional credentials give supply chain managers a chance to advance their skills
and learn about common issues and trends affecting the industry.

Supply chain manager skills: Some of the essential skills for a supply chain manager
include:

Computer skills

Supply chain managers regularly use standard office software to write reports, track
data and create presentations. To excel in this role, learn how to use spreadsheets,
databases, word processors and presentation applications.

Customer service skills

Because supply chain managers develop client rosters and build relationships with
suppliers, they typically have strong customer service skills. You can learn how to
anticipate customer needs, listen actively and negotiate effectively when working in an
entry-level supply chain or procurement job.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) mastery

People in this field typically use ERP software to manage supply chains, and managers
need high-level skills to do their jobs effectively. You can master ERP programs through
on-the-job training and software tutorials.

To oversee staff, supply chain managers need excellent leadership skills. You can
acquire these skills through an internal management training program or by taking on
project and team management tasks while working in junior positions.

Problem-solving skills
Supply chain managers solve problems constantly. You can gain experience with
evaluating, developing solutions and recommending strategies while working as a
logistics clerk or supply chain coordinator.

Supply chain manager work environment

Supply chain managers work in a variety of settings. They may transition from working
at a desk in an office to observing operations in a manufacturing or warehouse facility.
They may also travel to meet with suppliers and other partners. Most supply chain
managers have full-time roles, and some regularly work more than a 40-hour week.

How to become a supply chain manager

Consider these five steps as you plan your career path in supply chain management:

1. Complete a bachelor's degree program

First, earn a college degree in a relevant field. Many supply chain managers have
degrees in business administration, supply chain management or systems engineering.

2. Gain work experience

After earning a bachelor's degree, look for entry-level jobs in procurement, logistics or
supply chain management. Try to seek out opportunities for on-the-job training so you
can learn more about the industry and cultivate key skills. Most people in supply chains
work for five to ten years before advancing to management.

3. Master essential skills

As you gain work experience, look for opportunities to improve both technical and soft
skills. For example, you need leadership, customer service and problem-solving skills to
be a supply chain manager. Some technical skills to focus on developing include
logistics knowledge, planning, and the ability to coordinate with suppliers.

4. Earn a professional certification

To show your competence and position yourself as a top candidate in the supply chain
industry, consider getting a professional certification. These credentials typically require:

5. Write a supply chain manager resume

Before applying to supply chain manager job listings, confirm your resume is up-to-date
and lists all related professional experience, skills and certifications. Supply chain
manager resumes prioritize skills like:

· Leadership

· ERP

· Problem-solving

· Business acumen

Link: On-line Certifications

https://www.coursera.org/learn/supply-chain-management

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/supply-chain-management

Link: Supply chain terminologies helpful during interviews and jobs

https://medium.com/@flexspace/top-25-popular-supply-chain-terms-6809d1f1ec88