Supply Chain Assistant
What is in a Supply Chain Assistant job description?
A Supply Chain Assistant supports the wider supply chain or operations team. You will usually report to a Supply Chain Manager, Operations Manager, or Procurement Manager. Your job is to help keep goods and materials moving smoothly. That means providing day-to-day operational support to the supply chain team.
This is often an entry-level role. It is a good way to learn how supply chains and logistics work in real life. You will gain exposure to purchasing, stock control, and logistics in a fast-paced environment.
What will be your responsibilities?
As a Supply Chain Assistant, your tasks can include:
- Support coordination of inbound and outbound deliveries, including preparing basic shipping documentation
- Raising and tracking purchase orders
- Updating stock records and checking inventory levels
- Assisting with supplier relationship management
- Track deliveries and update shipment status, escalating any issues or delays
- Supporting demand planning and forecasting
- Maintain digital and physical records of supply chain documentation
- Working with warehouse or logistics providers to track goods
- Monitoring inventory accuracy and identifying issues
- Maintaining accurate inventory and stock reports
- Support continuous improvement activities, highlighting process issues and suggesting improvements
- Verifying goods against invoices and supply documents
You will not own the whole supply chain. But you will see how each part fits together.
The CIPS Digital Academy
What qualifications do you need?
If you’re looking to move into a Procurement Analyst role, you’ll need the following qualifications and skills:
- Some experience in administration, retail, warehouse, or logistics
- An apprenticeship or entry-level role in operations or procurement
- A degree or college qualification in business, supply chain, or a related subject would be useful but not necessary
- Some employers value you studying towards a CIPS qualification
More important are your skills. Most employers want someone who has:
- Comfortable using excel and confidence using systems, including AI tools
- Strong attention to detail
- Confidence working with data
- Clear written and spoken communication
- The ability to stay organised and manage several tasks at once
- Understanding sustainability or circular economy considerations
- An understanding of how stock, orders, and deliveries link together
- Basic data analysis or reporting confidence
You do not need to be an expert in forecasting or supplier negotiation yet. But you do need to be reliable, accurate, and willing to learn.
To start your journey to become a Procurement Consultant, the ideal starting point is the Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply. Once complete, move on to Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications that will take you all the way to MCIPS.
What does a Procurement Analyst get paid?
Salaries may increase if you are studying with CIPS or change sector. To find out more about the salaries of procurement and supply professionals let our salary calculator do the hard work for you.
What is procurement?
If you’re not sure what procurement and supply actually means, you’re not alone. This FREE 15-minute course shows how procurement teams help make big events, flights, concerts and other unforgettable moments run smoothly. And if you’re thinking about a future in this area, you’ll see how CIPS can support you.