Career Opportunities
With demand for qualified candidates high, graduates do not have difficulty finding employment within the Supply Chain sector.
With the emergence of new IT technologies, connected commerce, multi-channel and digital Supply Chain, there is significant demand for managers with formal training in Supply Chain.
Starting salaries range from between €35,000 - €45,000 a year.
An apprenticeship usually leads on to being hired in a more permanent position.
For those enrolled in Executive Education, obtaining a Master’s Degree in International Supply Chain is a strong sign of someone’s potential and expertise, and can really fast-track their career as a result.
Typical roles
Across all sectors: Consulting firms, Manufacturers, the Agri-food industry, Services, Retail, Government, etc.
Organizational Consultant, Supply Chain Manager, Deputy Logistics Director, Research Officer, Demand Planner, Supply Chain and Distribution Manager, etc. A dual training in Economics, Management and/or Engineering, together with experience as a Supply Chain Manager, is a highly sought-after combination for consulting firms.
A Supply Chain Manager can work across any sector: within “shippers”, meaning manufacturers and distributors; within service providers (warehousing, global transport); or within companies and organizations operating in the services sector.
They can hold either an administrative or operational position within an organization. Their role involves organizing the flow of raw materials, from suppliers to finished products. Due to the ever-increasing need for sustainability, it also involves recycling used products and packaging (so-called “reverse logistics”).
In terms of strategy, a Logistics Officer will determine the architecture of the supply and distribution network, and the associated information systems to be used. This requires them to create and optimize models and development plans. As part of this, they liaise with senior management and the Finance department.
On the tactical level, a Logistics Officer manages the supply chain in conjunction with the Purchasing department and suppliers. They also oversee distribution and monitor the service that is delivered to customers. This translates into implementing forecasting systems and dashboards, as well as working on stock management, and liaising with suppliers and service providers. For example, they will plan and oversee deliveries of products ordered online. To do this, they will also engage with Marketing and Sales.
In terms of operations, a Logistics Officer ensures the proper functioning of the links in the supply chain on the ground, from a technical, legal and social standpoint, ensuring they are in line with strategic objectives. This involves managing staff, quality control, ensuring compliance with procedures and, more generally, implementing relevant policies. To do this, they will engage with the Personnel, Production and Regulatory departments (regarding standards or customs documents, for example).
Given the continually evolving context (with operations being brought in-house, the sustainability consideration, and the vast array of communication systems now on offer), whether it’s on the strategic, tactical or operational front, a Logistics Officer must be a good communicator, must be analytical, should enjoy devising new policies, and must be able to make decisions on a practical level.