Operations and Supply Chain Management

It covers everything along the path goods travel from suppliers to eventual consumers.

Every environment from government to banks to schools to hospitals either consumes or sells items and they need raw materials or product with which to work.

A supply chain is involved in processing or using these materials or even providing services to customers using these materials. Professionals in these fields also work with processes and increasing efficiencies with processes. Operations and supply chain professionals have a place in all of these environments.

Consider environments where there are large volumes of movement; movement of people, product, raw material, data, money or consumers. This occurs in almost any environment and any industry.

Learn more about working in supply chains from our alumni and partners such as Sudhir Holla, MBA'17, Senior Supply Chain Management Specialist at Walmart eCommerce. Holla has seven years of multinational corporation experience in supply chain operations, marketing, IT and healthcare and now manages the end-to-end supply chain for SKUs generating more than $75M in revenue annually for at Walmart eCommerce. Access his Power Chat (and more) in BizLink – Document Library.

The supply chain industry offers dynamic opportunities across various sectors, including technology, retail, healthcare and beyond. With the rise of e-commerce, data-driven decision-making and sustainability, roles have expanded significantly:

• Technology-driven roles: Data Scientist, Supply Chain Analyst, Automation Engineer.
• E-commerce and last-mile logistics: Omnichannel Fulfillment Specialist, Micro-warehouse Manager.
• Sustainability-focused roles: Green Logistics Coordinator, Circular Economy Specialist.

While manufacturing remains a cornerstone, professionals increasingly find opportunities in non-traditional sectors, such as entertainment, consulting and renewable energy.

• UB Supply Chain and Operations Club: This is a School of Management student club. 
• American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS): A source of solutions, support and networking with local chapters, workshops, symposia and the annual conference.
• American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) - Buffalo Chapter: This is the local chapter of the national APICS organization.
• Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
• Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
• Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences
• Manufacturing Council - Buffalo Niagara Partnership  
• Association for Quality
• Distribution Business Management Association  
• International Warehouse Logistics Association
• International Federation of Warehousing & Logistics Associations
• American Logistics Association
• Distribution Business Management Association

Today’s OSCM professionals require a mix of traditional and modern skills:

• Analytical and technical skills: Data analytics, coding (Python, SQL), machine learning.
• Sustainability knowledge: Circular economy strategies, carbon footprint analysis.
• Adaptability: Agile methodologies and crisis management for supply chain disruptions.
• Communication and DEI awareness: Cross-cultural communication and fostering inclusivity in global teams.
• Technological proficiency: Advanced ERP systems, AI tools and IoT integration.

Certifications remain vital for career advancement. In addition to traditional options, modern certifications reflect the industry’s evolution:

• APICS (ASCM): CLTD, CPIM, CSCP.
• ISM: CPSM, CPSD.
• Lean Six Sigma (updated to include sustainability practices).
• New credentials: Digital Supply Chain Management (D-SCM), Sustainable Supply Chain Professional (SSCP).

• Supply Chain Manager vs. Operations Manager 
• Webinars on Careers in Supply Chains & Operations, Working in Supply Chain Management (via BizLink)
• Explore Supply Chain Management and Logistics Careers