The COVID-19 pandemic placed significant strains on supply chains. Shutdowns, changes in consumption and employment patterns and other factors during the pandemic led to major shortages of key consumer goods and raw materials. Nearly every industry, from manufacturing and construction to hospitality and retail, felt the effects of supply chain breakdowns.
Today, some industries continue to face disruptions due to supply chain issues, and many businesses that have recovered now seek ways to reinvent their operations to minimize and prevent such issues in the future. Arkansas State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Global Supply Chain Management program prepares students to meet the high demand for trained logistics professionals across industries. This guide explores the fundamentals of supply chain management, career paths in the field, skills required and related academic programs.
What Is Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain managers oversee the movement of goods from suppliers to customers, from raw materials to final delivery. Monitoring and improving sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing and delivery methods are part of a supply chain manager’s job.
Careers in supply chain management involve both daily operational tasks and analytical responsibilities. For example, professionals working in the field may log shipments, manage inventory, schedule deliveries and communicate with suppliers. They also study logistical data to make accurate forecasts and assess the effectiveness of an organization’s supply chain management strategy.
Why Supply Chain Management Is Important
Organizations that prioritize supply chain management stand to reap many benefits. Closely controlling the movement of goods improves efficiency and controls costs. An effective strategy can reduce breakdowns, allowing businesses to meet customer expectations, foster loyalty and achieve high satisfaction rates. In addition, effective supply chain management can enable organizations to expand their footprint and engage in trade on a global scale.
Companies with robust supply chain management programs may also gain a competitive advantage. When widespread logistical disruptions occur, organizations with strong systems in place may fare better. For example, organizations that used dashboard software to increase supply chain visibility were twice as likely to avoid major issues when supply chains deteriorated in 2022.
Job Outlook and Salaries for Logistics Leader
The demand for logistics leaders remains strong, with two-thirds of U.S. supply chain professionals expressing optimism about their career prospects in a survey conducted by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). In addition to plentiful employment opportunities with clear advancement paths, leaders in the field often receive generous financial compensation. The median annual salary with bonuses for supply chain professionals was $103,000 in 2024, with wages in the field exceeding the national average by 52%.
Supply chain management is also a broad field, giving professionals the flexibility to choose a career path that aligns with their interests. Some typical roles in logistics leadership include:
- Logistics and supply chain managers: These supply chain management professionals develop and implement supply chain strategies and supervise the end-to-end movement of goods from suppliers to customers. In 2026, the median annual salary for logistics and supply chain managers was $95,375 according to Payscale.
- Logistics coordinators: Coordinators track shipments, prepare documentation, update systems to support the flow of goods and troubleshoot and resolve issues to minimize logistical delays. In 2026, the median salary for logistics coordinators was $54,489 per year.
- Procurement officers: Professionals in this role are responsible for sourcing goods, materials and services for businesses, and for managing everything from negotiating purchase orders to evaluating vendor performance. In 2026, procurement officers earned a median annual salary of $95,815.
- Operations analysts: In this role, supply chain professionals closely monitor logistical and other operational data to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. The median salary for operations analysts in 2026 was $66,899 per year.
Essential Skills for Supply Chain Professionals
Individuals who supervise supply chain activities must have strong leadership qualities and an ability to analyze and interpret data. Communication and collaboration skills are also vitally important. Forecasting, developing process improvements and designing long-term strategies are essential aspects of their job.
When obstacles to the efficient flow of goods arise, supply chain professionals rely on problem-solving skills to find solutions. Strong decision-making skills enable them to choose actions that yield positive outcomes, such as cost reductions and reduced downtime.
Meet the Demand for Skilled Supply Chain Professionals
Although professionals may take various paths to enter the field, formal education in supply chain management provides a strong foundation for success in the global industry. A-State’s online B.S. in Global Supply Chain Management program helps students acquire the core competencies and in-demand skills needed to excel in the field.
The program’s robust coursework explores areas such as business fundamentals, inventory control, purchasing, transportation and international logistics. The flexible online format enables professionals to earn their degree at their own pace while they continue to work and manage personal responsibilities.
Prepare for Logistics Leadership Roles With an Online Degree From A-State
As more organizations prioritize future-proofing their organizations against global pandemics and other major disruptors, the need for skilled supply chain management professionals is poised to rise. Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management are well-positioned to advance in the field.
A-State’s online Bachelor of Science in Global Supply Chain Management program — accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) — can be the first step toward a rewarding career in logistics leadership. Equipped with a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management at the micro and macro levels, students complete the program ready to meet the demand for skilled, credentialed and knowledgeable supply chain professionals in any industry.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Global Supply Chain Management program.