Henry Sheehan is a Supply Chain Manager. He tells us about his duties and responsibilities, and the challenges of working in supply chain management.
I have worked in Supply Chain Management for the past 15 years. I was working with Bank of Ireland when I decided to pursue a Professional Qualification in Supply Chain Management.
At the time, I was responsible for driving cost reductions and adding value to the bottom line. Therefore, Bank of Ireland fully funded the three year programme. They also gave me a day’s study leave for each examination taken. The Bank promoted me after I successfully completed the programme.
Working in supply chain management
One of the interesting aspects of working in supply chain management is that you work with all levels of the organisation. In addition, each day brings a new challenge. You really get to know your business. You also see how decisions made in one part of the organisation can have a serious impact on another part of the business.
My duties and responsibilities include working with all heads of departments in managing, reviewing, tendering and awarding contracts. I also contribute to the budget process. I manage change through new supply chain initiatives, build successful cross-functional teams, and provide regular reports to senior management.
Getting to know all aspects of a business
In procurement and supply chain you engage with all the key stakeholders in the organisation. There is a great opportunity to get to know how the business operates in full. This is because you are cross functionally working with all departments. In the role you will also be networking extensively both within and outside the organisation. As a result, this is a great opportunity to build your reputation and gain invaluable experience.
If you would like a career full of different challenges and career satisfaction then a supply chain role may be the role for you. Supply chain management also allows great career flexibility. Having worked in financial services, retail telecommunications and private health care, I have seen first hand how a professional qualification can facilitate careers in a wide range of industries.
Working in a supply chain management role offers you the opportunity of making a real difference in your company. And last but not least, thanks to the importance of the role people working in supply chain roles are generally paid good salaries!
Comments