Supply Chain Officer Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties & Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “supply chain officer job description,” chances are you’ve come across the same tired templates: endless bullet points, vague responsibilities, and zero insight into what actually makes a post stand out.

And here’s the problem—those generic job descriptions don’t help you attract the right candidates. They don’t highlight what’s unique about your company, they don’t speak to the challenges and impact of the role, and they definitely don’t inspire top talent to apply.

The truth is, the best supply chain professionals aren’t just looking for another logistics role—they’re looking for a team, a mission, and a company they can help scale. But most job descriptions fail to show them why your role is worth their attention.

So in this guide, we’re not just giving you a template—we’re walking you through a smarter, more human approach to writing a Supply Chain Officer job post that actually works.
We’ll break down:

  • What the role really involves in plain English

  • 2 sample templates (for experienced and entry-level candidates)

  • What makes a good post great—and what makes a bad post forgettable

  • Advanced tips that help your job stand out

  • And how WorkScreen can help you quickly evaluate and shortlist your best applicants

Before we dive in, you may want to check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/—it’s packed with tips you can apply across any role.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

What A Supply Chain Officer Actually Does - Their Roles

Let’s break it down—what does a Supply Chain Officer actually do?

In plain English, a Supply Chain Officer is the person who keeps your business moving—literally. They make sure that the right products, parts, or materials get to the right place at the right time, without delays, waste, or unnecessary costs.

But this role isn’t just about tracking shipments or pushing paper. It’s about building reliable systems. A good Supply Chain Officer sees potential problems before they happen. They communicate with suppliers, negotiate prices, optimize delivery routes, and monitor inventory—all to make sure your operations run smoothly.

In fast-growing companies, they often wear many hats: part planner, part negotiator, part troubleshooter. And in industries like manufacturing, retail, logistics, or healthcare, they’re essential to making sure customers are served and deadlines are met.

So when you’re hiring for this role, don’t just focus on technical qualifications. Look for someone who’s organized, calm under pressure, and great at spotting inefficiencies. Someone who doesn’t just follow the process—but improves it.

Two Great Supply Chain Officer Job Description Templates

✅ Template 1 — Job Description For Experienced Supply Chain Officer

📌 Job Title: Supply Chain Officer for SavannaFresh Foods (Fast-Growing FMCG Brand)
📍 Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Hybrid)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Mid-Level
💰 Salary Range: KES 120,000 – 150,000 per month (DOE)
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

🎥 Meet Your Future Boss

[Watch a 90-second welcome from our Operations Director → insert Loom/YouTube link]

Who We Are – SavannaFresh Foods Ltd.

Founded in 2014, SavannaFresh Foods makes nutritious, affordable snacks and beverages for East Africa’s rapidly growing middle class. From our Nairobi HQ and three regional distribution centers, we ship 600+ SKUs to 7,000 retail outlets weekly—powered by a lean, data-driven supply chain that’s central to our mission of making healthy eating accessible to everyone.

🚀 What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll be the nerve center between procurement, production, and distribution, ensuring our products reach shelves on time and at the lowest possible cost. Day-to-day, you will:

  • Coordinate sourcing and inbound logistics across 40+ vendors.

     

  • Track shipments and inventory in SAP Business One.

     

  • Sync daily forecasts with sales and warehouse teams.

     

  • Negotiate freight and raw-material contracts to protect margins.

     

  • Generate weekly OTIF (On-Time-In-Full) and cost-variance reports.

     

  • Lead continuous-improvement projects to cut waste and shorten lead times.

     

✅ What We’re Looking For

Must-Haves

Nice-to-Haves

3+ yrs in supply-chain, logistics, or inventory control

Experience in FMCG or perishable goods

Hands-on with ERP/IMS tools (SAP, Odoo, Zoho, etc.)

Lean Six Sigma or APICS certification

Sharp negotiator & relationship builder

Familiarity with East African customs regulations

Excel/Sheets power-user, strong data chops

Working knowledge of SQL or Power BI

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • NHIF + private inpatient cover for you & one dependent

     

  • Quarterly performance bonus (up to 15 % of base)

     

  • Annual training stipend of KES 40k for courses or certifications

     

  • Hybrid work: 2 WFH days per week after onboarding

     

  • Staff canteen with subsidized healthy meals

     

  • 21 paid vacation days + public holidays

     

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

At SavannaFresh, supply-chain excellence is the business advantage. Your decisions will directly influence shelf availability, customer satisfaction, and our regional expansion timeline. You’ll join a tight-knit ops team that moves fast, values data, and promotes from within—giving you a clear runway to Senior Supply-Chain Lead within 18–24 months.

📥 How to Apply

We hire through WorkScreen to keep the process fair and skills-focused.

  1. Click the link: insert WorkScreen link.

     

  2. Complete a 20-minute scenario assessment (no résumé required).

     

  3. Get an update from us within 14 days—guaranteed.

     

✅ Template 2 — Job Description For Entry-Level / Will-Train Supply Chain Officer

📌 Job Title: Junior Supply Chain Officer – SavannaFresh Foods (Entry-Level)
📍 Location: Nairobi, Kenya (On-Site)
💼 Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary Range: KES 70,000 – 90,000 per month
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🎥 A Quick Hello From the Team

[Meet your future teammates in this 60-second clip → insert Loom/YouTube link]

About SavannaFresh Foods Ltd.

We’re Kenya’s go-to brand for healthy snacks on the move—from baked sweet-potato crisps to cold-brewed hibiscus tea. Our 300-person team believes good food shouldn’t be a luxury. As demand soars, our supply-chain function must stay razor-sharp—and that’s where you come in.

🌱 What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll learn every step of the supply chain—forecasting, purchasing, warehouse coordination, and last-mile delivery—while supporting senior officers on daily tasks such as:

  • Updating stock counts in SAP and Google Sheets.

     

  • Scheduling and confirming inbound deliveries.

     

  • Preparing daily pick/pack lists for warehouse teams.

     

  • Communicating order statuses to internal stakeholders.

     

  • Spotting data gaps and suggesting ways to streamline processes.

     

✅ What We’re Looking For

  • Highly organized, detail-driven, and comfortable with numbers.

     

  • Competent in basic Excel/Sheets functions (filters, pivot tables).

     

  • Clear, professional communicator (English & Swahili).

     

  • Eager to learn—asks “why” and “how” until the process clicks.

     

  • Bonus: internship or holiday job in retail, warehouse, or logistics (not required).

     

📚 Training & Support

  • Onboarding boot camp: Two-week deep dive into our supply-chain systems.

     

  • Mentorship: Paired with a Senior Supply-Chain Officer for your first 6 months.

     

  • Quarterly learning goals: We fund certificates in inventory management or data analysis once you complete probation.

     

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • Comprehensive NHIF cover

     

  • Daily transport stipend for on-site shifts

     

  • Free healthy lunch in our staff canteen

     

  • 18 paid vacation days + public holidays

     

  • KES 25k annual education allowance after Year 1

     

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

This is a launch-pad role for anyone who’s analytical, process-oriented, and wants a career with real growth. You’ll touch every piece of the supply chain and build a rare skill set that’s highly marketable across East Africa’s logistics sector. Show initiative, and you could step into a Supply-Chain Coordinator role within a year.

📥 How to Apply

  1. Click insert WorkScreen link.

     

  2. Complete a 15-minute problem-solving task (no CV needed).

     

  3. Hear back from us within 10 business days—every applicant gets a response.

     

If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

Breakdown of Why These Supply Chain Job Posts Work

These job descriptions aren’t just better formatted—they’re strategically designed to attract serious, qualified, and motivated candidates. Here’s a breakdown of the elements that make them effective:

✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Descriptive, and Role-Specific

Instead of writing “Supply Chain Officer,” we wrote:

  • “Supply Chain Officer for SavannaFresh Foods (Fast-Growing FMCG Brand)”

  • “Junior Supply Chain Officer – SavannaFresh Foods (Entry-Level)”

This instantly tells candidates:

  • Who they’ll work for

  • What level the role is

  • Why it matters

It filters in the right people and filters out the wrong ones—saving everyone time.

✅ 2. There’s a Personal Touch: A Video from the Hiring Team

Each post includes a short Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager or team. Why this works:

  • Builds trust by putting a face to the company

  • Makes the post feel human and approachable

  • Sets the tone and culture early in the candidate journey

Video is still rare in job descriptions—so it instantly helps you stand out.

✅ 3. The Company Profile Isn’t Fluff—It Tells a Story

Most job posts say something like “We are a leading logistics company…” and stop there.

Here, we included:

  • A brief company mission

  • Size and scale (e.g., “600+ SKUs to 7,000 retailers weekly”)

  • Real language and tone (no buzzwords)

This shows candidates what the company does, why it matters, and what kind of environment they’re stepping into.

✅ 4. The Responsibilities Have Context and Impact

Instead of vague tasks like “Manage inventory” or “Coordinate logistics,” we wrote:

“Lead continuous-improvement projects to cut waste and shorten lead times.”
“Assist in generating daily pick/pack lists for warehouse teams.”

These don’t just describe what the person will do—they show why it matters.

✅ 5. Qualifications Are Balanced and Inclusive

Each post separates “must-haves” from “nice-to-haves” to:

  • Encourage strong applicants who may not be perfect on paper

  • Avoid scaring off high-potential candidates

  • Show flexibility and open-mindedness

This makes your post more inclusive without lowering the bar.

✅ 6. Perks & Benefits Are Clear and Specific

Many companies say “we offer competitive benefits” without listing any. That’s a missed opportunity.

Here, we clearly spell out:

  • Salary range

  • Insurance

  • Stipends

  • Training support

  • Paid time off

Transparency builds trust. And in today’s job market, that’s non-negotiable.

✅ 7. We Separate “Why This Role Is a Great Fit”

This section pitches the impact, growth potential, and trajectory of the role:

“You’ll join a tight-knit ops team that moves fast, values data, and promotes from within.”
“Show initiative, and you could step into a Coordinator role within a year.”

It tells candidates, “Here’s why this role is worth your time—even if you have other options.”

✅ 8. The Application Process Is Respectful and Modern

We set expectations upfront:

  • Skills-based evaluation instead of résumé-only screening

  • Clear instructions and timeline

  • Guarantee that every applicant gets a response

This alone differentiates you from 90% of companies.

Bad Job Description Example – And What’s Wrong With It

Let’s look at a job post that seems “fine” on the surface—but completely fails to attract the right candidates. You’ll see why it falls short, and how it compares to the improved versions we shared earlier.

❌ Bad Job Post Example

📌 Job Title: Supply Chain Officer
📍 Location: Nairobi, Kenya
💼 Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: Not disclosed

Job Summary:
We are looking for a qualified Supply Chain Officer to oversee logistics operations, manage inventory, and coordinate procurement. The ideal candidate will ensure smooth daily operations and effective supply chain coordination across departments.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage inbound and outbound logistics

     

  • Coordinate stock levels and ensure inventory accuracy

     

  • Communicate with vendors and logistics partners

     

  • Implement supply chain policies and procedures

     

  • Provide weekly and monthly supply chain reports

     

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, or related field

     

  • 3–5 years experience in logistics or supply chain

     

  • Excellent communication and analytical skills

     

  • Familiarity with ERP systems

     

How to Apply:
Send your CV and cover letter to hr@companymail.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

❌ Why This Job Description Falls Flat

1. The Job Title Is Generic

“Supply Chain Officer” tells you nothing about the company, the level of the role, or why it’s exciting. Compare that to:

“Supply Chain Officer for SavannaFresh Foods (Fast-Growing FMCG Brand)”

Specific = attractive. Vague = forgettable.

2. The Introduction Has No Hook or Context

The job opens with a bland summary that feels copy-pasted. It doesn’t answer:

  • What does the company do?

     

  • Why is this role important?

     

  • Why should anyone care?

     

It misses the chance to connect with mission-driven or ambitious applicants.

3. There’s No Personality or Culture

There’s zero mention of:

  • What the work environment is like

     

  • What the company values

     

  • Who the team is

     

  • What kind of person thrives there

     

Today’s candidates don’t just want a job—they want a fit.

4. No Mention of Perks or Benefits

Leaving out benefits feels outdated and signals a lack of transparency. It also:

  • Lowers applicant confidence

     

  • Misses a key opportunity to differentiate

     

  • Implies the company may not offer much

     

Compare that to:

✅ “Private inpatient cover, training stipend, hybrid flexibility…”

Even modest perks help build trust and boost applications.

5. The Responsibilities Are Too Broad

Vague lines like:

“Manage inbound and outbound logistics”

…give no sense of impact, ownership, or complexity. Great job descriptions go beyond tasks—they show how the role contributes to company success.

6. The Hiring Process Feels Cold

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” = 🚩

It communicates:

  • We’re not invested in candidate experience

     

  • You may never hear from us

     

  • We value our time more than yours

     

Contrast that with:

✅ “We respond to every applicant within 2 weeks.”

7. The CTA Is Weak

“Send your CV and cover letter to an email” isn’t just outdated—it introduces friction. There’s no mention of:

  • Timeline

     

  • Evaluation method

     

  • What happens next

     

It feels like the company is doing candidates a favor by letting them apply.

🧠 Key Takeaway

A bad job post isn’t always one that’s full of typos or errors.
Often, it’s just forgettable—bland, impersonal, and uninspired.

And when your job post doesn’t connect, the best candidates scroll right past it.

Bonus Tips to Help Your Job Post Stand Out

Sometimes, it’s the small details that make a big difference. These bonus tips can instantly increase trust, improve your candidate experience, and make your job post rise above the noise—especially in competitive markets like supply chain, logistics, or operations.

✅ Tip 1: Add an IMPORTANT NOTICE to Build Trust with Applicants

Job scams are on the rise. Candidates today are more cautious—and rightly so. Adding a simple security statement in your job post helps them feel safe applying.

Example:

🔒 Important Notice: We take the privacy and security of every applicant seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking information, or personal financial details at any point in our hiring process.

This builds immediate trust—especially when you’re hiring junior or first-time job seekers.

✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time

Many companies focus only on salary—but time off is just as valuable to candidates. Including your time-off policy signals that you respect work-life balance.

Example:

🎉 Enjoy up to 21 paid vacation days per year, plus all national public holidays.
Or: Take up to 24 flex days annually to recharge, travel, or spend time with family.

Even if it’s standard, say it. Candidates can’t assume.

✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

This is especially important for junior roles or fast-moving companies. It shows that you don’t just want to fill a seat—you want to help someone grow.

Example:

📚 We offer a KES 40,000 annual training stipend for courses or certifications that improve your role performance.
Or: After 6 months, you’ll be eligible for cross-training into other departments and promoted based on performance.

The message: “We’ll invest in you—if you’re invested in us.”

✅ Tip 4: Include a Loom or YouTube Video From the Hiring Manager

We’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating: a 60–90 second video from the hiring manager, team lead, or CEO adds massive value.

Why it works:

  • Makes your post feel human

     

  • Gives insight into the team’s personality

     

  • Helps applicants self-select for fit

     

  • Boosts engagement and trust

     

What to say in the video:

“Hi, I’m Mercy, the Ops Director at SavannaFresh. This Supply Chain Officer role is a critical part of how we grow and deliver value to our customers. In this video, I’ll walk you through the role, who we’re looking for, and what makes working here so unique…”

Don’t overthink it. Just be human.

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?

Lately, it seems like every ATS and hiring tool comes with an “AI job post generator.” And sure—AI can help you draft faster. But relying on it blindly? That’s a mistake that can cost you the very people you’re trying to attract.

❌ Why You Shouldn’t Let AI Write Your Job Post from Scratch

AI-generated templates often sound polished—but flat. Here’s what typically goes wrong:

  • Generic language that sounds like every other post online

     

  • No insight into your culture, mission, or team dynamics

     

  • Inaccurate responsibilities that don’t match the actual job

     

  • Missing context that’s essential to your company or industry

     

  • Zero personality—which is a huge deal in attracting top talent

     

When you copy-paste AI output without adding your human touch, your job post becomes just another checkbox in a sea of noise.

And here’s the worst part: it attracts low-effort applicants, especially those using AI to apply en masse. If your post doesn’t feel personal, neither will the applications you get.

✅ The Smart Way to Use AI: You Provide the Brains—AI Adds the Polish

AI works best as an assistant, not the author. You bring the insights; AI helps with structure and tone.

Here’s how to use it well:

🧠 Step 1: Feed AI the Raw Materials

Before you prompt AI, write down a few clear notes:

  • What your company does (and why it matters)

     

  • What makes this role important

     

  • Who you’re trying to attract

     

  • What tools, systems, or skills they actually need

     

  • What perks and benefits you’re offering

     

  • What your hiring process looks like

     

✍️ Step 2: Use a Smart Prompt

Instead of saying:

“Write a job post for a Supply Chain Officer at my company.”

Say this:

“Help me write a Supply Chain Officer job description for SavannaFresh Foods. We’re an FMCG brand based in Nairobi with 7,000 retail accounts. The person will manage procurement, logistics, and inventory using SAP. They’ll report to the Ops Director and play a key role in reducing lead times. Our culture is fast-paced but collaborative, and we promote from within. We offer NHIF, private cover, training stipends, and hybrid flexibility. Here’s a rough outline of what I want included: [insert bullet points]. Can you help me turn this into a clear, human-sounding post?”

💡 Pro Tip: Reference a Great Example

You can also tell AI:

“Make it sound like the Supply Chain Officer job post from SavannaFresh in this article. Use a similar tone, structure, and layout.”

This gives the model a clear guide to follow.

🛠️ Use AI to:

  • Restructure clunky sections

     

  • Improve clarity or sentence flow

     

  • Rephrase in a more conversational tone

     

  • Trim excess words

     

But don’t let it replace your insight. The best job posts come from people who know what the job actually takes.

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?

✅ Option 1: Culture-First, Conversational Style

📌 Job Title: Supply Chain Officer – [Insert Something Specific About the Role or Industry]
📍 Location: [City, Country]
💼 Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time / Contract]
💰 Salary Range: [Insert Range]
🕒 Schedule: [Insert Weekly Schedule]

🎥 A Quick Word From the Team

[Insert Loom or YouTube Link Here]

“Hi there! We’re growing fast and looking for a Supply Chain Officer who’s excited to streamline operations, work closely with a collaborative team, and help us deliver on our mission. If you love optimizing systems and solving real-world problems—we’d love to meet you.”

About Us

We’re [Company Name], and our mission is simple: [Insert Company Mission]. We work across [industry or product type], and our operations depend on a smooth, reliable supply chain. From sourcing materials to delivering finished products, we believe every step in the chain should add value—not stress.

🚀 What You’ll Be Doing

This role is critical to our daily flow. You’ll work closely with procurement, warehousing, and logistics teams to keep everything moving efficiently.

Your day-to-day might include:

  • Coordinating deliveries and tracking shipments

  • Updating stock levels in our ERP system

  • Managing vendor communications and resolving supply issues

  • Generating weekly performance reports

  • Identifying process bottlenecks and suggesting improvements

✅ What We’re Looking For

  • 2–4 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, or procurement

  • Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets

  • Experience with inventory or ERP systems (SAP, Odoo, Zoho, etc.)

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

  • Clear communicator and strong team player

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • [Insert #] paid vacation days + all public holidays

  • Health insurance and wellness benefits

  • Annual training allowance or certification support

  • Hybrid work option (if applicable)

  • Performance bonus potential

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

This isn’t just another back-office logistics role. You’ll have a real impact on how we scale, serve our customers, and grow our team. We promote from within, give you ownership of your role, and recognize the work behind the scenes. If you’re looking for a place where your ideas are heard and your contributions matter—this is it.

📥 How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants fairly and efficiently.
No CV needed—just follow this link to complete a short skills-based assessment:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Apply Link]
We’ll reply to every applicant within [X] days.

🟦 Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format

📌 Job Title: Supply Chain Officer
📍 Location: [City, Country]
💼 Job Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time / Contract]
💰 Salary Range: [Insert Salary]

🎥 A Quick Hello From the Hiring Manager

[Insert Video Link Here]

“This role is key to helping us improve delivery timelines, manage inventory accuracy, and scale our operations with confidence. We’re excited to find someone who thrives on solving challenges and building better systems.”

📝 Job Brief

[Company Name] is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Supply Chain Officer to support and enhance our day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate will help us coordinate procurement, logistics, inventory tracking, and vendor management to maintain efficiency across the supply chain.

📌 Responsibilities

  • Track incoming and outgoing shipments

  • Manage vendor communications and supply scheduling

  • Update inventory records and reorder levels

  • Work closely with warehouse and production teams

  • Monitor supply KPIs and generate reports

  • Help identify and resolve operational inefficiencies

✅ Requirements

  • Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field

  • 2–3 years of experience in a similar role

  • Familiarity with ERP systems like SAP, Zoho, or Odoo

  • Solid Excel or spreadsheet skills

  • Strong analytical thinking and communication

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • [Insert #] paid leave days + public holidays

  • Health insurance or medical cover

  • Annual professional development allowance

  • On-site lunch or transport stipend (if applicable)

  • Flexible working policy (if applicable)

📥 How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to create a fair, fast, and skills-focused hiring process.
Apply using this link → [Insert WorkScreen Link]
You’ll complete a short evaluation that gives us a chance to see your skills directly—no résumé required. Every applicant gets a response.

What Happens After You Publish Your Job Post? Let WorkScreen Handle the Rest

Writing a great job description is the first step. But once it’s live, you still have to deal with flooded inboxes, low-effort applicants, and endless résumé scans.

That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.

Instead of sorting through hundreds of CVs, WorkScreen helps you focus only on the candidates who are ready, serious, and actually qualified.

Here’s how it works:

✅ WorkScreen Helps You:

🔍 Quickly Identify Your Top Candidates

Our platform automatically evaluates every applicant using real-world tasks. Then we score and rank them on a live performance-based leaderboard—so you can instantly spot who’s worth your time.

🧪 Assess Real Skills with One-Click Evaluations

Instead of hiring based on résumés or buzzwords, you can test for what actually matters:

  • Attention to detail

     

  • Communication

     

  • Problem-solving

     

  • Time management

     

  • Adaptability

     

It takes just one click to send out the evaluation—and results are instant.

🚫 Filter Out Low-Effort Applicants (and AI Junk)

WorkScreen flags applicants who submit incomplete responses, copy-pasted answers, or AI-generated fluff. That way, you avoid wasted interviews and focus on the candidates who put in real effort.

💡 Make Confident, Data-Driven Hiring Decisions

No guesswork. No gut-feeling hires. Just objective data that helps you confidently move the right people forward—and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you’re hiring an experienced supply chain officer or training someone new to grow with your team, WorkScreen gives you the tools to do it faster, smarter, and with more clarity.

FAQ

A great Supply Chain Officer balances technical proficiency with operational awareness. Here are key skills to prioritize:

  • Inventory Management – Ability to monitor, track, and optimize stock levels

  • ERP System Fluency – Familiarity with platforms like SAP, Odoo, Zoho, or Oracle

  • Data & Excel Skills – Can analyze trends, build forecasts, and generate reports

  • Vendor Communication – Strong interpersonal skills for supplier coordination

  • Problem-Solving – Thinks proactively, finds bottlenecks, and improves efficiency

  • Attention to Detail – Small mistakes in orders, delivery schedules, or stock entries can lead to big issues

  • Process Improvement Mindset – Looks for ways to make logistics smoother, faster, and cheaper

Bonus skills (especially valuable in FMCG or manufacturing):

  • Familiarity with customs procedures or regional compliance

  • Basic understanding of demand planning or production workflows

Salary varies based on experience, industry, and location. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Entry-Level / Will-Train Roles:
    $500–$900/month (KES 70,000–120,000 in Kenya)

  • Mid-Level Roles (3–5 years experience):
    $1,000–$1,600/month (KES 120,000–240,000)

  • Senior or Specialized Roles (e.g., export/import, multinational firms):
    $2,000+/month (KES 250,000+)

Note: Roles in FMCG, logistics tech, or international trade companies often offer higher packages, especially if the officer oversees regional operations or supplier networks.

You don’t always need a supply-chain-specific degree—especially if you have a strong training structure in place.

Candidates with experience in warehouse operations, procurement, logistics, or admin coordination often transition successfully into supply chain roles. The key is finding someone:

  • Organized

  • Systems-oriented

  • Curious to learn

  • Comfortable with data

For early-stage companies, hiring for potential and training on the job can be more cost-effective and culturally aligned.

While the roles overlap, they’re not the same.

  • Supply Chain Officer:
    Manages the full flow—from sourcing raw materials to product delivery. Involves inventory, procurement, vendor management, planning, and logistics.

  • Logistics Coordinator:
    Focuses mostly on transportation, warehousing, and delivery. Less involved in procurement or stock planning.

If you’re looking for someone who can own the entire backend—from ordering materials to ensuring final delivery—a Supply Chain Officer is the broader role.



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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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