Hunter Campbell’s Mastering Supply Chain Series profiles roles within the Supply Chain job family including jobs in demand, salaries, and employment prospects.
In this article, the role of Supply Chain Coordinator is in the spotlight.
Purpose of the Role
Supply Chain Coordinators are typically found in larger organisations with established Supply Chain functions, where they support various tasks based on workflow. In smaller teams, a Supply Chain Coordinator serves as a versatile all-rounder, handling a wide range of day-to-day responsibilities across different functions.
While the role is often seen as an entry point or a graduate opportunity for gaining experience, there are also senior positions that act as a second-in-command to a Supply Chain Manager in many organisations. This role is an excellent foundation for a career in Supply Chain, offering invaluable skills across various functions that will support future career advancements.
Recruitment Forecast 2025
As companies continue to control salaries and costs, the number of roles available has remained limited. As the market begins to recover, we expect to see a shift, with more organisations prioritising team support and retention. Businesses that haven’t focused on retention during quieter times will increasingly recognise the importance of looking after their teams, adding additional support roles to reduce workloads, alleviate overtime, and enable supply chain professionals to focus on higher-value tasks.
In SMEs, these roles often act as the right-hand person to the Supply Chain Manager, offering broad scope and versatility. In larger organisations, they tend to be more specialised, managing specific areas within the supply chain. This trend represents a cost-effective way to bolster teams, retain talent, and maintain employee satisfaction by ensuring teams are properly resourced.
As businesses step up their investment in supply chain resourcing, these roles will play a critical part in enabling smoother operations, greater efficiency, and improved team morale, making them an increasingly important part of the organisational landscape.
Career Prospects
As Supply Chain Coordinators, individuals will develop skills across various functions, including Demand, Supply, Purchasing, Procurement, Imports/Exports, Logistics, and Production. This skill set provides a solid foundation for progression into roles such as Supply Chain Manager, Planning Manager, or Logistics Manager. Supply Chain Managers often require experience across end-to-end processes, from Demand Forecasting to Distribution.
For those aspiring to advance their Supply Chain careers, we recommend aligning with a Supply Chain Manager who can support your growth and development, setting you up for future success.
Qualifications
A common route involves candidates graduating with Supply Chain majors in Commerce, who then either enter as graduates or are directly appointed as Supply Chain Coordinators. For these individuals, this role serves as an excellent opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting.
Others may pursue qualifications such as the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) from NZPICS. Obtaining these credentials demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, which is highly regarded by employers and provides candidates with a competitive edge. Additionally, many candidates transition into the Supply Chain Coordinator role from Warehousing or Administration positions.
Key Skills Required
- Strong planning and organisational skills to collaborate with key stakeholders across various Supply Chain functions.
- Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions when plans require adjustment.
- Excellent numerical skills for effective use of ERP systems and Excel.
- Outstanding communication skills.
- Keen attention to detail to ensure accurate forecasts and stock levels amidst the pressures of the Supply Chain.
Salary Guide
The following salary ranges are based on roles currently recruited or previously filled by Hunter Campbell and reflect base salaries without additional bonuses or benefits:
- Graduate/Entry: $55,000 – $65,000
- Intermediate: $65,000 – $75,000
- Advanced: $75,000 – $85,000
Salaries for Supply Chain Coordinators can vary considerably based on experience and role responsibilities. A graduate entering their first Coordinator role can expect a salary between $55,000 and $65,000. As they gain experience and demonstrate growth, they may take on additional responsibilities, advancing to an intermediate level with salaries between $65,000 and $75,000. More experienced Supply Chain Coordinators, focusing on areas such as forecasting or supplier management, may earn between $75,000 and $85,000. Salaries will also vary depending on the industry, company size, and specific responsibilities.
If you would like to find out more about the role of Supply Chain Co-ordinator, please contact Senior Consultant Kat Biggelaar. Kat specialises in Supply Chain, Planning and Contracting. For more news and views, visit our website by clicking here, see what opportunities we have available here or follow us on LinkedIn.
