Hunter Campbell’s Mastering Supply Chain Series profiles roles within the Supply Chain job family, including jobs in demand, wages, and employment prospects.
In this article, the role of Supply Chain Manager (specifically for SMEs), is in the spotlight.
Purpose of the Role
Entrepreneurs rarely launch a business expecting supply chain management to become a cornerstone of its success. In the early stages, supply chain responsibilities are often rolled into other roles, with tasks like freight, logistics, and warehousing outsourced to a 3PL partner. Initially, supply chain management may involve little more than basic purchasing, limited procurement, and rudimentary planning.
As the business scales, the increasing complexity demands a greater focus on supply chain functions. Without a dedicated supply chain professional, the team can struggle to keep up, risking their ability to meet customer demands efficiently and manage costs effectively. At this point, appointing a supply chain specialist becomes essential to support sustainable growth and operational resilience.
Bringing on a Supply Chain Manager provides a competitive advantage, with the purpose of delivering what customers need when they need it, without breaking the company’s bank. An effective Supply Chain Manager will anticipate risks and know how to mitigate them—a critical skill given the ongoing supply chain distributions.
In New Zealand’s SMEs, the role of a Head of Supply Chain has evolved significantly in recent years, influenced by global disruptions, technological advances, and changing consumer expectations. This evolution is set to continue, with a growing emphasis on resilience, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Recruitment Forecast 2025
Demand for skilled Supply Chain Managers in New Zealand’s SMEs is set to grow in 2025, driven by a focus on technology, sustainability, and strategic cost management. In a tight talent market, SMEs will face unique hiring challenges as they seek candidates with both core supply chain expertise and knowledge of emerging technologies and sustainable practices. To stay competitive, proactive recruitment, retention, and development strategies will be essential.
As businesses increasingly prioritise cost reduction and risk mitigation, Supply Chain Managers who leverage innovation to manage costs and navigate disruptions will be in high demand. With the ongoing rise of e-commerce, SMEs will also seek professional’s adept in omnichannel logistics to optimize operations across both online and offline channels.
New Zealand’s SMEs, often considered the backbone of the economy, will play a critical role in the country’s economic recovery. Continued supply chain disruptions have underscored the value of robust supply chain management, and demand for experienced professionals is expected to grow significantly in 2025.
The Hunter Campbell Supply Chain, Operations, and Procurement team has deep experience recruiting for SME roles, and by late 2024, we had already seen increased demand for talented Supply Chain Managers who can make a difference. This trend is set to continue, with positive career prospects for current SME Supply Chain Managers and for ambitious candidates aiming to step into these roles.
Career Prospects
A Supply Chain Manager role can be highly rewarding, and it’s often a position that supply chain professionals can achieve relatively early in their careers. Taking responsibility for an end-to-end supply chain provides a steep learning curve, accelerating both career development and technical capability.
In an SME, Supply Chain Managers often enjoy the unique opportunity to work as part of a leadership team, gaining deeper involvement in the broader business—often more than would typically be experienced in a larger organisation. As companies grow or expand their supply chain capability, Supply Chain Managers can progress with the business, taking on increased responsibilities and building a team to support evolving needs.
Career prospects following a role as a Supply Chain Manager can vary by company. In high-growth businesses, professionals have advanced to roles like Operations Manager or even General Manager. Alternatively, some may transition to larger organisations, bringing their experience to a new challenge, often after 3-5 years, once they have established a resilient supply chain foundation and delivered impactful results.
When recruiting for or considering an offer as a Supply Chain Manager in a SME, it’s essential to understand the company’s goals for the role. Is there potential for growth? Opportunities for career development? A seat at the management table? Clarifying these factors will help identify the type and level of candidate best suited to the position and its future potential.
Qualifications
Experience, coupled with the right attitude and mindset, is invaluable in a Supply Chain Manager role. The ability to draw on previous experience, perhaps from a larger organisation, and apply it to a broader scope of responsibilities in an SME environment is critical. Balancing hands-on transactional work with strategic planning and contributing as a key member of the management team are essential skills.
In many SMEs, the Supply Chain Manager is the primary—or often the only—supply chain expert within the business. While experience is fundamental, a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, or certifications like NZPICS, add significant value. Equally important is the ability to connect with and learn from fellow supply chain professionals; the power of networking and sharing ideas cannot be underestimated in navigating the complexities of this role.
Key Skills Required
Larger businesses with complex, large-scale supply chains often have the benefit of specialised roles. In addition to a Supply Chain Manager, they may have dedicated roles like Procurement Manager, Logistics Manager, Planning Manager, and Warehousing Manager, each with their own teams.
In contrast, a Supply Chain Manager in an SME environment typically needs to be more of an all-rounder, handling a broader range of responsibilities. Depending on the business type, however, they may need a specific area of expertise: a manufacturing company would benefit from a Supply Chain Manager skilled in production planning and materials management, while an import business might prioritise experience in sourcing and supply planning. For companies focused on consumer goods distribution, demand planning and S&OP experience are valuable assets.
An effective SME Supply Chain Manager should be prepared to manage all aspects of the supply chain and bring the following key skills:
- Commercial acumen – the ability to assess and mitigate risks from supply chain disruptions, business growth, and cash flow considerations.
- Analytical and data skills – strong numerical skills to understand supply and demand dynamics and support data-driven decisions.
- Problem-solving – skill in applying analysis and commercial insight to create sustainable solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency.
- People skills – the ability to build relationships across the business, advocate for supply chain priorities with stakeholders, and communicate, negotiate, and influence effectively.
- Technological proficiency – aptitude for leveraging technology and systems to manage and streamline processes as volumes and complexities grow.
- Forward-thinking mindset – beyond day-to-day operations, an effective Supply Chain Manager in a growing SME is strategic, introducing improvements, sourcing suppliers, expanding the team if necessary, and adapting to the evolving needs of the business.
Salary Guide
This information is anecdotal and based on roles Hunter Campbell is currently recruiting or has previously recruited and relate to base salaries. They do not include any additional bonuses or benefits.
- Junior: $110,000 – $140,000
- Intermediate: $140,000 – $180,000
- Senior: $180,000 – $240,000
Salaries in supply chain management vary based on industry, company size, and the scope of responsibilities. Generally, junior-level salaries apply to stand-alone roles, while intermediate and senior salary levels are suited to SMEs with more complex supply chain needs and some degree of people management responsibility. As these organisations grow, so does the demand for experienced professionals who can navigate increased operational complexity and lead teams effectively.
If you would like to find out more about the role of Supply Chain Manager (SME’s), please contact Senior Consultant Wayne Fry. Wayne specialises in the recruitment of Supply Chain, Procurement & Operations roles. For more news and views visit our website by clicking here, see what opportunities we have available here or follow us on LinkedIn.
