In today’s globalized business world, both supply chain management and operations management are becoming increasingly critical parts of any effective company. According to Indeed, supply chain management is a field that “manages how businesses deliver their products and services to customers,” while operations management “manages the operations of a business, including how a business’s buildings and equipment are maintained, how manufacturing operations work and [how efficient] production of products and services [works] to deliver orders on time.” While there are differences between the fields, they overlap in key ways, and expertise in both areas is highly sought after.
For those seeking to advance their careers in this important and growing field, the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Operations & Supply Chain Management Certificate program. This program offers an opportunity for students interested in pursuing an advanced supply chain role. Graduates of this program are equipped for jobs as industry analysts, project managers and global logistics managers, among many other possibilities.
The Importance of Supply Chain Management
Before deciding on a supply chain job, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the field as a whole and its significance. The importance of supply chain management lies in its ability to help businesses achieve their objectives.
Well-managed manufacturing processes work to “improve product quality, reducing the risk of recalls and lawsuits while helping to build a strong consumer brand,” according to Investopedia. In addition, the careful management of shipping procedures can optimize customer service by minimizing costly shortages and preventing inventory oversupply.
What Are the Best Supply Chain Jobs?
Graduates of UIS’s online MBA program are prepared for multiple career opportunities in the world of operations and supply chain management. This program educates students on the impact of globalization and teaches them data-driven strategies to optimize efficiency in their workplaces, a combination of knowledge and skills that will be appealing to companies hiring for supply chain jobs.
The following are just some of the roles available to graduates. The salary information provided is current as of May 2025, and actual salaries may vary depending on factors such as work experience, job location and company size.
Global Logistics Manager
A global logistics manager is responsible for overseeing the distribution and delivery of goods on a global scale, according to InterviewGuy.com. It is a role for skilled professionals “who can effectively manage and coordinate logistics on a global scale.”
These competencies are crucial in a world dependent on international trade and supply chains that cross international borders. A global logistics manager can expect to earn an average salary of $89,000 per year.
Transportation Director
A transportation director is a supply chain role that manages the logistics of distribution. According to ZipRecruiter, someone with this job description will “typically set up the distribution routes and oversee the delivery of goods or products. They do this by utilizing trucking or other transportation routes.” The average annual salary for a transportation director is $107,525, per ZipRecruiter.
Warehousing Manager
A warehousing manager is responsible for overseeing operations at a company’s warehouse or other similar storage facilities. Their job is “to ensure that all incoming and outgoing inventory is processed according to schedule,” according to Indeed. Their duties include scheduling staff who work in the warehouse and training new employees on how to properly use machinery, as per Indeed. They are also tasked with monitoring compliance with safety standards. The average salary for this role is $68,885 a year, according to Indeed.
The Time to Pursue an Online MBA Is Now
The world of global trade and supply chains is complex. However, with the proper training, you can find a stable and rewarding job within the field.
The MBA in Operations & Supply Chain Management online program from UIS is the perfect opportunity to keep your career moving forward. Whether you want to pursue a career in one of the roles outlined above or other analyst or management positions, graduates of this program are equipped for various operations and supply chain management opportunities.
Learn more about UIS’s online MBA with Operations & Supply Chain Management Certificate program.
