I recently took on a new role at a company where logistics/ supply chain isn't the main function, and the overall department is only 3 people.

For some context - my whole career was built in freight forwarding/ logistics where I tried different aspects of the industry. I've done sales, business development, day to day coordinator work, warehousing, essentially all parts from a forwarder standpoint. I even tried a brief career transition into engineering but I hated it.

I essentially settled down into the pharma industry, my current title is Senior Supply Chain Specialist, and it pays very well over 100k, but the majority of my day I find myself doing nothing. Coming from the forwarding sector I am not used to this, I'm used to 10-12 hour days, being inundated with so much work you don't have time for anything really.

So far since starting (about 1.5 months tenure), I've created multiple reporting workflows that are now completely automated, something the department would spend 10ish hours a month on is now live and completely automated. I've created a bunch of warehouse tools for our different locations etc... don't get me wrong I understand these could be seen as big accomplishments but from where I'm standing, these are one n done type of things.

Now my day to day consists of update meetings, and maybe handling a couple shipments/ reviewing inventory. All of it takes maybe 45 minutes...

My question is, what can I do with all my free time? I want to spend it productively and ideally make an impact but I'm running out of ideas, and the department is very low volume that it's almost not worth it to keep automating stuff.

Any certification recommendations? For context I have the IATA DGR both Radac/ regular, and some analytics certs.Anyways, I'm not sure what I can pursue at this point and it's low-key worrying not having much to do, eventually I feel I will get questioned, but who knows.

Hi everyone, I’m majoring in accounting and minoring in supply chain. Given the competitiveness of the job market I wanted to broaden my horizons as much as possible, so I chose this as my minor.

I’m just wondering if it’s feasible to aim for supply chain jobs if I’m only minoring in it? Additionally what types of certifications go along with supply chain? I.e. accounting has cpa, acc etc, what does supply chain have?

Thanks!

To those that have daily stand-up meetings, what do you discuss and do you find them useful? I manage a team of buyers, supply planners and demand planners and looking to implement daily meetings to ensure blockers are removed and priorities are clear.

Do you have a shared area that you update before meeting?

I have been with my current company for 3 years, working as a Buyer in manufacturing and I’m thinking about starting my job search soon. Annual raises of 3 - 4% just aren’t enough. I got 4 years of experience in procurement.
How’s the job market looking right now? Is it a bad time to be looking for a new job? I’m considering moving to a different city/state, so I’m also curious how difficult it is to land a job out of state. I’m currently based in St. Louis. Thanks,

For those who negotiate T&Cs, how are you tracking all changes from solicitation to award. Hating the idea of separate forms and looking to improve the process

Has anyone ever worked for/are working at SpaceX in a supply chain role? Curious about the overall experience and workload as I saw a lot of comments online about unstructured overtime, etc.

Hi! I recently started working as a Purchasing Coordinator at a multinational company. My training has begun, and I'm learning how to use the company's systems, including Oracle.

One of my responsibilities is to:

"Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely restocking."

I'll be studying inventory management concepts and rules, but my main concern right now is how to improve my analytical skills.

I admit that analytical thinking and math aren't my strongest skills. However, I can be analytical when I take the time to understand things and persevere. I graduated with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Human Resource Management, and I have around three years of experience working as a Purchasing Assistant.

Honestly, I'm feeling insecure and a little discouraged because I know that being analytical and good at math aren't my strengths. I'm worried about whether I'll be able to handle this responsibility well.

For those working in procurement, purchasing, or inventory management, how did you develop your analytical skills? What specific skills, Excel functions, or concepts should I focus on learning first?

I'd appreciate any advice or tips. Thank you!

I'm wondering if there are any careers or roles where I can transition into that uses my skills from procurement. I have 8 years of work experience in procurement. I'm looking for a role where there's felixibility and autonomy. It doesn't have to be fully remote, I quite enjoy the hybrid model, but I do want to be able to work when I have capacity and rest when I don't. Or do a few hours of work in the morning and do some errands or go to the gym and work another few hours, or work on the weekend, essentially breaking up my day so it's not 8 hours straight. I’m willing to learn new skills through education, but is there anything like this where I can transition easily into. I know the tech sector will usually have roles like this. Please share any insights or success stories.

ISO Procurement Manager in the Tech Industry (like semiconductors etc)(it’s for a School Project)

Hi everyone! I'm currently obtaining my associates in Supply Chain and Operations Management. For one of my classes they requested that I interview someone with a job type that I would like to pursue. I would love to move into the tech industry specifically in procurement and something like a semiconductor so I thought I would make a post on here to see if anyone has the time to help me out!

The interview can be done over the phone or in Meet. It would consist of information seeking questions (What does your day to day look like etc.). I sent a few people messages on LinkedIn but I had no success (I totally understand why, it's an odd and random request) so I thought I would make a post.

I’m flexible so I’ll make almost any time work.

Edit: I FOUND SOMEONE! THANK YOU TO THE ONES THAT COMMENTED AND SENT MESSAGES I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!

I'm trying to figure out which career path would be the best fit for me, and I'd appreciate hearing from people who actually work in these fields.

I'm particularly interested in purchasing, procurement, and contract administration. I understand that these roles can overlap, but I'm trying to get a better idea of what each one actually involves day to day, how they differ, and what the career paths look like.

A little about my background: I have a bachelor's degree in Organizational Management. I spent about a year doing contract negotiation (14 years ago) and around three years in sales (15-18 years ago), but most of my overall work experience has been in physical labor jobs, including industrial and warehouse environments. I'm looking to move into a more professional, office-based career.

Purchasing interests me, but I'm concerned that some purchasing jobs might be a little too entry-level or limited in terms of responsibility and advancement. I'm trying to understand whether procurement or contract administration might offer more room to grow, or whether I'm looking at these careers the wrong way.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on a few questions:

What does your job actually look like day to day? How much time do you spend on emails, meetings, spreadsheets, ERP systems, negotiating, reviewing documents, solving problems, and dealing with suppliers or internal departments?

What's the difference between purchasing, procurement, and contract administration in practice? Are they genuinely different career paths, or do the responsibilities tend to overlap quite a bit?

What are the worst parts of your job? Is it the paperwork, deadlines, difficult suppliers, internal politics, constant interruptions, negotiations, or something else?

What personality traits make someone good at this work? Does it favor people who are analytical, detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable following procedures? How important are assertiveness, persuasion, social skills, and handling conflict?

How stressful is the work? Are you usually able to plan your day and work through tasks methodically, or are you constantly dealing with urgent problems, angry people, and last-minute demands?

What do you enjoy most about your job? What makes you want to stay in the field?

What is realistic compensation? What did you start at, what do you make now, and how long did it take to get there? I'm especially interested in what someone can realistically earn without many years of direct experience in the field.

What does advancement look like? Where do people typically go after a few years in purchasing, procurement, or contract administration? Can you move into more analytical, strategic, or higher-paying positions without becoming a manager?

Why do people leave these jobs? Is burnout common? Are there particular aspects of the work that people don't anticipate before getting into it?

How much does the industry matter? For example, is purchasing or procurement at a manufacturing company substantially different from working in government, construction, healthcare, or a large corporation?

How difficult is it to break into the field? Would my degree, sales experience, contract negotiation experience, and industrial background be useful, or would employers mostly see me as someone without relevant experience?

If you were starting over, which path would you choose? Would you start in purchasing and work your way up, try to get directly into procurement, or pursue contract administration? Are there particular job titles I should be looking for or avoiding?

I'm not necessarily looking for the highest-paying job at any cost. I'd like something with reasonable compensation, opportunities to advance, meaningful work, and work that rewards accuracy, organization, and analytical thinking. I want advancement opportunities and a predictable workday. I'd also prefer a reasonably structured work environment over one where everything is constantly urgent.

I know every company is different, but I'd appreciate hearing both the good and the bad. I'm especially interested in perspectives from people who have worked in more than one of these roles and can compare them firsthand. If you have any companies to recommend, I would be interested in knowing that as well.

I am a Buyer in a manufacturing environment. I have always had my eyes on Commodity/Category Management as my long term career goal.

Yesterday, my Director asked me if I would be interested in the upcoming Materials Supervisor or Materials Manager roles. Nothing is committed or even certain at this point, but he said that if I wanted one of the roles he thought I would be a good candidate.

I told him that I am still aiming towards Commodity Management and probably would be more interested in the Supervisor role than the Materials Manager role. However, after some more thought I am still not sure.

The truth is, I want the management title, the management experience and the higher salary now. There is no guarantee that a Commodity Manager role will open up any time soon, but I have good visibility and momentum within the company at this point.

My question is, if you're in my position what would you choose the Materials Manager now or be patient? I am 34 yrs old and always wanted to be in a prestige role, and this is one of them(IMO). I always wanted to prove to myself that I can be where I am if I wanted to be.

I'm hoping to qualify for a state grant to access the CSCP self-study resources. I have a bachelor's in a non-related field and no experience in the industry. While I'm waiting on the grant process, what should I study to prepare and/or familiarize myself?

I'd prefer the CLTD cert, but I don't believe that's an option for the grant. I'd like to eventually take a logistics path in my future career. If I don't get the grant, I'll probably save up to get the CLTD instead.

Hi! I recently started working as a Purchasing Coordinator at a multinational company. My training has begun, and I'm learning how to use the company's systems, including Oracle.

One of my responsibilities is to:

"Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely restocking."

I'll be studying inventory management concepts and principles, but my main concern right now is how to improve my analytical skills.

I admit that analytical thinking and math aren't my strongest skills. However, I can be analytical when I take the time to understand things and persevere. I graduated with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Human Resource Management, and I have around three years of experience working as a Purchasing Assistant. In my previous role, I didn't directly handle inventory management, as my main responsibilities were processing purchase requisitions, ordering items, handling documentation, data entry and monitoring deliveries.

Honestly, I'm feeling insecure and a little discouraged because I know that being analytical and good at math aren't my strengths. I'm worried about whether I'll be able to handle this responsibility well.

For those working in procurement, purchasing, or inventory management, how did you develop your analytical skills? What specific skills, Excel functions, or concepts should I focus on learning first?

I'd appreciate any advice or tips. Thank you!

The FCC’s new component restrictions took effect on October 13, 2026. I put together a guide because the distinction between a restricted supplier, a restricted component and a restricted finished robot can be surprisingly difficult to follow.

1. Check the finished robot separately from its components. A product category restriction and a restriction involving a named supplier are different checks.

2. For the new component rule, the actual producer matters. The rule can prevent authorization when certain digital hardware comes from a named Covered List producer and the finished device would itself be restricted if that producer made it. The wording of the producer’s entry, including any product or use conditions, matters.

3. The existing authorization matters more than the date you started selling. The new component prohibition does not invalidate previously authorized equipment. A redesign or component change needs its own review before assuming the existing authorization still covers it.

A practical starting point is to collect the exact component models, their producers, applicable FCC records and your intended use. That gives a testing lab or FCC counsel something concrete to assess.

The guide includes the background, a supplier lookup and a downloadable request for supplier documentation:

https://www.blackscarab.ai/insights/fcc-covered-list-robotics-supply-chain

Official rule:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-11/html/2026-18535.htm

This is general information, not legal advice.

Hey guys! We are evaluating AMRs for material handling in an electronics factory. Vendors usually estimate ROI using labor savings, transport efficiency and payback period, but their assumptions may not reflect actual factory conditions.

Which metrics should we calculate independently? And which manufacturers you think is trustworthy?

Transitioning from entry level backend bank office work, taking a CSCP course (still need to get the actual certification) and months of applying I'm finally getting two offers for a logistics role in Florida and I'm torn on which to accept.

One is TMM Inc which is a logistics contractor for the military who's primary focus is moving military personnel and their items, the role is Move Coordinator. The role pays around $47k plus overtime, mainly B2B and they offer a hybrid (3 days onsite 2 days offsite) work schedule, 40 minute commute.

The other is Momentum Transportation which is a large freight broker agent for Landstar for an Operation Specialist role and the role mainly sounds like contacting Landstar or non-dedicated drivers and maybe the occasional customer call. The pay is a little better around $49k and a better sounding title but is entirely in office with a 40 minute commute.

Both offer decent benefits and sponsorship for certifications.

TMM Inc seems to be a more laxed environment, they're a long time military contractor with a secured business niche, the work seems less stressful especially since it's hybrid, and anything military related seems like a good addition to the resume. They've also won multiple local awards for best place to work in. My worry is upward mobility within the company but I can still put my time in and look elsewhere in a couple years after gaining some experience.

Momentum is a very large Landstar agent in the city and work closely with their main office here. They also rank highly for places to work for locally and get involved in community outreach (which is a plus for me). The work seems more complicated and involved which would be great for me to learn and gain more exposure but definitely sounds more stressful. The daily commute is a bigger pain point as even though it would pay more the gas and maintenance on the car can easily eat up that difference.

TMM Inc sounds like a better personal fit for steady but slow growth while Momentum Transportation sounds like stressful but better growth potential.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Hi guys, this is my first post in this subreddit. I’m looking to start a post graduation program in supply chain management in Toronto. I’m 26 and my background has nothing to do with supply chain really. I have a Communication degree and a few years of work experience in video editing.

I wanna change my field of work, and this program might interest me. Good thing about this program is the option to get a SAP certification during the course, which from my research is one of the most used softwares in this field. So I would like to ask you a few questions regarding supply chain:

- how difficult would it be to start from scratch with no previous experience?

- Is supply chain management a high-demand job in today’s market? (If anyone is from Canada, or even better Toronto I look forward to hearing from you)

- Is the SAP certification really useful? Does it make you more competitive in the market?

Thanks to anybody who’s gonna share their feedback.

Hey everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. I wanted to pick your brains a little. I’m currently in the military, working in Material Management, which relates to supply chain and logistics. I’m also pursuing my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Supply Chain Management.

My question is, how is the civilian job market for supply chain professionals? Would my military experience, combined with my degrees, make me a more competitive candidate for higher-paying positions?
I’m open to different career paths, whether that’s becoming a warehouse or distribution center manager at a company like Publix or working in government contracting and defense with companies like Lockheed Martin.

I’d appreciate any advice, especially from people who have made the transition from the military to the civilian sector or currently work in supply chain management. I’m trying to get a better understanding of the earning potential, career growth, and what I should focus on now to make myself a strong candidate when I transition out of the military. Thanks!

I run Vista Furniture Co., a buyer-side furniture sourcing consultancy based in São Paulo. We identify and qualify Brazilian factories for international buyers and verify production before it ships, and we are paid by the buyer, never by the factory. Flagging the interest up front. This is what I wish someone had told me before a first order, not a pitch, and I'm not linking anything.

For context: Brazil is the sixth-largest furniture producer in the world and sold over USD 760 million abroad in 2024, reaching more than a hundred countries, per ABIMÓVEL, the manufacturers' association. Most buyers I talk to have never seriously considered it. The ones who have usually went about it the same wrong way.

**Why the Brazilian furniture manufacturers you find online are usually not your suppliers**

Search "Brazilian furniture manufacturer" from New York or London and you'll surface a handful of large branded companies. They sell their own label, mostly domestically, through their own showrooms and dealers. They are not structured to become the private-label maker behind someone else's collection. You get a polite no, or a price that only makes sense at retail.

The factories that can build to your specification sit one layer down. They are capable and close to invisible from outside the country: no English-language sales desk, no booth at a fair abroad, nobody whose job is to answer an email from a buyer they have never heard of. That gap between real capacity and zero visibility is the whole problem with sourcing furniture from Brazil.

**Where is furniture actually made in Brazil?**

Production is clustered, and each cluster has a personality:

- São Bento do Sul, Santa Catarina: the historic solid wood cluster, roughly 40% of the country's furniture sold abroad.
- Bento Gonçalves and the wider Serra Gaúcha, Rio Grande do Sul: the largest cluster, strong in panels and wood.
- Arapongas, Paraná: high-volume finished goods, a lot of upholstery.
- Ubá in Minas Gerais and the interior of São Paulo round out the map.

Matching your product to the right cluster is the difference between a factory that is stretching to make your item and one that makes it every day. I have watched buyers spend months in the wrong region.

**How do you verify a Brazilian factory before ordering?**

Since 1 December 2024, furniture is covered by the Lacey Act declaration requirement in the US. Every covered import needs the scientific name, genus and species, plus quantity, value and country of harvest for the wood. The obligation sits with the importer, not the factory, and a single piece can contain several species.

That requirement has turned into a useful filter. A factory that can name the species and origin of every component is usually the same factory that holds quality across a full run. One that quotes lower and shrugs at the question tends to become a problem later. The same logic applies to TSCA Title VI formaldehyde certification for anything with composite wood, and to EUDR if you sell into Europe. Documentation, construction and consistency across a run are most of what we check when we qualify a factory for a buyer.

**What is Brazil good at, and what isn't it good at?**

Good: real solid hardwood, at a depth and price few origins match, backed by one of the world's largest planted-forest programs. Upholstery. Outdoor furniture in naturally water-resistant species.

Less good: the ecosystem a small buyer is used to in Asia. Low minimums are harder to negotiate, sample turnaround is slower, and there is no dense layer of English-fluent intermediaries built to serve a first-time buyer. If you need plug-and-play on day one, you will be frustrated.

The short version: Brazil is a large, capable, wood-rich furniture industry that most international buyers have not learned to source from. The opportunity and the risk are the same sentence. Choose the right factory, in the right cluster, and verify it before the first order.

Writing this up because the question comes up constantly and there is very little about it in English.

Hi all, I hope you are all having a great week. I’m hoping some of you might be willing to share insight into your side gigs/hustles to get some extra cash per month. I know, I know…. There are a lot of pages on Reddit with side hustles listed, but I’m hoping for something supply chain related if possible!

I’m currently working as an Sr Inventory Management Planner and make fairly good money, but my wife we I really want to build a new house in the next couple years. I want something to do at my own pace, a few hours per week (if possible) to get a bit of extra cash for savings.

I”m not sure if it’s possible, but have any of you secured extra work like this? Perhaps you put in 5-10 hours per week on little tedious jobs? Helping someone with inventory? Assisting with paperwork/etc?

Thanks so much ,

I’ve around 6.5y of experience in various industries and different roles for each, however more or less very relatable to procurement.

I’m thinking of pursuing L4 CIPS if that’s what helps me stay focused in a specific role, which also wouldn’t invalidate my experiences.

I’m currently speaking to a center who provides materials, coaching and job portal access; but I’m not sure if it’s worth it? If it’s a scam?

Any procurement professionals (preferably based in the UAE) who can help me out with guidance? Merci! :)

I’m recently (may) graduated with a Supply Chain Management degree and currently make around $20/hour working in warehouse operations and logistics. I’ve been learning a lot, and my coworkers are great honestly I love the job, but since it’s low pay I’ve been exploring other options.

Recently, I interviewed with a small oil and gas company that recently moved its headquarters to the US. They have around 10 employees and are looking for someone to essentially manage their supply chain as a Supply Chain Specialist, starting at $75k.

The interview went well, and I think I have a good shot at getting an offer. However, I only have warehouse internship experience and about two months of logistics experience. I’m familiar with SAP but definitely not an expert yet.

The job is about 2.5 hours away, so I’d have to move out and get an apartment. I’m excited about the opportunity, but I’m worried I might be in over my head, especially since it sounds like they need someone to fill some big shoes with limited support.

Would you take the risk for the salary and career growth, or stay at a comfortable job where you can keep learning? I’d appreciate any advice from people who have been in a similar situation.