Strengthening your supply chain one link at a time.
Consulting is a professional service that involves providing expert advice and guidance to organizations on a wide range of issues. In the context of supply chain consulting, experts help companies optimize their supply chain processes, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance. This can involve tasks such as process analysis, technology implementation, risk management, and strategic planning (including supply chain network design.).
In my 15 years working as a supply chain consulting, below are my top 3 reasons you may want to choose a supply chain consulting career.
One of the greatest benefits of working in a supply chain consulting firm is the unparalleled exposure to a diverse range of industries and projects. Unlike traditional corporate roles, consultants are often involved in multiple client engagements across various sectors. For instance, one project might involve the automotive industry, while the next could focus on food and beverage. This rapid-fire exposure to different supply chain environments within a year can significantly accelerate professional growth, often equaling several years of experience in a single company. In fact, some of our consultants have worked on 5-10+ projects within their first year, gaining invaluable insights into industries such as healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and more.
In supply chain consulting, you have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of professionals. From your immediate project team (analysts, project managers, technology experts, and project directors) to the client’s project team (sponsors, project managers, other specific project experts), the people you interact with can vastly expand your network and provide valuable insights into different perspectives. Also, due to the critical nature of many of the supply chain decisions you are recommending (plants to open/close, DCs to add, automation investments), consultants typically get to interact with VPs, Directors and even C suite executives, typically much earlier in their career than working for a single company.
As a supply chain consultant, you play a pivotal role in driving bottom-line savings for companies. Your expertise can help optimize various aspects of their operations, from selecting the right warehouse management system (WMS) to designing efficient warehouse layouts to selecting the right location for a new warehouse to alleviate a capacity constraint or implementing effective inventory strategies. By addressing these critical areas, you can significantly reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance overall business performance. Your work not only benefits the company but also has a positive impact on its employees and customers. Seeing the tangible results of your efforts is incredibly rewarding.
Supply chain consulting offers a unique opportunity for rapid professional growth, diverse networking, and the ability to drive significant positive impact on businesses. Consultants work on a variety of projects across industries, collaborate with diverse teams, and influence high-level decisions. This work directly contributes to cost savings, increased efficiency, and improved overall performance for companies.
—Brad Barry, St. Onge Company
