Supply Chain Practitioner (FMCG), Level 3

This occupation is found in all organisational sectors and is a system of people, activities, information, and resources involved in moving products or services from supplier to customer. Effective and dynamic supply chains are particularly important in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, for example, food and drink, retail, or consumables, where products have one or more of the following characteristics: high volume, fast turnover, and frequent purchase. FMCG products have a short shelf life, either due to high consumer demand or because the product deteriorates rapidly. In contrast, durable goods or major appliances, such as kitchen appliances, are generally replaced over a period of several years. Supply chain functions include procurement, forecasting, planning manufacture, customer service, and logistics.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to move products or services from supplier to customer, ensuring customer satisfaction is achieved at all stages. The occupation can be in one or more supply chain functions. For example, junior demand planners forecast customer demand, junior supply planners schedule factory production, customer service operatives process customer orders, and assistant transport planners work with hauliers and distribution centres to organise transportation and delivery. Supply chain practitioners have a broad understanding of the entire supply chain and must strive to ensure their impact on each function offers best value for their organisation and internal and external stakeholders.

In their daily work, employees in this occupation interact with internal and external stakeholders who are critical to ensuring supply chain effectiveness. Due to the high number of interactions both within and outside organisations, strong relationship-building, influencing, stakeholder management, and communication skills are essential. Depending on the specialist focus of the occupation, an employee will interact with a range of internal stakeholders, for example, procurement managers, operations managers, and manufacturing managers. External stakeholders can include haulage operators, customer procurement personnel, and warehouse managers.

Employees in this occupation are responsible for their supply chain functional role and must strive to deliver the best value for their business and customers. Due to the high number of interactions both within and outside the business, they need strong relationship-building, influencing, stakeholder management, and communication skills, alongside sound analytical, information technology, and numeracy skills. They must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with frequently changing requirements. FMCG Supply Chain Practitioners can progress to management or specialist roles.