From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, supply chains are involved in nearly every part of our daily lives. They connect farms to grocery stores, factories to warehouses, and online retailers to your doorstep. But what makes this global system actually work? The answer: supply chain planning.
In this guide, we’ll walk through:
- What supply chain planning is and why it matters
- The types of jobs and salaries in this field
- Supply chain certificates that can help you get started
- Key trends and statistics about the industry
- How career changers can break into this fast-growing field—without quitting their jobs
Let’s dive in.
What Is Supply Chain Planning?
Supply chain planning is the process of forecasting demand, coordinating logistics, managing inventory, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services from origin to destination. It’s the part of the supply chain that comes before items are moved—focused on making sure the right products are in the right place, at the right time, and at the right cost.
It sounds simple, but in reality, it’s a complex, high-impact process that companies across the globe depend on to stay competitive and meet customer expectations.
Examples of Supply Chain Planning Activities:
- Deciding how much inventory to order before the holiday rush
- Forecasting demand for flu medicine during the winter season
- Coordinating manufacturing schedules to avoid production delays
- Managing supplier timelines to ensure product availability
Supply chain planners rely on technology, data analytics, and cross-team collaboration to make these decisions daily. When done right, it leads to higher profits, faster delivery times, and happier customers.
Why Supply Chain Planning Matters More Than Ever
Recent years have revealed just how fragile global supply chains can be. From COVID-19 disruptions and inflation to the Red Sea shipping crisis—companies are facing longer transit times, higher costs, and lower visibility across their networks.
Here are just a few reasons supply chain planning is now mission-critical:
- The global supply chain management market is projected to reach $30 billion by 2026 (Statista)
- 52% of business leaders believe their supply chain needs improvement (SAP)
- Over half of manufacturers cite supply chain visibility as their top priority
- 45% of companies are increasing manufacturing capacity to address disruptions (Statista)
- The Red Sea crisis is affecting up to 30% of global container trade (JP Morgan)
In response, companies are actively investing in planning and analytics. In fact, 76% of organizations have installed planning and scheduling systems, and 91% of manufacturers plan to combine AI with new supply chain labor in the coming years.
This is creating a massive opportunity for new professionals to step into the field—especially those with strong problem-solving, organization, and communication skills.
What Careers Exist in Supply Chain Planning?
The beauty of supply chain planning is that there are many ways to get involved—with or without a degree. Here are a few common entry-level roles:
| Job Title | Description | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Logistics Coordinator | Manages shipments, schedules deliveries, and ensures on-time arrivals | $52,000+ |
| Inventory Planner | Forecasts and manages stock levels across locations | $58,000+ |
| Supply Chain Analyst | Uses data to optimize sourcing, planning, and logistics operations | $63,000+ |
| Materials Coordinator | Ensures the right materials are available for production | $50,000+ |
| Purchasing Agent | Orders goods and negotiates with vendors | $56,000+ |
Why Supply Chain Is a Smart Career Move for Career Changers
If you’re currently in a low-wage job or stuck in a role with no upward mobility, supply chain planning offers a clear, flexible path forward. The field values transferable skills over traditional education—meaning you don’t need a college degree to succeed.
Many career changers come from:
- Retail or warehouse jobs
- Healthcare or customer service
- Administrative or operational roles
These jobs already build core competencies needed in supply chain: time management, systems thinking, communication, and coordination.
The talent shortage is also in your favor. According to the Harvard Business Review, the U.S. supply chain industry represents over 44 million jobs, and demand is only growing. Companies can’t find enough qualified candidates, which means faster hiring and better opportunities for newcomers.
📌 Related Reading: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Future Of Jobs Report
Supply Chain Certificates That Boost Your Career
One of the most effective ways to break into the field is by earning a recognized certification. The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) is a global leader in supply chain education.
Top certifications include:
- Certified in Planning and Inventory Management
- Certified Supply Chain Professional
- CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution)
Earning a supply chain certification proves your knowledge and boosts your credibility when applying for jobs—even without a degree or prior experience.
📌 Related Reading: What You Need To Know About The Job Market In 2025
How to Start a Career in Supply Chain Planning—Without Quitting Your Job
The supply chain industry is modern, fast-moving, and essential to how the world works. If you’re someone who likes solving problems, working with data, or improving systems, this could be your path.
Better yet, it’s one of the few fields where you can break in without a four-year degree—as long as you have the right training and support.
At Merit America, we designed our Supply Chain Planning Career Track to help working adults launch new careers in just 14 weeks—without putting their life on hold.
Program Highlights:
- Part-Time & Flexible: Learn online, 20 hours per week, with 3–5 hours of live meetings.
- Earn an ASCM Certificate: Industry-aligned credential recognized nationwide.
- Career Coaching: Personalized resume support, interview prep, and job placement assistance.
- $0 Upfront Cost: Pay only after you get hired in a job paying $40,000 or more.
You’ll gain technical skills in inventory, logistics, forecasting, and supply chain tools like MRP systems and Excel. You’ll also create a capstone project, grow your confidence, and connect with a community of peers and alumni.
The results speak for themselves:
- $21,000 average wage increase three months after program completion
- $27,800 to $48,500 jump in average salaries
- 14,000+ learners have already transformed their careers with Merit America
Ready to take the first step? Learn more and sign up for early access to Merit America’s Supply Chain Planning Career Track.
The world needs more supply chain professionals. One of them could be you.