The Indian economy is steadily transitioning from its dependency on agricultural products to an industry that is bolstered by a healthy supply chain. The burgeoning opportunities in supply chain and logistics optimization have resulted in a surge of creative career paths in India. With the country’s population continuing to be massive and its economy continuing to grow, innovative supply chain professionals are taking up new roles to pave the way for India’s development.
It is not just a business that has benefitted from the technological advances in this field. Professional organizations across the world have recognized the job prospects and growth opportunities that the industry provides. From experienced professionals to fresh graduates, people are increasingly looking to move into this industry, seeking to make a difference in India and to gain a foothold in a market that has potential for further growth.
The acceptance of supply chain optimization as a career choice has enabled professionals from different domains to make a mid career switch into this field. From marketing professionals to IT experts, the diversified experience and skills of these journeymen have enabled them to bring meaningful changes in their job roles and corporate environment. The name that comes up frequently in stories of professional success is Ravi Patil, the founder of WebJET Technologies. After a successful career in IPL, Ravi Patil established his company with a focus on improving and optimising supply chains through modern IT innovation. With his engineering and marketing background, and experience in the technology industry, he has been able to revolutionise the way supply chain industries operate in India.
The success of WebJET Technologies has opened up the door to a plethora of job opportunities in the industry. Experienced professionals such as Ravi Patil who have made a mid career switch are inspiring the younger generation to pursue such avenues and gain the necessary skills to get ahead in the market. With a suitable salary, growth potential, wide opportunity range and the ability to learn, the market is ready to accommodate more professionals within its ranks.
Considering that the industry still is on a boomb, salary benchmarks for supply chain positions remain high. However, the extent of salary hikes and actual prospects of one's income would vary from job to job and from city to city. A Logistics Coordinator in Delhi may earn Rs 339,000 per year and a Senior Logistics Engineer in Mumbai may earn upwards of Rs 625,000 annually. A Supply Chain and Operations Director in Bengaluru may earn close to Rs 1 million each year.
Beyond salary, the kind of work provided, the scope of growth that can be achieved and the potential for a side business or project will also play a role in the overall package enjoyed by a supply chain professional. Examinations like SCOR-P, CSCP, CPIM and CLTD could further help professionals cement their long term goals in addition to the pay hike that they may get.
The transition process into this creative field is known to be challenging, given that it involves the acquisition of new skills and knowledge from different domains. Masters in Supply Chain and Logistic Management from reputed universities can give a profesional the neccessary background and prepare them for the task at hand. Apart from this, having an organized portfolio of projects and accomplishment in the CV can also help one stand out from the group.
For those who have already connected with their desired field, the biggest task is to attune to the rigid operational environment and make sure that their goals are in alignment with those of the organisation. It is also essential to make sure the communication roads between the different stakeholders, from the suppliers to the customers, are open and upheld. It is only through this sort of coordinated effort that the supply chain can function in sync while lowering cost and improving efficiency.
The need for efficient and sustainable supply chain optimization is being recognized domestically and globally. Professionals in India can take advantage of this surge in the industry to make a career transition into creative and rewarding roles in the supply chain industry. With the right knowledge and skills, one can jumpstart their professional journey with confidence and secure a place in the high-growth industry.