Supply Chain

Supply Chain teams oversee the entire product journey; from raw material to the delivery of the finished product to the customer. An advanced global supply chain is highly valued by FMCG businesses because it's this that drives gross margin expansion and improves cash management.

In this industry things happen fast, so quick thinking and fast action are absolute essentials here. Your career will move just as quickly too. You'll learn the importance of delivering service, quality and innovation, of increasing those margins and of gaining an understanding of overall business strategy. And with the increasing importance of environmental issues, you'll also need the ability to balance commercial needs with innovative ways of protecting the planet.

Example role: Purchasing Assistant

From sourcing products to negotiating the best deals, buying is a fast paced and challenging role in any industry. In FMCG things move even faster, so you can be sure the excitement will kick in from day one.

As a Junior Buyer in FMCG, you'll oversee purchasing and manage ordering procedures. You may also be given a portfolio of projects to look after. But things won't end there. This is a career choice with surprising influence. As you progress you can expect to touch packaging design, product development, R&D and profitability. The deals you procure and the partnerships you establish for your company will put you right at the heart of the business. And the more innovative and global your thinking, the more quickly you'll rise through the ranks.

Find out more about what it's really like working in a Supply Chain team – read Joao's interview.