Operations and Supply Chain Management

Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM) focuses on the systems, processes, and activities involved in delivering goods and services from producers to customers—and back again through reverse logistics.

It’s a dynamic field that suits problem-solvers who enjoy improving efficiency and finding innovative solutions. OSCM professionals oversee the integration of design, resources, processes, and customer needs to streamline operations and reduce costs. Key areas include customer and supplier relationship management, demand forecasting, order fulfilment, quality control, product development, returns management, and continuous process improvement.

• Encouraging closer collaboration between suppliers, customers, and logistics partners to improve responsiveness and flexibility 
• Putting more emphasis on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and reducing environmental impact across the supply chain 
• Actively managing risks like geopolitical disruptions, cyber threats, and climate-related events
• Exploring how technologies like AI, automation, IoT, and blockchain can improve visibility and decision-making
• Looking at the full cost and service impact of different ports and transport options to improve performance
• Using demand-driven strategies to better match supply with customer needs
• Finding smarter ways to manage inventory, logistics, materials, and manufacturing to cut costs
• Outsourcing parts of the supply chain to specialist providers to gain efficiency and access global talent
• Adapting to the rapid growth of e-commerce and its impact on delivery, warehousing, and customer expectations
• Improving product lifecycle management to speed up innovation and reduce waste
• Addressing serious issues like worker exploitation and modern slavery in global supply chains

Supply chains are becoming more important to business strategy, not just a way to save money. With ongoing global disruptions like political tensions and climate events, companies are moving toward more resilient, regional supply networks. This includes sourcing materials locally, using flexible logistics, and planning more effectively to handle uncertainty.

Technology is transforming the field. Tools like artificial intelligence, automation, and real-time data are helping businesses forecast demand, track goods, and respond quickly to changes. Many companies are now using "digital twins"—real-time virtual replicas of physical supply chain systems—to simulate, monitor, and optimize operations more effectively.

Sustainability is now a core focus. Companies are working to reduce carbon emissions, use ethical sourcing, and design circular supply chains. At the same time, governments are introducing stricter regulations, so businesses must meet environmental and social standards.

As supply chains go digital, cybersecurity is becoming critical. Protecting systems and data from cyber threats is essential to keeping operations running smoothly and maintaining trust.

Finally, the human side is evolving. There’s growing demand for professionals who can work with new technologies, manage risks, and lead change. Future supply chains will depend on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

• An in-depth understanding of OSCM concepts, theories and practices
• Practical application of knowledge
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Logical and quantitative thinking
• Independence – the ability to work without close supervision
• Ability to measure and evaluate systems and processes
• Ability to develop sustainable OSCM business practices
• Written and oral communication skills
• Technological savvy
• Commercial and business judgement and initiative
• Relationship-building skills
• Effective teamwork
• Planning and organisational skills
• A commitment to ongoing learning

• Business process engineer/designer
• Capacity manager
• Category analyst
• Change management consultant
• Data analyst
• Demand supply planner
• Enterprise systems consultant
• Import and export logistics coordinator
• Inventory controller
• Logistics manager
• New product development adviser
• Operations analyst/consultant/manager
• Procurement specialist
• Production and scheduling planner/manager
• Project manager
• Purchasing officer
• Quality coordinator
• R&D manager
• Supply chain analyst/consultant/manager
• Warehouse assistant manager

These are just a few career examples—don’t feel limited to them. Some roles may require several years of work experience, additional study, or certifications, especially in academic or specialist fields.

Remember, many employers welcome graduates from a wide range of degree backgrounds. And if you have big ideas of your own, you might consider developing and managing a start-up in the entrepreneurial space.

Social media platforms like LinkedIn can also help you stay up to date with industry trends, events, and job opportunities.

Operations and supply chain managers are in high demand and not just in manufacturing. Graduates could find work in any industry where processes are important and products or materials are moved: fast moving consumer goods, healthcare, banking, education, state-owned enterprises, government, military, transport, aviation, entertainment, nonprofit, retail, energy, and of course, the freight and third party logistics industry.

OSCM graduate profiles

Auckland University Commerce Students Association (AUCSA)
AUCSA offers a channel for you to contribute suggestions to the Business School through class representatives and AUCSA executive members. AUCSA organises corporate forums where you can gain valuable contacts and networking skills, as well as a range of fun social activities.

More clubs and societies at the Business School

Depending on your area of interest, you could join one or more of these professional organisations:

• The Association for Operations and Supply Chain Professionals (NZPICS)
• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply
• Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
• Production and Operations Management Society
  
• Project Management Institute New Zealand
  
• Employers and Manufacturers Association 
• The Institute for Operations Research and Management Science (INFORMS)
  

Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can also help you to keep up-to-date with industry knowledge, events and job vacancies.

Careers New Zealand

The Careers New Zealand website provides useful salary information for a range of business and industry roles, as well as information on the difference a qualification makes to what you are paid, and advice on negotiating your salary. You can also search for salary information by job.

Careers New Zealand

Prospects

Prospects specialises in advice for UK university students and graduates. Much of the information is relevant to New Zealand students.

Prospects