Need an industry switch advice , How can a PMP certified project leader with more than 4 years experience in Project Management can be of value In field such as Supply Chain and Logistic ? What pos

Ali Zaidan Projects Leader| Prime Source Group Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Hi guys ,

I had a conversation with a close friend of mine lately , in which he advised me against going to work in Logistic and Supply chain field at a supervisor level kind of position , since I have no prior experience working in such field but I did worked in projects that support operations department directly will this experience of mine count ?

As far as I know that project management skill is very valuable and it can be put in use in any field and logistic and supply chain is no exception .

In KSA , to be giving a project manager position you should have the technical knowledge and experience . I can work as a support to those projects manger but I never should expect to be giving a role of project manger with just a project management knowledge and experience with little technical industry background , I will always be a project leader or coordinator .

I got an interest in supply chain a year ago from an interview I had with a company in the past that got me into the liking of this field and how it is important and has the greatest impact to the company business ( specially in KSA ) the supply chain simply can make or break a company .

The function itself helps you see the importance of how do you move from raw material to finished goods and sending them over to end customers.

From that point onward , I started educating my self on supply chain and logistics subject to be able to at least show that I have the knowledge and how project management principle can be integrated into the supply chain.

Will this approach help me to get into this field ? How can a PMP certified project leader with more than 4 years experience in Project Management can be of value In such a field ? What positions I could be working in those two field ?

Thank you for taking your time reading my question and can't wait to hear your answers/comments on the subject .

Have a good day ...

Ali

Posted: Sep 2, 2017 2:54 PM (Updated by author: Sep 2, 2017 3:16 PM)

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Stéphane Parent Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker Prince Edward Island, Canada

Unfortunately, Ali, it seems that many industries values hard skills over soft skills. I still laugh when I see engineering companies looking for a project manager that has an engineering degree but no PM experience or certification!

It is sad that to break into a new industry you often have to step down. If your heart is really set on this path, you should take the demotion and learn everything you can about your industry. Once they say that you have the knowledge, they should move you back into project management positions.

All the best.

Posted: Sep 3, 2017 5:29 PM

Fathi Bouali Functional Manager| Hitachi Ltd Ninomiya Machi, Naka Gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

Hi, Ali
Supply Chain, like any industry, needs to evolve and change to improve.
From this view point, a PM can lead innovation efforts so to drive SC into a better one.
To undertake innovation projects, many skills are required and a PM can be a suitable candidate as innovation concerns many different areas In the supply chain:
- SC automation
- SC response improvement
- SC cost management/reduction
- SC risk management
- SC resilience management

I have been in SC management for more that 15 years and now taking a master in PM wishing to better serving SC innovation in my organization.

Hope this helps

...

1 reply by Ali Zaidan

Sep 20, 2017 6:42 AM

Ali Zaidan

...

Yes , it did indeed .. Thank you ..

Perhaps I would like to hear more from you on the subject ...

For starters , beside my skills and experience in project management :

-What are the most top 3 skills that supply chain manager look in a candidate for supporting or assistance manager role ?

-Do you think , talking about my procurement management experience could be a selling point to supply chain managers , since procurement is a key part in the chain ? If you think so , What are the most 3 skills I have to focus on related to supply chain procurement from your experience ?

-Last , What resources that helped you prepare for this supply chain manager job? and What’s the biggest mistake you see newbies make in this profession?

Posted: Sep 13, 2017 8:03 PM

Ali Zaidan Projects Leader| Prime Source Group Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Sep 13, 2017 8:03 PM

Replying to Fathi Bouali

...

Posted: Sep 20, 2017 6:42 AM

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Need an industry switch advice , How can a PMP certified project leader with more than 4 years experience in Project Management can be of value In field such as Supply Chain and Logistic ? What pos

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