Today doing business with the world and shipping your products to the farthest corners is easy, thanks to technology. However, with new opportunities come new challenges. Globally, supply chain management is becoming increasingly complex. It can be tough for small and mid-sized businesses to overcome the difficulties and grow without expert guidance. Therefore, a supply chain and logistics officer is becoming an essential top-level management role in multiple organizations. But, since it is a C-suite executive position, it can be expensive for small businesses. Thanks to the new-age job descriptions and new-found roles, a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer can step in and find new growth avenues for the companies.
Who is a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer?
A fractional supply chain and logistic officer is a vital resource for companies dealing in procurement, export and import. Since it is a part-time role, the officer only works with the company on specific projects. Sometimes they work contractually offering leadership wherever required. Although it is an interim role, the officer is engaged in important decision-making for improving the company’s logistics. They usually report to the CEO or COO.
The fractional supply chain officer works towards enhancing the supply chain operations. They are also responsible for improving the transport routes and distribution networks. The officer is also involved in developing and executing strategies that benefit the company in the long run. They help the company save money by automating and optimizing the processes. Moreover, they find the gaps in the ongoing workflow and fix those inaccuracies.
Since they are industry experts brought in to offer interim leadership, one of their key roles is to train and mentor the supply chain and logistics teams. They can also have input in the hiring process so the HR department onboards the right talent for the right roles. The key highlight of this position is its cost involvement. The remuneration of a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer is lower than an in-house expert. Hence, it is more accessible for small and mid-level businesses.
When should you hire a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer?
When is the right time to onboard a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer? There can be multiple occasions when you need to engage a supply chain and logistics officer. For instance, when you need a fresh perspective and objective for the company’s supply chain. You can also onboard an expert for a specific project which requires advanced industry expertise or interim leadership to accomplish it.
5 key roles of a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer:
A Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer is a critical thinker and an industry expert that you might need to improve your company’s supply chain and logistics. Here is a list of their vital roles:
- Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officers make strategies to improve the supply chain processes.
- They ensure the company has adequate inventory to meet customer demand without stock wastage.
- Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officers train the teams to identify and assess the risks and develop mitigation plans.
- They work towards the constant improvement of the company’s supply chain and optimize it to increase efficiency.
- Fractional supply chain officers will negotiate contracts with the suppliers and monitor their performance.
What services can you expect from a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer?
- Collaborate with other executives to streamline and optimize the logistics activities with other other department’s goals.
- Supervise the purchasing and inventory control activities of the company.
- Maintain good relationships with suppliers and vendors.
- Develop and implement the best practices for supply chain and logistics.
- Make data-driven decisions for cost-saving.
- Improving distribution networks, transport plans, warehouse management and increasing supply chain agility.
Advantages of onboarding a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer:
A Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer can mitigate the challenges and streamline the company’s supply chain with their knowledge and prepare the teams to stay future-ready at all times. Here are some how benefits of working with a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer
- Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officers have a flexible role and can be engaged on a contractual or project-to-project basis. Therefore, the business can scale up or down as required.
- A Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer will help you access the gaps and inefficiencies in the existing processes and fix them to drive quick results at minimal operating costs.
- The Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer adds value to the company’s decision-making. Since they have extensive experience, they employ industry knowledge to improve the supply chain on a budget.
- An expert supply chain and logistics officer helps you prioritize the important aspects of the supply chain.
What qualities should you look for in a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer?
Although the role of a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer is specific, their time with the company is limited. Hence, it is essential to know which qualities the ideal candidate must have to become a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer. Here is a list of three important characteristics:
- They should be critical and analytical to assess the existing supply chain and make improvements wherever needed.
- They should have strong communication and leadership skills.
- An in-depth understanding of supply chain and logistics as well as inventory management, procurement and costing are some of the must-have qualities.
General job description of a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer:
The job description of a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer covers multiple responsibilities, including but not limited to export, import, purchasing, inventory control, vendor management, customer service and mentoring the supply chain and logistics teams.
Remuneration of a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer:
The compensation for a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer usually depends on several factors, such as their experience, scope of the job, industry and the company’s budget. However, one of the highlights of this position is the remuneration is mostly flexible and lower than an in-house supply chain and logistics officer. Hence, it is more convenient for small and mid-level businesses.
How do you hire a Fractional Logistics and Supply Chain Officer with COHIRE?
Are you ready to onboard a supply chain and logistics expert? COHIRE is ready with a simple 8-step process.
Step 1: Let us know about your company’s needs for a fractional logistics and supply chain officer
Step 2: We will craft a job posting highlighting your needs and post it
Step 3: Our hiring experts will track the application using ATS
Step 4: Shortlisting the most-suited profiles
Step 5: You set up an interview with the best candidates
Step 6: Learn more about their experiences through
Step 7: We conduct a background check based on the references
Step 8: Onboard a fractional supply chain and logistics expert
Why is COHIRE the go-to hiring platform for small and mid-level businesses?
COHIRE provides dedicated and end-to-end onboarding services to small and mid-level businesses so they can find the right fractional C-suite executives. Additionally, we also offer mitigation and conflict resolution services to our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1. Does a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer work exclusively with one company?
A Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer is an external, part-time resource working with multiple clients at the same time. They are not exclusively associated with one company. Hence, it is a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution for small businesses.
Question 2. Which industries need Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officers?
Many industries can benefit from a Fractional Supply Chain and Logistics Officer’s services like healthcare, retail, manufacturing and distribution.