Careers in Operations & Supply Chain Management

The OSCM major is designed to prepare students for careers in procurement management, manufacturing operations, warehousing, logistics, and transportation management in organizations that produce, sell, and distribute goods and services to end customers. Students will learn how to apply analytical techniques and utilize data to better orchestrate the actions of various entities involved in the supply chain, such as manufacturers, vendors, transportation companies, distribution centers, and retailers.

Operations & Supply Chain Pathways

There are a variety of pathways in Operations & Supply Chain Management.

Procurement management involves the strategic sourcing and purchasing of goods and services that an organization needs to operate. Professionals in this field manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, ensure cost-effective buying, and maintain quality standards. The role is critical to maintaining supply chain efficiency, controlling costs, and supporting business goals through effective vendor and inventory management.

Manufacturing operations focus on the processes, systems, and people involved in producing goods efficiently and at scale. Careers in this area involve overseeing production lines, managing quality control, improving workflow efficiency, and ensuring safety and compliance. Professionals work to optimize resources and technology to meet production goals while maintaining product quality and minimizing waste.

Warehousing involves the storage, handling, and movement of goods within a distribution center or storage facility. Careers in this pathway include inventory management, order fulfillment, and warehouse supervision. Professionals ensure that products are accurately received, stored, and dispatched, playing a key role in maintaining the flow of goods throughout the supply chain.

Logistics is the coordination of the movement and storage of goods, services, and information across the supply chain. It involves planning and managing everything from raw material sourcing to final product delivery. Careers in logistics focus on optimizing transportation routes, reducing costs, and ensuring timely delivery, which directly impacts customer satisfaction and business performance.

Transportation management focuses on the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods from one location to another. This includes selecting transportation methods, managing carriers, tracking shipments, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Professionals in this field work to streamline operations, reduce transit time and costs, and maintain delivery reliability within the broader logistics network.

Build Operations & Supply Chain Career Skills

  1. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: SAP, Oracle
  2. Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI
  3. Project Management Software
  4. Supply Chain Management Software
  5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
  6. Robotics
  7. Cloud Computing

  1. Internships
  2. Micro-Internships
  3. Co-Ops
  4. Case Competitions
    • Collins Aerospace Case Competition
    • the NGA Show
  5. Study Abroad
    • Germany + Netherlands annual trip

  1. Lean Six Sigma
  2. Project Management Professional (PMP)

CBA Student Organizations:

National/Regional Organizations:

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Career Resources

Career Development is excited to offer students the opportunity to connect with employers through Cat Tracks: Corporate Visits for the …

Alumni Connections

  • Manhattan, KS
  • Student Coordinator Staley School of Leadership
Meet Jakobi
  • Manhattan, KS
Meet Alayna
  • Manhattan, KS
  • iTAC Reception and Switchboard Operator Kansas State University
Meet Brooke
  • Manhattan, KS
  • Legislative Director Kansas State University Student Governing Association
Meet Logan
  • Manhattan, KS
Meet Dylan
  • Fort Worth, TX
  • Supply and Inventory Planner Cargill Protein
Meet Tyler
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Sort Shift Manager Amazon Logistics
Meet Kevin
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Employee Resource Group Steering Committee Member Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Meet Connor

Contact & Location

Phone
785-532-3982
Address

Career Development
Student Success Center
1001 Business Building
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506

Success Center Hours

Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Appointments recommended