Occupational Skill Standards

Occupational Code: 24-08-04-01

Supply Chain Product Selection Manager

(2024 Edition)

Formulated by American Procurement and Supply Chain Certification Association

Supply Chain Product Selection Manager

International Occupational Skills Standards

(2024 Edition)

Explanation

To standardize the professional conduct of supply chain merchandise selection practitioners, adapt to the development needs of the supply chain industry in the new era and the requirements for comprehensive professional competence of practitioners, cultivate craftsmanship spirit, and provide a basis for vocational education, vocational skills training and vocational skill level evaluation, the American Procurement and Supply Chain Certification Association (hereinafter referred to as IPSCMA), in collaboration with leading global enterprises, conducted extensive research and argumentation, and formulated the "International Occupational Skill Standards for Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Manager (2024 Edition)" (hereinafter referred to as the "Standards") in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

1.These "Standards" are based on IPSCMA's relevant occupational classification standards for purchasing and supply chain, strictly follow the technical requirements of IPSCMA's international occupational skill standards compilation, take "occupation-oriented activities and occupation-centered skills" as the guiding ideology, provide a standardized and detailed description of the occupational activity content of supply chain merchandise selection practitioners, and clearly stipulate the theoretical knowledge and skill levels for practitioners at each level. The "Standards" cover all aspects of supply chain merchandise selection work, such as merchandise planning, supplier development, category management, quality control, big data analysis, etc., reflecting the professionalism, systematization and complexity of supply chain merchandise selection work.

2. These "Standards" divide this occupation into three levels according to relevant regulations:

-Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Specialist: Masters the basic knowledge and skills of supply chain merchandise selection, engages in basic work such as merchandise introduction, merchandise structure optimization, supplier sourcing and investigation under the guidance of superiors, solves common problems, and possesses a certain sense of innovation.

-Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Manager: Masters systematic professional knowledge of supply chain merchandise selection, can independently formulate category planning schemes, optimize supply channels and merchandise structure, discern market opportunities, control quality risks, and possesses strong data analysis and innovation capabilities.

-Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Director: Masters cutting-edge theories and practices of supply chain merchandise selection, has a global perspective and strategic vision, is adept at top-level design and cross-departmental collaboration, drives the integration of full value chain resources, leads innovation and change, creates industry benchmarks, and is the helmsman of the enterprise's supply chain merchandise selection work.

The three levels are distinct, with clear responsibilities, providing a clear path for the career development of supply chain merchandise selection talents.

3. These "Standards" include four aspects: occupational overview, basic requirements, work requirements and weights table.

In terms of basic requirements, it clarifies the basic conditions that supply chain merchandise selectors should possess, such as political quality, moral character, physical and mental quality, etc., and puts forward requirements for professional theoretical knowledge, practical skills, innovation awareness, communication and coordination, sense of responsibility, execution and other aspects, pointing out the direction for the all-round development of supply chain merchandise selectors.

In terms of work requirements, according to the actual situation of supply chain merchandise selection work, it comprehensively and meticulously describes the work tasks of supply chain merchandise selectors, covering seven major occupational functions: merchandise planning and management, supplier sourcing and management, data analysis and application, warehousing and logistics coordination, order fulfillment management, quality and safety control, cost optimization, etc. It also makes detailed provisions on the work content, skill requirements and related knowledge requirements of each occupational function. The work content is closely linked to the actual work of supply chain merchandise selection, fully reflecting the professionalism and practicality of supply chain merchandise selection. Skill requirements and related knowledge requirements complement each other, emphasizing both the learning of theoretical knowledge and the training of practical skills, highlighting competency-based orientation.

In terms of the weights table, the weights of theoretical knowledge assessment and skill assessment are reasonably set to examine the mastery of professional knowledge by practitioners and attach importance to practical operation skills. The weight setting is scientific and rigorous, which is conducive to selecting outstanding talents.

4. The formulation of these "Standards" has received strong support from leading global enterprises. IPSCMA organized senior experts from leading supply chain companies such as Amazon, Walmart, Alibaba, Tencent, etc., to work in-depth with academic authorities, conduct extensive research on markets in various countries, fully demonstrate the practice of supply chain merchandise selection, systematically summarize successful experiences, and carefully craft the standards over two years. The "Standards" bring together cutting-edge ideas, practical experience and best practices in the global supply chain merchandise selection field, representing the highest level of current supply chain merchandise selection.

5. The release and implementation of these "Standards" is a milestone. The promulgation of the "Standards" fills the gap in global occupational standards in the field of supply chain merchandise selection, and is a grand event in this field. It will become a vane leading the development of the industry. The "Standards" will play a positive role in accelerating the training of supply chain merchandise selection talent teams, improving the overall professional level of the industry, promoting the formation of a standardized, orderly, open and innovative supply chain ecosystem, and supporting the modernization and high-quality development of supply chains.

IPSCMA will take the "Standards" as a guide, exert its global influence, popularize the occupational concepts of supply chain merchandise selection, build a platform for exchange and cooperation between government, industry, academia, research and application, establish a supply chain merchandise selection talent training system, improve the certification mechanism for supply chain merchandise selection occupational skill levels, and create a world-class highland for supply chain merchandise selection talents. We will adhere to the development concept of openness, innovation, inclusiveness and win-win, join hands with all parties, cultivate a high-quality supply chain merchandise selection talent team, and make greater contributions to promoting the innovative development of the supply chain industry and the high-quality development of the economy.

Supply Chain Product Selection Manager

International Occupational Skills Standards

(2024 Edition)

1 Occupational Overview

1.1Occupation Title

Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Manager

1.2 Occupation Code

24-08-04-01

1.3 Occupation Definition

Professionals engaged in merchandise development, selection, procurement, lifecycle management in retail, e-commerce and other fields, who analyze and optimize the market performance of selected merchandise.

1.4 Occupational Skill Levels

This occupation is divided into three levels: Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Specialist, Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Manager, and Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Director.

1.5 Occupational Environment Conditions

Indoor, room temperature.

1.6 Occupational Competency Characteristics

Possess product perception and aesthetic ability, be familiar with consumer trends and psychology, have data analysis skills, and be good at learning and innovation.

1.7 General Education Level

-Associate degree or above

1.8 Reference Training Hours

Provide online learning combined with offline practical training mode.

Junior/Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Specialist: 80 standard hours; Intermediate/Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Manager: 80 standard hours; Senior/Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Director: 60 standard hours.

1.9 Occupational Skill Assessment Requirements

1.9.1 Application Conditions

-Those who meet one of the following conditions can apply for Junior/Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Specialist:

(1) Obtained a diploma or degree in a relevant major from a college or above.

(2) Have been engaged in this occupation or related occupations for 1 year (inclusive) or more.

-Those who meet one of the following conditions can apply for Intermediate/Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Manager:

(1) After obtaining the Junior/Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Specialist occupational skill certificate (vocational qualification certificate) in this occupation or related occupations, have been engaged in this occupation or related occupations for a total of 4 years (inclusive) or more.

(2) Obtained a bachelor's degree or above in a relevant major, and have been engaged in this occupation or related occupations for 2 years (inclusive) or more.

-Those who meet the following conditions can apply for Senior/Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Director:

After obtaining the Intermediate/Supply Chain Merchandise Selection Manager occupational skill certificate (vocational qualification certificate) in this occupation or related occupations, have been engaged in this occupation or related occupations for a total of 4 years (inclusive) or more.

1.9.2 Assessment Methods

Conduct a comprehensive evaluation using a combination of theoretical knowledge examination and practical skill assessment. The theoretical knowledge exam is mainly in the form of a written test. The test paper contains 100 multiple-choice questions, covering the basic requirements and related knowledge that practitioners should master to engage in this occupation. Candidates need to complete the answer sheet within the specified time, and a score of 70 points (inclusive) or above is required to pass the theoretical knowledge exam.

The practical skill assessment focuses on evaluating the actual operational ability and professional skill level of practitioners. It usually adopts methods such as case analysis and real combat drills to comprehensively examine key links in supply chain merchandise selection work, such as selection strategy formulation, supplier evaluation, merchandise planning, negotiation and bargaining, data analysis, etc. The practical assessment implements a 100-point system, and a score of 60 points (inclusive) or above is required to pass.

1.9.3 Ratio of Invigilators, Assessors to Candidates

The ratio of theoretical knowledge exam invigilators to candidates is not less than 1:15, and there are no less than 2 invigilators in each examination room; the ratio of skill assessors to candidates is 1:5, and the number of assessors is 3 (inclusive) or more odd numbers; there are no less than 5 (inclusive) odd numbers of comprehensive review committee members.

1.9.4 Certification Time

The theoretical knowledge exam time is not less than 90 minutes; the skill knowledge exam time is not less than 90 minutes; the continuing education theory and skill knowledge exam time is not less than 60 minutes.

1.9.5 Certification Venue Equipment

The theoretical knowledge exam is conducted in a standard classroom, and servers and computers are configured for certification at each level.

The skill assessment is carried out in a professional training room or through computer simulation. The equipment required for certification is as follows: multimedia classroom, computer, ERP sandbox training system, electronic tags, POS machine, barcode scanner, server, office software, data analysis software, etc.

2 Basic Requirements

2.1 Professional Ethics

2.1.1 Basic Knowledge of Professional Ethics

2.1.2 Code of Conduct

(1) Integrity and Compliance

·Always be honest and trustworthy.

·Comply with all applicable laws, regulations and company policies.

(2) Professionalism and Dedication

·Demonstrate professionalism, dedication and strong work ethics in performing job duties.

·Be loyal to the company's mission, values and goals.

(3) Fairness and Ethical Standards

·Treat everyone fairly, without discrimination or bias.

·Adhere to high ethical standards and avoid conflicts of interest.

·Shall not engage in bribery, corruption or any form of unethical behavior.

(4) Innovation and Continuous Learning

·Be innovative, creative and committed to continuous improvement in problem solving and decision making.

·Continuously improve skills and knowledge through ongoing learning and professional development.

·Actively adapt to change and pursue excellence.

2.2 Basic Knowledge

2.2.1 Basic Knowledge of Retail and E-commerce Industry

(1) Basic knowledge of retail formats and models.

(2) Basic knowledge of e-commerce models and operations.

(3) Basic knowledge of consumer behavior and psychology.

(4) Basic knowledge of merchandise and category management.

(5) Basic knowledge of marketing and promotions.

2.2.2 Basic Knowledge of Supply Chain Management

(1) Basic knowledge of procurement and supplier management.

(2) Basic knowledge of demand forecasting and planning.

(3) Basic knowledge of inventory and order management.

(4) Basic knowledge of logistics and distribution.

(5) Basic knowledge of supply chain informatization and digitalization.

2.2.3 Basic Knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management

(1) Basic knowledge of new product development and selection strategies.

(2) Basic knowledge of merchandise pricing, negotiation and bargaining.

(3) Basic knowledge of product mix optimization and assortment planning.

(4) Basic knowledge of handling slow-moving and off-season products.

(5) Basic knowledge of returns, exchanges and after-sales service management.

2.2.4 Basic Knowledge of Big Data Analysis and Application

(1) Basic knowledge of data collection, processing and application.

(2) Basic knowledge of consumer behavior data analysis.

(3) Basic knowledge of merchandise sales data analysis and application.

(4) Basic knowledge of inventory turnover data analysis and optimization.

(5) Basic knowledge of supplier performance data evaluation.

2.2.5 Knowledge of Relevant Laws, Regulations and Occupational Standards

U.S. Laws, Regulations and Occupational Standards:

(1) Consumer Protection Laws

·Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act)

·Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA)

·Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA)

(2) Product Quality and Liability Laws

·Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

·Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)

·State Product Liability Laws

(3) E-Commerce and Digital Regulations

·Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN Act)

·Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act (CAN-SPAM Act)

·FTC's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule

(4) Data Privacy and Security Regulations

·California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

·Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

·Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

·Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

(5) Industry Standards and Best Practices

·National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Framework

·ISO 28000 Supply Chain Security Management System

·Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Guidelines

·GS1 Supply Chain Management Standards

China's Relevant Laws, Regulations and Occupational Standards:

(1) Knowledge related to the "Law on Protection of Consumer Rights and Interests".

(2) Knowledge related to the "Product Quality Law".

(3) Knowledge related to the "E-Commerce Law".

(4) Knowledge related to the "Personal Information Protection Law".

(5) Knowledge related to industry regulations, specifications and standards.