Help wanted

“Wanted: CSCO. Will pay big bucks.” That isn't a real ad, but it very well could be. A chief supply chain officer, or CSCO, is the must-have du jour for all types of direct-commerce companies, according to industry experts. This person has total responsibility for all logistics, warehousing, transportation, procurement, and other operational functions, and reports to top executive management. His or her pay isn't bad either: Helmers Publishing Research reports that the average base salary for a CSCO is $158,166, plus a $15,000 bonus. By contrast, a supply chain manager makes just $84,909.