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Make Yourself a More Marketable Supply Chain & Logistics Candidate

Out of disruption, innovation and opportunity often arise. And that’s exactly what’s happening in the supply chain and logistics industry post pandemic – making it a great time to start or further your supply chain career.

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Posted On Aug 11, 2022 

You picked a great time to be a supply chain and logistics professional. The pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions on global supply chains—and its effect is still being felt. However, out of disruption, innovation and opportunity often arise. And that’s exactly what’s happening in the supply chain and logistics industry—66% of Operations Managers say their company has started backfilling roles lost during the pandemic

 

No longer are professionals in procurement, logistics, and supply chain management operating behind the scenes—the need for their skills has taken center stage. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects much faster than average growth in employment and job openings between now and 2030.

 

  • Employment of logisticians is projected to grow 30% from 2020 to 20301
  • ~25,000 openings for logisticians are projected each year, on average1

1SOURCE: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm#tab-1

 

So, whether you’re looking to start a career in supply chain and logistics, or move up to a better position, here are some tips to make yourself as marketable as possible to a potential employer:

 

Show off your digital skills.

According to a 2021 McKinsey survey of global supply chain leaders, nearly every single respondent said they needed more in-house digital supply chain talent to support their current and planned digitization efforts.

 

  • 99% need more digital in-house talent
  • 71% accelerated investments in digital technology

SOURCE: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/transforming-supply-chains-do-you-have-the-skills-to-accelerate-your-capabilities

 

Highlight these skills, as well.

Since the pandemic, supply chain and logistics hiring managers have found it increasingly difficult to find candidates with the right skills. According to The Logistics Bureau, these are five of the most important skills you need to get ahead on your career:

 

  • IT & Tech Knowledge
  • Economics & Market Dynamics Understanding
  • Flexibility
  • Project Management
  • Negotiation

SOURCE: https://www.logisticsbureau.com/7-key-supply-chain-leaders-skills-and-why-you-need-them/

 

Consider staying at your current job to learn new skills.

Yes, plenty of companies are hiring, but your current employer may also give you an opportunity to learn new skills and, in turn, earn a promotion.

  • 55% plan to reskill the current labor force
  • 30% plan to redeploy their internal labor force

SOURCE: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/transforming-supply-chains-do-you-have-the-skills-to-accelerate-your-capabilities

 

 

Want additional insights to help you make the most informed career decisions? Download our 2022 Supply Chain & Logistics Career Guide now.

 

Ready for your next great opportunity? Search jobs today >

 

2022 Compensation & Workforce Trends Survey Methodology

LHH Recruitment Solutions in partnership with Allison+Partners surveyed 1,405 hiring decision makers in the U.S. The survey was hosted in Qualtrics and panel was sourced from Lucid and Currant Fielding Solutions. Fielding was conducted in late 2021.