Advancements in Supply Chain and Logistics Recruitment!

Supply Chain and Logistics Recruiting

The supply chain and logistics landscape is evolving. With increasing advancements in technology along with changing consumer demands, and rapid globalization, the industry is in heavier need for specialized talent which can help to keep supply chains operating, but also be able to navigate complex changes. 

Supply chain recruitment isn’t new, but with a lot of advancements in this area, the recruitment strategies once used are now changing. In this article we’ll cover the overall advancements of recruiting for supply chain and logistic positions.  

The Changing Face of Supply Chain and Logistics

From traditional warehousing and transportation, the supply chain and logistics industry has come a long way. This field encompasses a larger range of activities which include but aren’t limited to: 

  • Customer service
  • Distribution
  • Production planning 
  • Inventory management
  • Procurement

Along with this, the rise of global trade, just-in-time delivery and e-commerce has put more and more pressure on supply chain professionals.

With technologies like IoT, AI and Blockchain changing the way supply chains operate, the need for a trained and skilled workforce is required to understand digital platforms, automation and data analytics. 

The Talent Gap: A Major Challenge

In 2023 logisticians in supply chains were paid around $79,000 per year. That’s an average of just over $38 an hour. It’s also said that around 21,800 job openings for logisticians are projected for each year over the next decade. The problem is some of these openings may not be able to be filled. 

Over the years as the industry has evolved, a significant gap in talent has emerged. Those who can manage complex supply chains are in demand more than ever now.

A lot of talent unfortunately doesn’t understand the drive innovation and emerging technologies which makes it even harder for industries to find the right combination of experience, skills and motivation from potential new hires. 

It’s said that many executives in supply chains believe that a shortage in talented staff will directly impact their operations. Some of the main areas where issues have been occurring are advanced logistic planning, digitalization, and data analytics.

This is why it’s important to find a supply chain recruiter that has the ability to match skilled individuals with your business needs.

Leveraging Technology in Recruitment

With technology becoming more and more advanced, it’s proving to play an important role in the recruitment of supply chain and logistic staff members. Here’s some ways you can leverage AI for your recruitment. 

  1. AI and machine learning: Many AI tools are able to help with streamlining the recruitment process. They can help to automate the screening of candidates by scanning resumes and predicting if someone may be suitable for certain roles based on their previous skills. Machine learning algorithms also have the ability to analyze historical data to identify trends and help with improving the overall hiring decisions. 
  2. Blockchain for transparency: Blockchain technology in the recruitment stage is used to help build better transparency. It helps to maintain records of candidates and their credentials and offers the ability to verify a person’s work experience and qualitifications. 
  3. Virtual reality (VR) for training: VR has been helping supply chain and logistic recruitment candidates learn how real life operations in the industry work but through a virtual environment. VR training helps to assess someone’s skills and gives them a glimpse into what it’s like to work in the job before they even started. 
  4. Data-driven recruitment: Big data analytics is transforming recruitment by providing insights into candidate behavior, preferences, and performance. By analyzing the data collected from various sources, recruiters can make a more informed decision about how to retain top talent and which candidates are suitable for hiring.

Technology shouldn’t be ignored when it comes to hiring. By utilizing it more in the supply chain and logistics sector, industries have a higher chance of hiring the right candidates for the job. It may also help with job satisfaction.

According to a study, it’s said around 60% of supply chain professionals rated their career as an 8 out of 10. Which means 60% of people are satisfied with their current job in the supply chain industry. 

The Role of Soft Skills

Soft skills are just as important as technical skills when it comes to supply chain and logistics. While technical skills are helpful, the ability to work in teams, communicate effectively, and adapt to changes are essential for the success of an industry. 

The demand for soft skills are said to rise in the future as automation in other areas take over routine tasks. It’s important for recruiters to look at people who also possess soft skills with a combination of technical expertise. There’s no point hiring a manager for example if they have no skills in communication.

An overall holistic approach to talent development and recruitment is a must if you want a team that goes above and beyond in your business. 

Building a Future-Ready Workforce

To build a future ready workforce and bridge the talent gap, companies will need to invest more time, learning programs and development programs into their training.

Upskilling or reskilling someone is important to keep the workforce updated and in line with the latest technology and trends in the industry. One solution could be partnering with educational institutions to create a pipeline for future talent. 

The key focus on supply chain and logistic recruitment should be diversity and inclusion. Diversity brings with it new innovations, perspectives and problem-solving. Companies also attract more talent to their pool when they create an inclusive working environment. This in turn drives better outcomes for the business. 

Endnote

Supply chain and logistic advancements when it comes to recruitment isn’t just about adopting new logistic technology and software. It’s also about embracing a forward thinking mindset. As the industry evolves and companies prioritize talent acquisition and their development over other areas, they will be in a position to overcome challenges that may lie ahead. 

By leveraging technology, focusing on soft skills, and fostering continuous learning, businesses can work to build a resilient and future-ready workforce. In the competitive world of supply chain and logistics, the ability to attract and retain top talent will be the key to long-term success.

Article and permission to publish here provided by Catherine Park. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on August 20, 2024.

Cover image by Mo Farrelly from Pixabay.