As the war for talent continues, business leaders must stay ahead of the curve when it comes to supply chain recruiting. The last three years have seen unparalleled disruptions to global trade, and 2023 promises to bring even more change. What’s needed now more than ever is an agile approach to recruitment and an understanding of what key trends will shape the future of the supply chain industry. Knowing this can equip recruiters and hiring teams to find candidates who possess the skills required to shape the supply chain of tomorrow.
Before we look at the three key trends to watch in 2023, let’s take a look back at some of the major supply chain recruitment themes that have emerged over the course of recent years and how these have impacted jobs.
The war for talent
As the winds of economic uncertainty swept the world in 2020 – 22, CEOs and CFOs were forced to think about the cost of talent and how to better leverage it in a period of rapid change. The focus shifted from quantity to quality, with recruiters anticipating an economic downturn thanks to a global recession. The new order of business was agility, adaptability, and the ability to switch gears quickly. As such a focus on skills, experience, and potential became a key part of the recruitment agenda.
In an increasingly competitive job market, companies are willing to invest in skills, experience, and creativity through attractive compensation packages, offering higher salaries and other perks in order to ensure they attract top-quality employees. It’s a no-brainer that continuing to invest in employees who possess the necessary skills to oversee supply chain operations and drive innovation will be the cornerstone of any successful recruitment strategy in 2023.
Risk management and agility
Times of crisis are no longer the exception; they have become a common occurrence in the new normal. This reality necessitated organisations to reevaluate their risk management strategies.
To ensure viability amidst these challenges, businesses must create supply chain resiliency to remain agile and better equipped for rapid change. Such resilience enables firms to be more prepared for disruptions or crises of any kind, be it natural disasters, production delays, or market volatility.
Business leaders are now proactively planning for supply chain resiliency by seeking out employees with the skills and experience needed to constantly evaluate and review existing strategies. These include risk management experts, supply chain specialists, logistics managers, and technology specialists who can help identify potential disruptions and make adjustments in order for the business to remain competitive even during periods of turbulence.
Trends influencing the supply chain recruitment landscape in 2023
With the above factors in mind, let’s look forward at what 2023 will bring to the supply chain recruitment market.
#1 – The continued emphasis on data to drive solutions to disruptions
Over the last two years, we’ve seen disruptions to the global supply chain at levels rarely seen outside of wartime. According to recent research, issues such as higher freight costs, capacity constraints and labour shortages necessitates a re-engineering of the entire supply chain process – from procurement to delivery. To do this, businesses need to leverage data-driven insights to help them make decisions around cost reduction and operational efficiency. By using data to drive solutions to supply chain disruptions, businesses can make smarter decisions while bringing more visibility to their operations.
Removing manual processes with automated digital solutions can vastly improve supply chains from end to end. Logistics managers looking to stay ahead of their competition should consider investing in technologies and recruiting supply chain professionals who are adept at managing data-driven supply chains.
Moving forward, data-driven solutions will become even more important in navigating supply chain challenges. Organisations need to leverage technological tools such as advanced analytics and AI/ML to get information quickly and make real-time decisions. Professionals with the requisite skills and experience will be in high demand to meet these challenges.
#2 – Increased focus on candidates with experience in ethical sourcing
As companies become more socially responsible, they are increasingly looking for sources who can show accountability and care for where their products come from in terms of human rights. This means that recruiters must now be on the lookout for candidates with experience in ethical sourcing, who can help ensure compliance with their organisation’s values and practices.
A recent survey found that more than half of UK customers “want companies to take a stand on issues they care about such as sustainability, transparency, and fair employment practices.” To meet these expectations, businesses should prioritise candidates with experience in ethical sourcing. Such specialist supply chain professionals work with companies to ensure ethical practices across the entirety of the process, from sourcing materials and labour to manufacturing. Regular audits are conducted to make sure ethical standards are met, protecting both workers and the environment along the way.
#3 – Increased focus on candidates with experience in the circular supply chain
The circular economy is gaining traction as more companies look for ways to reduce their environmental impact and create a more sustainable future. This means that businesses are now on the hunt for employees who understand the principles of circular supply chain management, such as extending product lifecycles and reducing waste.
Switching to a circular supply chain is an economical and eco-friendly solution for companies dealing with rising raw material prices. Companies can refurbish discarded products, breaking them down into raw materials that then get reused. By implementing a circular supply chain over a linear one, businesses can benefit from reduced costs associated with new materials and a limited risk of price volatility.
Circular supply chain specialists can help companies transition to a more ethical and environmentally conscious logistics system through collaboration, data analysis, and process improvements. Recruiters should look for candidates with experience in designing and implementing circular systems, as well as the ability to identify areas of improvement. With the right personnel in place, companies can make sure their operations are as efficient and sustainable as possible.
Final thoughts
As the global supply chain continues to evolve, so too should the strategies businesses use to recruit top talent. Companies must now be on the lookout for candidates with experience in data-driven solutions, ethical sourcing, and circular supply chain management. By investing in the right people, companies can stay ahead of the competition while meeting their customers’ expectations in terms of sustainability and ethical sourcing. With the right expertise, businesses can create long-term success while fostering a more sustainable future.
At Cambridge Talent Partnership, we are a supply chain recruitment agency that prides itself on being up-to-date with all the latest industry trends.
With our wealth of knowledge and experience, we are uniquely capable of helping businesses with recruitment for supply chain talent. We cover a diverse range of regions within Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Essex, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and Hertfordshire; thus making it easier for us to source the most qualified personnel that your company requires.
Whether your company needs a new head of supply chain, supply chain analyst, or a logistics manager, we are a supply chain recruiter here to help you fill your supply chain roles with top-notch talent.
Our proactive recruitment process allows us to find the perfect fit for our clients. We don’t wait around for things to happen; our team of experienced professionals actively looks for the right candidates that fit our clients’ needs. And our recruitment solutions go beyond just finding talented individuals: we pride ourselves on developing long-term relationships with our clients and supply chain candidates. Our aim is to create lasting partnerships and help our clients fulfil their potential.
Get in touch with us today to start building a successful supply chain team for your business.
