Supply Chain & Operations

Opportunities to further your career within the Supply Chain & Operations industry

The Supply Chain and Operations industry is the very backbone of a business. Without these roles, goods would not move from supplier to buyer and then ultimately to the consumer. Therefore, this industry holds many career opportunities from being a warehouse person to planning the distribution of goods to worldwide destinations. As such, there are numerous areas within the field where candidates could find themselves.

Candidates working in Supply Chain and Operations roles may find themselves working in operations, distribution, logistics, and warehousing. A well-functioning supply chain is essential to the smooth running of any organisation, and one of the attractions of a career in purchasing and supply management is the variety of tasks available.

Transportation and Logistics concern the movement of people and freight (i.e. goods, natural resources, mail, etc.) However, this area is not just about how these are physically sent from A to B, but the management of the supply, demand, distribution, and procurement operations too.

Warehouse and Distribution roles oversee the stock of goods before they are sent out to the end-user, including taking deliveries and storing items, as well as ensuring they are available for dispatching and organising their end-to-end delivery to clients and customers.

Salary information and career progression

Supply Chain & Operations

Transportation & Logistics

Warehouse & Distribution

Supply Chain and Operations professionals are constantly in high demand, as companies are continually investing in these business sectors. One of the major benefits for anyone looking into Supply Chain and Operations careers is the huge variety of roles they offer, whether this is within different sectors to the specialism of the role itself. Nearly every sector, from finance to manufacturing, will have a supply and purchasing chain, and will need either one specialist or an expert team in place to manage it.

Unemployment in the Warehouse and Distribution sector remains at historically low levels and has been driven by several factors. Despite reports alluding to a softening in business confidence, we have seen companies demonstrating significant growth and putting continuing investment in supply chain, procurement, warehouse, and distribution. Businesses have been adding to their procurement teams, often with multiple hires, and opportunities have been created due to continued business growth or businesses’ commitment to improving the performance of their supply chain.

Recent Changes

The latest research shows that supply chains are moving at a much faster pace compared to just a few years ago. With modern technologies, new opportunities, and new challenges, candidates will need to keep on top of the industry’s most in-demand skills. There has been a trend in companies demonstrating their ethical purchasing and corporate responsibility, so Supply Chain and Operations professionals need to be more aware of where their products are sourced and how they are produced, not just how the product gets to the end-user. Also, the increasing usage of big data across supply chains requires those in Supply Chain and Operations jobs to be comfortable with data analysis in their roles.

The Transportation and Logistics sector is always changing, thanks in no small part to digital transformation, new market entrants, changing customer expectations, and evolving business models. This means that businesses are continually looking at upskilling their current employees and sourcing new talent to ensure they stay ahead of their competitors.

There has also been a series of significant changes in warehouses, distribution centres and wider operation of supply chains. More facilities and larger spaces have increased demand for high-speed mobile communications, both on and off the floor, and new regulations now require more accurate tracking and tracing of products. The movement to reshoring is also bringing businesses in manufacturing and other industries closer to the customer, creating a need for more efficient and effective cost and labour management.

Future Prospects 

The importance of Supply Chain and Operations management has grown significantly. In any industry, goods need to be procured, stored and dispatched, so efficient and effective management of all these business functions is critical for any business. Someone equipped with a comprehensive and integrated knowledge of logistics would be a strong candidate in the job market. Every retail organisation has a supply chain, so this is an area where there are multiple opportunities for employment as well as progression to a managerial role, dependent on experience.

Without the Transportation and Logistics industry, many other fields would simply not be able to operate. Specialising in this area can make you a key player in an increasingly crucial field. With so many levels and facets, there is always the potential for advancement in Supply Chain and Operations roles. Companies prefer to invest in their employees, training them from the ground-up rather than hiring externally. This means that the most innovative and hardworking employees will be rewarded for their efforts, encouraging them to work smarter and more efficiently.

Salt’s advice for getting a job in the Supply Chain & Operations industry

• Employers’ Requirements

  Depending on the exact field that you are working in, different requirements are demanded by employers. Roles in Transportation and Logistics require excellent communication and analytical skills, logical thinking and excellent numeracy. Sound decision-making skills and attention to detail will also be highly sought after. For Warehouse and Distribution and Supply Chain and Operations positions, candidates should have excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as numeracy, planning and organisation skills. For higher-level roles, experience in people management will also be expected. Supply Chain and Operations candidates are also ideal for those with a desire to understand patterns and trends within data sets. Simulation modelling, forecasting, problem-solving, and negotiation skills are also extremely useful, as is the ability to think on your feet under pressure.

• CV Requirements

  There are four key components which should not be missed on any Supply Chain & Operation CV:

  • Experience
  • Content
  • Delivery
  • Presentation

  More precisely, being open and detailed about your educational background and work experience will be crucial on your CV.

• Interview Preparation

  Interviews for all forms of Supply Chain and Operations jobs usually involve several steps, beginning with a behavioural interview with any prospective candidates. Successful interviewees will then be invited for further meetings with key decision-makers and asked to complete cognitive and personality testing. The ability to respond to new situations in a calm and considered way is also important when preparing to interview for a Supply Chain and Operations role.

  Successful candidates need to be able to understand the increasingly complex technical aspects of supply chains, and be able to communicate these to non-technically minded colleagues and customers clearly and succinctly. Additionally, language skills may be an advantage when working in global networks.

• Educational Requirements

  Supply Chain and Operations jobs are open to all graduates, although an increasing number of employers are seeking graduates with a specific degree in logistics, transport or supply chain management. With the demand for more highly skilled candidates rising, the variety of related postgraduate courses has also grown accordingly. However, work experience is also prized by employers, particularly those working in highly technical industries.

  Some Transportation and Logistics management roles may require a tertiary qualification. These could include an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field.