For managers, planners, buyers, and commercial professionals ready to level up in supply chain, logistics, and business operations
This is where careers start to shift – from doing the work to leading the function. Here’s how mid-level professionals unlock their next chapter.
You’ve been in the industry a few years. You’ve built credibility, handled complexity, and probably stepped into some form of team or process leadership. But now you’re looking ahead – because staying still isn’t the plan.
This guide is for supply chain, logistics, procurement, and commercial professionals at the mid-career stage – where the questions get bigger, the roles get broader, and the next step isn’t always obvious.
Whether you’re pushing for a promotion, planning a pivot, or exploring new leadership opportunities, we’ll help you map what’s next – and get there with clarity and confidence.
At this stage, you might be:
You’re not early-career anymore - but you're not at the top of the ladder either. You’re in the growth zone. And done right, it’s where careers take off.
These roles are common staging grounds before stepping into senior or strategic leadership. Here’s what they look like – and where they often lead:
| Role | Now | Next |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Chain Planner / Analyst | Managing forecasting, inventory, or S&OP cycles | Supply Chain Manager → Regional Planner Lead → Head of Supply Chain |
| Buyer / Category Executive | Negotiating, managing supplier relationships, owning part of a category | Senior Buyer → Category Manager → Procurement Lead |
| Logistics / Operations Manager | Overseeing site operations, teams, and delivery performance | Regional Ops Manager → Logistics Director → Head of Operations |
| Commercial / Business Operations Manager | Leading support teams, data/reporting, or commercial processes | Business Partner → Head of Commercial Ops → Strategy Lead |
| People Managers (HR, Talent, Admin, Customer) | Leading small teams, supporting transformation, managing change | Function Manager → Business Partner → Regional Lead |
Progression doesn’t always mean “up” - sometimes it’s across, into broader roles, or deeper into your specialism.
This is the stage where progression stops being about tasks - and starts being about impact.
You’re not just the one who “does it well” - you’re the one who:
That shift in mindset - from executing to owning - is what sets promotable professionals apart from “solid performers.”
Phase 1: Consolidation (Years 4–6)
Tip: Don’t chase promotion too soon. Become invaluable first - then step up.
Phase 2: Expansion (Years 6–8)
Tip: Learn to speak the language of the business - not just your function.
Phase 3: Positioning for Seniority (Years 8–10+)
Tip: Mid-career is not a holding pattern - it’s your springboard.
You already know the basics - now it’s about levelling up your capability and visibility.
Strategic Skills
Leadership Traits
Training to Consider
Choose learning that aligns with the role you want - not just the one you have.
1. Build Out, Not Just Up
Lateral moves can add huge value. Moving from logistics into planning, or from operations into commercial, gives you a broader view - and sets you up for leadership later.
2. Get a Mentor - Or Be One
Mentoring sharpens your own thinking. Whether you're seeking advice or giving it, mentoring is a key mid-career development tool.
3. Start Managing Your Career Like a Project
Set goals. Review progress. Identify risks. Seek feedback. Make a plan. You wouldn’t run a supply chain without a roadmap - don’t run your career without one either.
By now, you’ve earned the right to be ambitious - but conversations with managers (or recruiters) need to be framed in the right way.
Here’s how to keep it constructive:
It’s not about demanding a title - it’s about owning your direction.
Sometimes growth stalls - and staying put too long can limit your trajectory.
It might be time to move when:
A smart career move at this stage can unlock years of progression - especially with a recruiter who understands the sector and knows how to position your experience.
Mid-career is where potential turns into power. You’ve built experience – now it’s time to shape it into impact. Whether you want to specialise, pivot, or lead, this is the stage where clarity and confidence matter most.
Don’t leave your next step to chance. Take control. Be intentional. And if you’re not sure what “next” looks like? We’re here to help you explore it.
