For experienced professionals building visibility and exploring what’s next in supply chain, logistics, and commercial roles
Whether you’re stepping up, pivoting, or preparing for leadership, LinkedIn and networking can help you open the right doors – and make smarter moves with confidence.
At this point in your career, you’ve done the hard yards. You’ve delivered results, earned trust, and maybe led teams or managed change. But progression now isn’t just about doing more – it’s about being seen for what you’re capable of next.
Whether you’re eyeing a promotion, thinking about switching specialisms, or simply want to stay visible to the right people, your network and LinkedIn profile are powerful tools – and underused by many at this stage.
This guide will help you sharpen how you show up online, reconnect with people who can support your growth, and use networking as a career lever – not a last resort.
In the early years of your career, your performance speaks loudest. But as you reach mid-level, opportunities often come from who knows you, not just what’s on your CV.
Your next move might not be advertised. It might come through someone you worked with five years ago, someone you meet at an industry event, or a recruiter who remembers your name because you comment regularly on supply chain posts.
Networking at this stage isn’t about collecting contacts – it’s about being visible, being intentional, and staying connected to what’s moving in your market.
If you haven’t updated your profile in a while, now’s the time to make sure it reflects both your experience and your direction.
Start with your headline. Go beyond your current job title and show what you bring to the table. For example:
“Senior Supply Planner | S&OP | Inventory Optimisation | FMCG & Retail”
OR
“Procurement Manager | Strategic Sourcing | Supplier Performance | Cross-Functional Leadership”
Then look at your ‘About’ section. This is your professional summary - the digital version of your elevator pitch. You can include:
Keep it confident but grounded – this isn’t a sales pitch, it’s a signal to the market about what you’re ready to step into.
Make sure your ‘Experience’ section doesn’t just list responsibilities. Highlight results where you can – savings delivered, projects led, teams built, systems implemented. You want your profile to say: “This person makes things happen.”
If you’ve completed any relevant qualifications – CIPS, CILT, Lean Six Sigma, or systems training – make sure they’re visible too. Recruiters and hiring managers often filter by these keywords.
Reaching out doesn’t have to feel transactional. Think of networking as reconnecting, not cold calling.
Start with people you’ve worked with before – colleagues, suppliers, cross-functional partners. A short message checking in, asking what they’re working on, or simply saying it’s been a while can reignite a relationship without asking for anything.
You can also expand your network with people in adjacent roles or sectors. If you’re considering a move into planning, project roles, or leadership, connect with people in those spaces. Learn from what they post. Start conversations. Most professionals are open to sharing – especially if you’re respectful, curious, and specific.
You don’t need to post every day - but you do want to be visible and credible. Even one or two thoughtful posts a month can make a big impact.
Not sure what to write? Try sharing:
You can also comment on posts from others. Add value – not just “great post,” but something reflective:
“We ran into this during a WMS rollout – curious how you handled integration?”
These interactions build your visibility and your reputation.
If you’re open to new roles – now or soon – LinkedIn can help you position yourself quietly and effectively.
Switch on “Open to Work” (you can make this visible only to recruiters), set job alerts tailored to the titles or sectors you’re targeting, and follow companies you’d consider joining.
More importantly, reach out. A quick message to a specialist recruiter can spark a conversation that leads to your next opportunity. Let them know what you’re looking for – and why now’s the time.
Your digital presence matters – but so does being in the room.
Look for low-pressure ways to build face-to-face relationships: industry meetups, team projects across departments, training sessions, or site visits. If your employer supports professional development, ask to attend a conference or roundtable. If not, go anyway – even an hour at a local event can make a lasting connection.
At mid-career, visibility inside your business is just as important as visibility outside. Don’t be afraid to let people know what you’re good at and what you’re aiming for.
As you become more experienced, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of keeping your network active - or to let your profile go stale.
Here’s what to watch out for:
At this stage, people are looking for credibility, not noise. Aim for honest, confident, and consistent.
Mid-career is where reputation and relationships really start to shape your future. LinkedIn isn’t just a job board – it’s a platform for you to reflect, connect, and stand out for the right reasons.
Whether you’re exploring, growing, or preparing for your next move, treat your network like a long-term asset – one that grows in value every time you show up with intent and authenticity.
You’ve already built the experience. Now let people see it.
