For senior managers, heads of function, and executive leaders building influence, visibility, and meaningful career momentum in supply chain and commercial operations
At this level, networking isn’t a tactic – it’s part of how you lead. Here’s how to stay relevant, visible, and connected through LinkedIn and beyond.
As a senior leader, you’ve likely built your career on results, not self-promotion. You’ve managed change, led people, delivered strategy – and let your work speak for itself.
But the higher you go, the more career moves happen through reputation, relationships, and timing. The right next step often isn’t on a job board – it’s in someone’s head. Someone who knows you.
This guide is about using LinkedIn and professional networking not just as tools for transition, but as part of your leadership presence. Whether you’re exploring a move, building external influence, or simply future-proofing your profile, this is how to stay visible for the right reasons – at the right level.
When you’ve already reached senior or director-level, it’s easy to deprioritise networking - especially if you're not actively job searching. But staying connected protects your career capital. Here’s what networking enables at this stage:
The goal isn’t to market yourself. It’s to be remembered - for the right things - by the right people.
At your level, people don’t scan your profile for keywords. They look for presence, direction, and clarity. Your LinkedIn should reflect who you are as a leader – not just what roles you’ve held.
Start with your headline. Go beyond your title. Include scope, specialism, or strategic focus:
“Head of Supply Chain | E2E Strategy | Cost, Service & Sustainability Balance”
OR
“Logistics Director | Multi-Site Ops | Growth, Automation, People First”
Your ‘About’ section is your digital executive summary. Keep it concise, 3–5 short paragraphs max - and focus on the arc of your career:
In your ‘Experience’ section, it’s not about listing tasks. It’s about outcomes. Highlight the metrics, mandates, or milestones you’ve led. If confidentiality is a factor, you can describe impact in scope rather than naming specifics.
And if you hold any non-exec, advisory, or board roles, make sure they’re listed – they carry weight and show depth.
The most effective networking at this stage is peer-to-peer. It’s about quality, not quantity.
Revisit old relationships. Former colleagues, senior-level suppliers, consultants, or board members you’ve worked with – many of them are now in decision-making roles. A thoughtful message or coffee catch-up can go a long way.
Make space to connect laterally across industries too. Your leadership experience in logistics, planning or procurement could be invaluable in a completely different sector – and you won’t know unless you’re in the conversation.
Engage with trusted recruiters and search partners. They’ll often be working on retained briefs that never go public – especially for transformation, interim or succession-planning roles.
You don’t need to post every week. But having a visible, active profile - one that reflects your thinking and values - supports your credibility.
That might mean sharing:
It doesn’t have to be polished. It just needs to be thoughtful and authentic.
You can also support your visibility by engaging with content from respected peers, consultancies, or industry bodies. A good comment can get noticed just as easily as a post, and it shows you’re plugged in.
These interactions build your visibility and your reputation
Not all networking is proactive. Sometimes the smartest move is strategic maintenance.
If you're:
…it’s time to quietly re-engage your network. Update your profile. Check in with trusted contacts. Let one or two specialist recruiters know your preferences.
You don’t need to broadcast anything. Just raise the flag – and let the right people know you’re open to a conversation.
For many senior leaders, LinkedIn is just the surface. Consider ways to extend your presence and credibility beyond the platform:
Leadership visibility isn’t about self-promotion. It’s about shaping the conversation - and showing up where the future is being discussed.
Senior leaders are held to a higher standard. Protect your brand - and your influence - by avoiding:
A quiet, thoughtful presence will get you further than noisy activity with no direction.
At this level, your next opportunity may come through a conversation – not a vacancy. But only if people know you, remember you, and understand what kind of impact you make.
LinkedIn and networking aren’t about boosting your ego. They’re about ensuring your next move reflects your value – and your leadership style.
So show up with purpose. Keep your profile sharp. Stay connected. And if you’re ready to explore what’s next, start the conversation early – because people want to follow leaders who know where they’re going.
