With the rapid increase in e-commerce and online ordering, the majority of customers may be unaware of the complex supply chain operation behind the secure and on-time doorstep delivery. They may even have an outdated impression of a forklift moving goods from a dark and dusty warehouse to the lorry. Supply chain recruitment now calls for talented professionals in the field of technology, engineering, analytics and even robotics.

Bis Henderson, as specialist supply chain recruitment consultants for the logistics and supply chain sector, regularly counsel candidates registered on their database, on the great opportunities that are now open in supply chain management for career changers or graduates. Many will not have recognised the broad scope of skills that are urgently required within the industry today. The Bis Henderson recruitment team appreciate the value of meeting potential candidates face-to-face to advise on which area of the business would best suit their talent and qualifications.

Many skills are in fact easily transferable, with supply chains increasingly calling for a multi-disciplined approach and more flexible working practices. With an abundance of supply chain job openings, employers are now having to consider how applicants from other industries may be able to make a valuable contribution towards improving the performance and profit levels. There are without doubt, considerable challenges in the recruiting for supply chain management and supply strategy. The future of SCM rests to some extent in removing barriers that may limit the selection of outstanding candidates who have considerable promise, but no previous hands-on experience within the sector.

Supply chain managers should be influencers, with the aptitude and mind-set to form strategic partnerships to a competitive advantage, with a focus on co-operation between buyers and suppliers. This calls for strong people skills and cross-functional development. These soft skills may well have been developed within a retail or marketing role but can be just as effective when applied within the supply chain.

Finding the right people in the supply chain recruitment campaign requires everyone involved in the hiring process to be fully appreciative of the opportunities that are wide open in a supply chain career. Bis Henderson recruiters will always respect the client’s brief, but will also advise that the net for fresh talent should be cast wider, in order to secure vital skills that may easily be overlooked.