The supply chain sector is more competitive than ever, and your CV is your first chance to show a potential employer what you bring to the table. Whether you’re applying for a planning role, an operational management position, or a strategic leadership role, your CV needs to demonstrate not just experience, but impact.
Here are six practical tips to help you create a supply chain CV that gets noticed, and gets you interviews.
1. Tailor Your CV to the Role
Generic CVs rarely stand out. Instead, match your CV to the job you’re applying for by highlighting relevant skills and achievements that directly align with the role.
Tip:
Carefully review the job description and mirror the language used. If the role requires “inventory optimisation” or “S&OP experience,” make sure those keywords appear clearly in your CV.
2. Start with a Clear, Impactful Summary
Open your CV with a concise professional summary that sets the tone. This should explain who you are, your key strengths, and what you bring to a supply chain role.
Example:
“Results-driven Supply Chain Manager with 10+ years’ experience in FMCG and retail operations. Proven success in streamlining logistics, improving forecast accuracy and leading cross-functional teams through complex change.”
This section helps recruiters quickly understand your value, especially if they’re scanning dozens of applications.
3. Showcase Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities
Employers don’t just want to know what you’ve done, they want to know what you’ve delivered. Use bullet points to highlight specific accomplishments in each role, backed by metrics wherever possible.
Instead of:
“Responsible for managing stock levels.”
Say:
“Reduced excess inventory by 18% through improved forecasting and supplier collaboration.”
Quantifying your impact demonstrates your commercial awareness and results orientation, two critical traits in supply chain roles.
4. Highlight Systems and Tools
Supply chain professionals are increasingly expected to work across complex digital systems. Include the technologies you’ve used and be specific.
Examples to include:
- SAP, Oracle, Netsuite
- WMS/TMS platforms
- Excel (including pivot tables and macros)
- Power BI or other analytics tools
- ERP & MRP systems
- Automation or robotics exposure (where relevant)
Employers want to see evidence that you’re comfortable with the tools they rely on, or that you’re quick to learn new platforms.
5. Keep It Structured and Concise
Recruiters often make decisions in seconds. A clean layout, clear headings, and easy to read formatting are essential.
Best practice:
- Stick to two pages (unless applying for a senior leadership role)
- Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs
- List roles in reverse chronological order
- Make dates, job titles, and employers easy to spot
Include relevant qualifications and certifications, such as CIPS, APICS, Six Sigma or Lean training, but avoid unnecessary detail that doesn’t add value.
6. Don’t Forget the Soft Skills
Technical know how is vital, but employers also want team players, communicators, and problem solvers. Supply chain professionals often work cross functionally, so highlight interpersonal strengths and leadership experience.
You could mention:
- Leading cross functional S&OP meetings
- Managing suppliers across different regions
- Coaching and developing junior team members
- Supporting change management or transformation initiatives
Back these up with examples that show how your soft skills delivered results.
A well crafted CV is your opportunity to present yourself as a capable, commercially focused, and forward-thinking supply chain professional. Take the time to tailor each application, focus on measurable impact, and make your experience easy to navigate.
And if you’re ready for your next move, consider working with a specialist supply chain recruiter who can help align your CV to the right opportunities, and connect you with employers looking for people just like you.
