Top 5 Fastest-Growing Jobs in Logistics

Looking for some good economic news? How about this: hiring for jobs in logistics and the supply chain is
taking off. According to Wanted Analytics, over 49,000 supply chain jobs were posted online in the last three
months alone, up 24 percent from the same period last year.

These positions have become increasingly strategic. Businesses are now turning to their supply chain teams
to slash costs and improve overall business performance.

Years ago, the supply chain was considered a cost. Now, its seen as an area of savings. [Supply chain
professionals] can directly impact the bottom line, says Rhoda Isaacs, President of logistics recruiting
firm R.I. James.

In this article, I look at which jobs are in high demand, and what skills are necessary for success in those
roles.

Five Hot Supply Chain Jobs

Based on conversations with executive recruiters, academics and industry professionals, here are five supply
chain jobs that are in high demand today.

1. Demand Planning Analyst

What they do: Match product demand with appropriate inventory levels.

Why its important: Carrying too much or too little inventory can have dire consequences on a companys
bottom line. Demand Planning Analysts prevent this from happening.

Skills: This role is heavy on quantitative analysis, so an academic background in mathematics is useful.
Experience using enterprise resource planning (ERP) software such as SAP or Oracle is also beneficial. Many
individuals in these roles have advanced certifications, such as becoming a Certified Supply Chain
Professional (CSCP) through APICS or a Six Sigma Black Belt.

2. Procurement Manager

What they do: Manage (in)direct sourcing, negotiate with suppliers and keep tabs on supplier performance.

Why its important: A successful supply chain requires inventory flexibility and redundancy while keeping
costs down. Ensuring this is possible falls on the shoulders of the Procurement Manager.

Skills: These professionals require both an analytical rigor and excellent negotiation skills. For this reason, a
background in supply chain operations, statistics, marketing and sales are all beneficial. While the ISMs
Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) accreditation is available via re-certification only, there are other
options, such as the ISMs Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or the Senior Professional in
Supply Management (SPSM) certification through Next Level Purchasing.

3. Distribution Center (DC) Supervisor

What they do: DC supervisors manage a team of warehouse workers and logistics professionals to ensure
that the DC is organized and efficient.
 Why its important: The DC is a crucial convergence point for a business product as it nears customers. The
DC Supervisor keeps logistics moving smoothly

Skills: While advanced certifications arent necessary for career success, an understanding of both supply
chain principals and technologies is beneficial. Those who excel in these positions arent afraid to take a
hard-stance to achieve results, nor get their hands dirty when needed. Good work in this role can lead to
lucrative career paths, as companies look for intelligent young executives with floor-level experience.

4. Supply Chain Consultant

What they do: These consultants work with multiple clients on specific supply chain problems.

Why its important: Consultants offer a third-party perspective to businesses looking to improve their supply
chains. Consulting firms such as Capgemini and A.T. Kearney are some of the hottest career destinations.

Skills: These positions are great for recent business, economics, engineering or supply chain
undergraduates, or newly-minted MBAs. While the work is more demanding than other entry-level supply
chain positions, the experience gained in these roles can open the door to management positions overseeing
supply chains, positions within supply chain management software companies or at independent consulting
firms.

5. 3PL Business Development Manager

What they do: Business Developers at 3PLs drive new business and manage customer relationships.

Why its important: As businesses look to outsource their logistics, 3PLs are continually gaining importance.
Acquiring new business and managing customer communication is an essential role in these operations.

Skills: Advanced certifications arent required for success in this role, but the individual with experience and
a basic knowledge of core supply chain concepts can better relate to the 3PLs customers. Solid experience
in sales or account management is helpful, too.

Three Skills in High Demand Throughout Logistics

In addition to these jobs, I discovered three skills in high-demand throughout the supply chain, regardless of
the role:

Supply Chain Fundamentals Joel Sutherland, Managing Director of the

University of San Diego Supply Chain Management Institute, says that industry
professionals are asking universities to instruct on the downstream effects of actions within
the supply chain. Through teaching an end-to-end perspective, students have a better
understanding of the total delivered cost and the optimized solution, explains Sutherland.
This includes a greater focus on the subjects of finance and accounting and general business
administration.
Analytical Thinking and Quantitative Acumen Professionals with an
exceptional knowledge of engineering, statistics and finance are in high demand. Michael
Hasler, Associate Director of the University of Texas Supply Chain Management Department,
says that UT has responded with new coursework and degree programs, such as its
certificate in Supply and Logistics Optimization and an upcoming Masters in Business
Analytics.
 Written and Verbal Communication Excellent communication skills are
especially important for successful supply chain professionals. Jeff Karrenbauer, CEO of
software and consulting company Insight, describes its importance as the following: If
youre speaking in front of an executive and you nail your supply chain presentationthats
the fastest way to be remembered in this business.
Multiple Paths to Career Success

The supply chain as a whole is only as good as its components, and those components are only as strong as
each fields professionals. Continually broadening ones knowledge is crucial to success.

Its hard for a single person to be an expert at the advanced aspects of procurement, inventory
management, and logistics, says Charles Dominick, CEO of purchasing certification provider Next Level
Purchasing. Theres room for experts for each field, as competency in each requires advanced
specialization.

Additionally, theres room at the top of many businesses for professionals with expert insight into the entire
supply chain. According to Art van Bodegraven, President of Van Bodegraven Associates, the marketplace is
demanding executives that can take a holistic view. These professionals have to have an understandingif
not masteryof all elements of supply chain execution and planning, says van Bodegraven.

What jobs and skills are you seeing in high demand in the supply chain? Please leave a note in the
comments with your thoughts.

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