The global supply chain has not fully recovered from the disruption of the pandemic and faces new challenges and complexities every day. Along with challenges created by shifting demand, manufacturing issues, weather, and economic factors, supply is plagued by staff shortages at every level, from drivers to engineers to purchasing. How can companies that rely on the movement of goods and materials compete for the top talent? Let’s find out. 

What’s Driving Staff Shortages in the Supply Chain?

As with many of our most crucial industries, there is a severe shortage of supply chain professionals in Europe. Labor, skill, and talent shortages affect a wide range of jobs across the continent but disproportionally affect highly-skilled, technical jobs. 

  • Demographics and ongoing talent challenges. As the workforce ages, fewer professionals are in place to take these jobs. There is high competition for workers with technical skills and experience, and these workers can choose from a range of companies, and even countries, in which to build their careers. Young workers may have the technical skills but lack the soft skills that allow them to evolve into leadership roles. 
  • The complexity of modern supply chain systems. In the past, supply and procurement systems were simpler and could be managed by a few people with a spreadsheet or a database. Today, these systems are far more complex and technical, involving a wider range of skills and experience. Supply chain professionals are not only tasked with sourcing and distribution but are also expected to create systems that are more socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, transparent, and traceable than ever before, with real-time data. These systems require more people with more skills than ever before. 
  • The slow rate of systemic change. Many organizations, systems, and processes have not kept pace with the rate of change in the supply field. Today, there are more automated supply solutions than ever before, which may help to make up for a shortage of human talent. In addition, ML and AI are transforming the industry, offering groundbreaking solutions to widespread problems. However, adopting these solutions can be extremely slow and expensive, with their own unique challenges, and require a high level of technical expertise and integration experience. As organizations resist implementing advanced technical solutions, supply chain talent experiences frustration and burnout. 

All forms of systemic change are slow. The education system can be slow to adapt to current market demands and teach new tools and skills. Governments can be slow to modify regulations and frameworks to reflect current conditions. Companies can be slow to implement new solutions and adopt improved technologies. Because the supply chain industry is so connected and interdependent with a vast array of other types of systems and processes, it can only move as quickly as the slowest link in the chain. 

Keys to Successful Recruitment and Retention of Supply Chain Professionals

When companies look to improve their recruitment and retention of supply chain professionals, it’s important to focus on the aspects of the work that attract and engage talent. Supply chain professionals are attracted to roles that offer:

  1. Problem-solving. The types of people who are attracted to supply chain jobs are typically people who like solving complex problems. 
  2. Variety. Supply professionals like that the work uses a variety of skills and abilities, and offers a range of different activities every day. 
  3. Learning and growth opportunities. People who are attracted to supply chain careers tend to be naturally curious and value the opportunity to learn new skills and try new things. 
  4. Continuous improvement. Supply chain professionals love finding better ways of doing things, and looking for savings, efficiencies, and improvements is natural to them. 
  5. Meaningful work. More and more people in every industry are seeking careers where they feel like their work and their skills make a difference. 
  6. Flexible hours. Because supply chains are 24/7, they offer a kind of scheduling flexibility that most industries are incapable of. Many people are attracted to work in supply chains and logistics because they want or need to work unusual hours.

When employers understand that these are the key characteristics of a supply chain professional and the kind of work they are interested in doing, they can better shape the job and the workplace to meet these needs. 

How to Attract Top-Tier Supply Chain Professionals

When seeking to fill supply positions with top-level talent, make sure that they are supported with the systems and tools that allow them to find and implement the best solutions. Offer programs that reduce stress and burnout, and create a company culture that makes work meaningful. 

For more solutions on filling supply chain positions and attracting the best supply chain candidates, contact Grapefrute today.