Reasons for the Supply Chain Talent Shortage & How are Companies Adapting

For at least the last decade, as supply chain management has changed, there has been a shortage of talent, and it continues to get more severe. This is true across all industries and across the globe. Demand for supply chain talent is at an all-time high as companies have recognized the importance of supply chain for their success. Through studies by various organizations, it is shown that companies with high-performing supply chains achieve revenue growth well above the industry average. And without talent, you can’t reach a high-performing supply chain.

An article by Deloitte, titled “The Supply Chain Paradox–High priority, low stakeholder engagement,” states that supply chains have grown increasingly global and complex, enabled primarily by advanced digital and physical technologies. As a result, supply chain management has evolved into a process that is less linear, more interconnected, and more responsive to change. As this transformation of the industry is occurring, there is significant demand for professionals at all levels, from entry-level to executives. Simultaneously, as demand is increasing, we are seeing a shortage of talent every year.

In this article, we take a look at what is causing the supply chain talent shortage and ways you can overcome the challenges to source, screen, and hire the people you need.

Three Reasons for the Supply Chain Talent Shortage Crisis

According to Harvard Business Review, the supply chain industry comprises over 44 million jobs. Without question, supply chain in the U.S. is an integral part of the American economy. As the industry has become more digitized, automation in plants, fulfillment centers, procurement, production planning, and maintenance is eliminating jobs. However, overall hiring continues to rise and senior leaders say that finding and hiring the right talent is harder than ever.

Here are three reasons why we are experiencing a crisis in finding talent.

A Rapidly Changing Industry

The supply chain industry has been changing through technological advances and digitization for a few decades. However, according to the 2022 MHI Annual Industry Report, the adoption of supply chain is increasing dramatically due to the impacts of COVID-19 disruption. Forty-nine percent of supply chain leaders have accelerated spending in digital technologies to make their operations more responsive and forward-looking during the pandemic.

The global workplace is inherent with challenges such as increasing competitive environments, rising customer service expectations, and supply chain disruptions. Supply chain management is becoming more digitized to meet the changing demands of the industry. The supply chain industry is on the cutting edge of technological advancements to make it more efficient. Automation and technology have created greater efficiency and increased opportunities as the industry grows.

Insufficient Talent to Meet Demand

Changes in the industry are occurring at a fast rate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of job openings is approximately 6.3% and yet unemployment is at 3.7%. Basically, there are more openings than available people to fill the vacancies. And, skill requirements are changing due to the changes in the industry. Today the ideal employee has both tactical and operational expertise, as well as analytical skills. Fifty-eight percent of companies say that this combination is hard to find. In the future, talent will also need to excel at leadership, strategic thinking, innovation, and high-level analytic and technological capabilities. The higher demand for workers with certain skills has emphasized the shortage of talent.

David Closs, a professor of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University, believes that one big issue regarding the supply chain talent shortage is the amount of talent and knowledge required from each individual. Today’s environment requires specific positions like procurement to also include understanding issues like trade, taxation, and customs, as well as managing corporate social responsibility. All aspects of supply chain have become much more complex requiring people who work in the industry to be dynamic and flexible. The field demands long hours and travel across the globe.

Negative Perceptions Among Young Workers

The supply chain career has an image problem. Many people don’t understand what the term “supply chain” really is. The name doesn’t suggest the complex work that is involved in running the manufacturing, movement, and storage of a product. Even though technological innovation is a key driver in the supply chain industry, younger professionals envision being siloed in a boring, lackluster job with no opportunity for advancement. One reason for this is that companies aren’t engaging in a public relations effort to give supply chain the same prominence as other parts of the company have. The bottom line is that Millennials and Generation Z workers just don’t know what a supply chain career has to offer in terms of opportunity, compensation, and professional growth.

What Are Companies Doing to Find Needed Talent

Many top performers, unless they are recent college graduates, are not visiting the online job boards. So, if this is your primary method of advertising and looking for talent, you aren’t going to find the most qualified individuals. Here are some programs that companies are employing to find and attract supply chain talent.

Provide Training Across Supply Chain Positions

Programs like cross-training help develop metrics-driven and tech-savvy supply chain leaders who have the business skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving marketplace. One company that is developing employees for supply chain management positions, is Mattel Inc. Mattel has ramped up its hiring of college graduates directly out of business and supply chain management programs and is having success in training across supply chain positions. Mattel moves employees through various stages of the supply chain early in their careers in order to help workers acquire new skills in different job functions. This strategy has been especially helpful in developing employees into management by giving them an overall sense of the entire supply chain process.

Create Internship Programs to Identify Future Employees

Internship programs are a low-cost and highly effective way to increase productivity and innovation as well as increasing the quantity and quality of future hires. According to Gartner, a leading research and advisory company, in their article “Strengthen the Supply Chain Talent Pool With Internships,” these programs also have a positive impact on an organization’s career brand in the supply chain community. A company can begin to grow its own talent early through internships that expose students to the manual and automated sides of the business.

Engage Supply Chain Associations

Tap into supply chain associations such as ASCM, and CSCMP to network with members and to help build awareness of your company. These organizations can provide a supply of talent as well as learning opportunities. Sponsor local chapter meetings, pay membership dues for your supply chain employees, and send them to chapter meetings, national, or global conferences in order to scout talent. Most associations have online membership directories to help facilitate networking among members.

Develop an Employee Referral Program

Creating an employee referral program is an excellent way to improve the quality and quantity of your applicant flow. The referral program should be driven by your supply chain recruiter and human resources and sponsored by the senior supply chain executive. Implement an automated system to drive better results and track the source of referrals and hires. Furthermore, incentives can help drive better results.

Partner with Universities

Partner with universities that have the type of supply chain degree programs that align best with your entry-level job requirements, company values, and culture. Send members of your team to attend university job fairs. Develop relationships beyond the staff in the career center, such as with professors that teach supply chain management courses. They will know who the top students are in each class. Post your jobs with each university and outline the benefits of working for your company. When you hire entry-level candidates from targeted universities, have these employees go back to their alma mater to help recruit supply chain students.