BY MICHAEL POWER
UNCHARTED TERRITORY THE POSTCOVID-19 WORLD OF SUPPLY CHAIN EMPLOYMENT Whether through technology, geopolitical shifts, climate change or other factors, supply chain professionals face challenges on multiple fronts. COVID-19 and the recession that has followed have added a layer of hazard and opportunity for the profession to deal with. Supply chain professionals must hone skills and sharpen job hunting tools to advance their careers. But what is the condition of the job market? And what skills will be important to navigate the new normal? The importance of supply chains is more profound than ever, says Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, CPA, CAE, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). Both leadership and technical skills will be essential. The ASCM 2020 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report bears this out. Roughly half of the respondents said they are looking for professionals who are excellent communicators, Eshkenazi says, while other skills include collaboration and critical thinking. Over half said inventory management is essential, followed by best-prac8 OCTOBER 2020
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tices knowledge, project management and computer literacy. “Even before the global pandemic emerging technologies were disrupting roles and responsibilities,” Eshkenazi says. “That dynamic, combined with today’s record-high unemployment and increasing awareness of supply chain, are presenting remarkable opportunities for our profession. Now is the time to build a superior supply chain workforce of the future. And that hinges on education, training, reskilling and upskilling.” Meanwhile, the pandemic hasn’t so much changed the skills that supply chain professionals need as it has put more focus on risk, resilience, collaboration and leadership, Eshkenazi says. It has also put a spotlight on the field, with many realizing the impact of supply chains on their lives. “Supply chain professionals must take this opportunity to prioritize ethical standards, transparency and responsible business,” he says. Some industry experts estimating 270,000 new supply chain management positions created each year, with one qualified
worker to fill every six jobs. Industry professionals must hone skills and develop new capabilities to compete. Do a skills assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses while considering how to better position yourself, Eshkenazi says. Improve technical expertise as information systems are now at the centre of most business processes. Finally, Eshkenazi notes, become a lifelong learner. “We may not know where the supply chain field is headed, but the need for talented professionals is a certainty,” he says. “Make the most of this unique moment by pursuing on-demand courses and educational videos; seminars; performance-driven group training; and best-in-class designations.” NEW NORMAL Creative thinking that generates new ideas and procedures is becoming an essential skill in the field, says Sam Manna, director, supply chain recruitment – Ontario, Horizon Recruitment. Business is in a “new normal” phase where consumers and employers have shifted their habits, Manna notes.
Supply chain professionals can no longer rely on old-but-proven methods and must adapt quickly. Those who push boundaries and not only adjust to change but create the right kind of change will be in high demand. The pandemic has shown that there are events for which it’s tough to plan, Manna says. But when such events occur, it’s important to embrace change. “We realized recently that a supply chain can quickly and easily be disrupted,” he says. “No one in January could have predicted the toilet paper shortage that occurred in April, or that sanitizing products would be in such high demand. We saw some companies shift their production and distribution to address the changing needs. Also, businesses that could expand their online presence or maintain or establish a virtual office were able to thrive. Those that were not able to adjust were left behind. The need to be nimble and adaptable became critical.” Manna agrees that becoming more familiar with new technology helps to stay on top of the skills supply chain professionals will need. It’s impossible to say when the world will return to normal, so the ability to work remotely while remaining connected is essential, he says. While the effects of the pandemic and other issues have highlighted the need for certain skills training, how has it affected Canadian supply chain salaries this year? Manna notes an increase in salaries early in 2020, then flattening somewhat over the past few months – an understandable trend given the pandemic, he says. “I still find that the salaries being offered are slightly higher than what we saw in 2019,” Manna says. “One trend that has continued however is the improvement in compensation plans. I’ve seen more and more clients offer longer vacation packages, flex-hours and remote working options – even before this pandemic. It’s clear that employees are looking for a better work-life balance and employers are taking notice.” SUPPLY PROFESSIONAL
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