Category: Professionals
Getting Started: Common Supply Chain Job Search Myths
Ready to start looking for a new job? Maybe you have just entered the supply chain workforce? Before kicking off a supply chain job search, there are a few myths we want to dive into that can hold supply chain professionals back from landing the job of their desires. While we covered top myths for older supply chain workers, there are also some general job search myths that are important to not fall prey to on your next search: If I’m qualified, I’ll make it through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). When you apply for a job, you’re typically [...]
Debunking 5 Common Job Search Myths for Older Supply Chain Workers
While there are associations and organizations dedicated to supporting older supply chain workers, ageism is unfortunately still a reality in the workforce. The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission’s (EEOC) 2018 report “The State of Age Discrimination and Older Workers in the U.S.” stated that despite record low unemployment, older workers still have difficulty finding a new job compared to younger workers. According to the report “...age discrimination persists based on outdated and unfounded assumptions about older workers, aging, and discrimination.” As an older supply chain worker, what can you do to debunk these myths and overcome the stereotypes that many [...]
10 Competencies to Advance to Supply Chain Executive (Part 2 of 2)
As we discussed in Part 1, there is no magic formula to reach the most senior supply chain executive level. Every company has a unique supply chain thus requiring varying degrees of experience, qualifications and skills. Below you’ll find the next 5 core competencies that supply chain practitioners should aim to acquire in efforts to advance to the most senior supply chain executive level: Technology & Innovation In today’s digital era, customers demand a high degree of personalization and expect a rapid turnaround with every order placed. Supply chain executives need to have the strategic ability and know-how to [...]
10 Competencies to Advance to Supply Chain Executive (Part 1 of 2)
Supply chain leadership roles such as Chief Supply Chain Officer continue to grow in popularity as more companies recognize that supply chain management is central to success and a key differentiator for adding value and sustaining revenue growth. Supply chain leaders of today aren’t just focused on coordinating the company’s end-to-end supply chain and cutting costs. They are also involved with developing and supporting core business strategies, product and service innovations, customer retention programs, leading due diligence and integrations for mergers & acquisitions, margin enhancement initiatives, and more. One of the common questions I receive from rising supply chain [...]
Top Skills Employers Look for In Supply Chain Students
A student can never start preparing for the future too early. The top questions that I hear from supply chain management students are “What can I do to prepare myself for my first job?” and “What skills do employers look for in entry-level candidates?”. As supply chain recruiters, we can help pitch in some advice to help. Beyond your university’s core degree requirements, there are a few skills employers look for that I recommend that you fine-tune before walking across the graduation stage. Data Analytics From procurement to inventory planning to logistics, the ability to process and interpret data [...]
4 Ways to Enhance Your Procurement Resume
Having specialized in procurement and supply chain recruitment for about 2 decades, I’d like to fill you in on a few must-have elements that you’ll want to incorporate into your procurement resume in efforts to optimize its effectiveness. My hopes are that some of these tips will help improve your job application to interview ratio and ultimately lead to the job of your dreams. 1. Showcase Accomplishments within Procurement and Quantify Results One of the most common resume mistakes that you can make is to only state your roles and responsibilities. You must also list out your accomplishments [...]
ASCM Career Coach Webinar – Supply Chain Career Spotlight (Strategic Sourcing & Procurement)
Strategic sourcing and procurement is one of the fastest growing areas within the supply chain discipline. The career paths are expansive, spanning all industries from manufacturers, retailers, distributors and more. The diverse categories of spend cover raw materials, components, packaging and finished goods on the Direct procurement side, as well as service providers ranging from temporary labor, accounting, Information Technology, MRO and many more on the Indirect side. Attend the upcoming ASCM Career Coach Webinar:"Supply Chain Career Spotlight: Strategic Sourcing & Procurement" presented by ASCM Career Coach and SCM Talent Group President Rodney Apple and featuring two guest [...]
Top Skills Needed to Advance from Individual Contributor to Supply Chain Leader
One of the most common questions I receive from budding supply chain professionals is “How do I get promoted from an individual contributor role to a supply chain leader?” While there is no magic formula, there are several key skills and experiences that one should gain in efforts to transition into a supply chain leadership role. Communication For many supply chain leadership roles, strong communication skills can oftentimes be equally as important as having expertise in a particular field. Here are few skills to develop or sharpen as it relates to becoming an effective communicator: Active Listening [...]
6 Tips to Create a Successful Procurement Mentorship Program
Establishing a procurement mentor program is a proven way to attract, develop and retain talent. In a recent Procurement Leaders’ Salary Survey, one of the most important considerations in job satisfaction for procurement professionals is mentoring opportunities. There are many benefits for the participants and the procurement organization, such as: Keep Employees Engaged and Retained Transfer Indirect and Direct Procurement Knowledge and Skills Improve Succession Planning throughout the Procurement Organization Develop a Strong Learning Culture that Promotes Growth Enhance Leadership and Coaching Skills in Managers Improve Employee Motivation, Morale and Overall Performance Promote Collaboration throughout the Workforce Improve Diversity [...]
Advance Your Top Talent Through a Supply Chain Leadership Development Program
It’s no surprise that so many organizations struggle to retain leaders especially within the supply chain discipline. According to DHL’s recent report, 58% of companies have a hard time finding employees with both operational experience and soft skills. As baby boomers continue to retire in droves, it’s imperative for organizations to take steps to create more robust talent pipelines, as today’s supply chain leaders need to be able to think multidimensional. One way to do so is through creating a Supply Chain Leadership Development Program (LDP). I’ve had direct experience in this area, having helped create the first Leadership [...]
