What are the key SCM skills and competencies that employers look for in candidates?

Employers in SCM typically seek candidates with a mix of technical expertise, soft skills, and specific competencies. Your technical skills, such as proficiency in logistics software, data analysis tools, or knowledge of inventory management systems, highlight your ability to excel in SCM roles. Meanwhile, soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial for collaborating effectively across different departments and adapting to changing business needs. Additionally, competencies such as strategic planning, vendor management, and the ability to optimize processes are highly valued in SCM.

Employers in SCM look for a mix of technical expertise, analytical skills, and soft skills. Key technical skills include demand planning, inventory management, logistics, supplier relationship management, and proficiency in ERP systems like SAP. Analytical abilities such as data analysis, problem-solving, and risk management are essential for making informed decisions. Effective communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability are crucial soft skills. Industry knowledge, particularly in regulatory compliance and sustainability, is increasingly important. Relevant education and certifications, such as CSCP and Lean Six Sigma, enhance a candidate’s qualifications.

Top 20 Critical Skills Needed For Supply Chain Professionals: 1. Business ethics. 2. Business intelligence. 3. Communication skills (oral and written). 4. Negotiation skills. 5. Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. 6. Result-orientation. 7. Customer focus. 8. Commercial and financial acumen. 9. Stakeholder engagement. 10. Supplier relationship management. 11. Critical and strategic thinking. 12. Dealing with ambiguity. 13. Project and strategic management. 14. Networking and building relationships. 15. Digital skills. 16. Decision-making. 17. Cross-functional teamwork and collaboration. 18. Leadership skills. 19. People development/coaching. 20. Emotional intelligence 'EQ'.

Very good question! not sure how many are actually giving this a thought in supply chain departments. AI, especially Gen AI, is bringing in profound changes to supply chain careers. For e.g., there are lot of startups out there, who are building Gen AI solutions in Logistics. For e.g., the traditional freight forwarding professionals, clearing customs and preparing documentation, may already know that this will be done by AI in future. I think the most important skill to have in supply chain will be knowledge/experience in how to leverage AI in supply chain. AI will not take jobs, jobs will be taken by those who use AI.

SCM must have technical skills to understand the SKU being bought and inhosue SKU , both will have some production tolerances. Sometime either one could be rejected as per drawing though it may work at assembly line 2. JIT , just in time . I feel JIT is the most surreptitious fact of SCM. In most of the cases OEM to follow this puts burden of keeping excess inventory with ancillaries.

SCM Professionals need to excel at storytelling based on data. They must be able to identify the connections between current state, internal and external variables, and the perceived results from performance. After this, they should clearly understand what is happening, why is it happening and how they could solve it. The key here is to captivate your audience; transmit your message in such a way that it is understandable, relatable and meaningful. Depending on your audience, you should adapt your storytelling technique. E.g. a presentation to Executives should be more straight forward and translated into financial metrics vs a presentation to Warehouse Operations in which you can deep dive into more detail.

One of the most important task in SCM function is of coordination and It cannot be done if person is unable to collaborate or Communicate. Collaboration and Communication skills is must along with interpersonal relationship building capabilities.

In Demand planning, there are always stories behind the demand, sales and forecast numbers which are not self explanatory. Therefore, you should have established communication channels to gather the hidden market information which are probably known by the sales teams, marketing teams or even the warehouse team for any back orders due to the materials unavailability. Monthly review meetings would be a better solution in improving the communication to gather the inside information which is important for adjustments in the forecasts. I used to have meetings with the overseas distributors to gather the information on up coming market trends, possible changes in market and any special activities that would affect the future of the business.

Employers look for SCM professionals with strong communication and collaboration skills. They should excel in both verbal and written communication, and possess interpersonal and negotiation abilities to convey information and feedback clearly and persuasively. Effective teamwork and leadership skills are essential, along with cultural awareness and sensitivity for working with diverse and multifunctional groups. These competencies help manage conflicts and build positive relationships both internally and externally.

Supply chain management is all about teamwork. From coordinating with suppliers to collaborating with internal teams, effective communication is the glue that holds everything together. I've learned that clear communication not only ensures alignment but also fosters trust and strengthens relationships. Whether it's negotiating contracts or resolving disputes, being able to convey ideas persuasively is key. I've seen firsthand how a well-timed conversation can turn a potential crisis into an opportunity for collaboration and growth.

Regarding best practices I've learned that it is important to experiment and try new things. If we see that a problem arises frequently then we need to get ahead of it instead of relying on others to solve it for us. I like to tackle these issues at the start of our shift. If I see that we need resources I immediately address the issue and get them. I go out of my way all the time to ensure that my team needs the resources to successfully complete our job. It's important to focus on our specific areas instead of the entirety of the operation.

General Multidisiplinary Business Knowledge. According to VCARE Academy, business knowledge is the most important supply chain management skill that employers must seek out in potential employees. Supply chain is no longer limited to the logistics and operations divisions. In today's complex and interconnected business environment there is a need for in-depth comprehension of finance, marketing, procurement and risk management. A successful supply chain manager must be capable of analyzing data, making informed decisions, and coordinating activities across departments. Supply chain executives must communicate effectively with stakeholders, comprehend market dynamics, and develop value-chain optimizing strategies.

A gest?o das Cadeias de Suprimentos demanda uma vis?o holística e estratégica do negócio. Logo, o pensamento estratégico é uma habilidade fundamental. Cabe ainda ressaltar que, em grande parte, as decis?es no ambito do funcionamento da Cadeia de Suprimentos s?o interdependentes e envolvem situa??es complexas devido a fatores como imprevisibilidade das opera??es e/ou o grande número de variáveis envolvidas. Portanto, cada vez mais, as organiza??es buscam profissionais que possuam habilidades como raciocínio lógico e analítico e uma orienta??o por decis?es baseadas em dados, de forma que a solu??es propostas n?o fiquem restritas às praticas já disponíveis e derivem, por exemplo, de abordagens analíticas mais sofisticadas.

Employers seek SCM professionals with both strategic and operational skills. They must align the supply chain with business goals, requiring a deep understanding of the industry, market, and customer needs, as well as supply chain processes and best practices. A proactive and flexible mindset is crucial for anticipating and responding to changes and uncertainties in the supply chain environment. These competencies ensure that professionals can effectively manage and optimise supply chain operations to meet organisational objectives.

SCM professionals must possess the ability to develop and execute sustainability strategies that align with both corporate and global environmental and social responsibility goals. This includes creating plans to reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste, and source ethically. Operational competence is vital to implement these strategies effectively, from optimizing eco-friendly logistics and supply chain processes to overseeing sustainable sourcing and supplier relationships. A holistic approach that combines strategic thinking with hands-on operational expertise is crucial in ensuring that sustainability principles are integrated throughout the supply chain, fostering long-term environmental stewardship and social accountability.

Beyond basic proficiency, SCM professionals should excel in integrating digital tools with strategic supply chain functions. Advanced competencies in data analytics and predictive modeling can drive significant improvements in demand forecasting and resource allocation. Mastery of AI and IoT not only streamlines operations but also enhances real-time decision-making capabilities. Emphasizing these skills in SCM roles transforms supply chains into dynamic, responsive assets that significantly bolster competitive edge. Supply chain conferences like MODEX 2024 now seem like the movie Terminator with all of the robots, AI, drones, etc. which now require excellent skills in these areas.

In today's digitalized supply chain landscape, proficiency in relevant technical tools, software, and emerging technologies is highly sought after. Candidates should be familiar with supply chain management systems, data analytics platforms, IoT devices, and other digital solutions to enhance visibility, traceability, and efficiency across the supply chain.

According to VCARE Academy, a solid understanding of general business principles enables suply chain executives to align their strategies with larger organizational objectives.They are able to effectively communicate with stakeholders, comprehend market dynamics, and develop value-chain-optimizing strategies. A multidisciplinary approach enables SCMs to navigate the complexities of today's global business environment, from managing the inventory levels to demand forcasting to negotiating with supliers to ensuring customer satisfaction. Possing comprehensive business knowwledge uptimately equips candidates with the skills and insights necessary to promote cost-effectiveness and innovation within the supply chain.

Proficiency in technologies like data analytics, blockchain, and IoT can help organizations track and optimize their supply chain's environmental impact, ethical sourcing, and resource efficiency. Furthermore, expertise in sustainability software and platforms enables effective data management for eco-conscious decision-making. These skills empower professionals to create transparency, traceability, and accountability in the supply chain, thereby promoting responsible practices, reducing waste, and minimizing carbon footprints. In an increasingly digital and sustainable landscape, candidates with technical and digital acumen are instrumental in driving eco-friendly and socially responsible supply chains.

In the digital age, proficiency with SCM software and an understanding of data analytics are sought-after skills. Recycling ourselves daily with this type of new trends its crucial.

SCM professionals should have a deep understanding of ethical sourcing practices, eco-friendly logistics, and social responsibility principles. They must possess the ability to evaluate the environmental and social implications of supply chain decisions, promoting responsible and sustainable strategies. Proficiency in auditing and compliance with sustainability standards is critical, as is the capability to integrate green initiatives into the supply chain, reducing waste, emissions, and resource consumption.

According to VCARE Academy, negotiation and presentation skills are important to the supply chain management. Effective negotiation skills are critical in the dynamic and mopetitive world of supply chain management for wecuring advantageous terms with suppliers, vendors, and other stakeholders. The capacity to manage complex contractual agreements, resolve issues, and reach win-win results is critical for cost optimization, timely delivery, and maintaining solid connections throughout the supply chain network. Skilled negotiators use communication and persuasion abilities to reach mutually advantageous agreements, foster teamwork, and achieve strategic goals. Presentation skills are important for explaining complicated facts and insights.

While technical, strategic, operational, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential in supply chain management (SCM), they alone will not make a meaningful contribution to the world and society if ethical considerations and sustainability are neglected. Employers increasingly look for candidates who prioritize ethical practices and sustainability in their decision-making processes. This includes ensuring fair labor practices, reducing environmental impact, and promoting social responsibility. Supply chain professionals must integrate these principles into their strategies and operations to drive not only business success but also positive societal and environmental outcomes.

Ethical considerations in supply chain go beyond just following rules. For instance, when sourcing materials from developing countries, an SCM professional needs to ensure fair labor practices, even when local laws might allow for less stringent standards. On the sustainability front, it could mean redesigning packaging to be more eco-friendly or implementing reverse logistics programs to recycle products at the end of their lifecycle. It's about seeing the bigger picture and taking responsibility for the entire product journey.

Valued skills by an employer in supply chain management SCM include ethical sustainable competencies and technical skills. The key skills include knowledge of sustainable sourcing, ethical procurement, and environmental regulations regarding responsible operations. The employers recognize the strong analytical and problem-solving potential, thus enhancing effectiveness, waste reduction, and decreasing their carbon footprint. Competencies in ERP systems along with other digital tools enhance the transparency and efficiency of a system. Communication and leadership skills also give positive value to foster interteam collaboration as well as holding people accountable in ethical choices.

In my experience, in supply chain management roles we still need to look and help developed Leadership skills, all the basics traits of a supply chain management role are listed in this article. I believe if we were to hone the leadership skills early, sometime in the near future majority of the C-Suites level roles in all industries would be filled by supply chain management professionals.

Na minha perspectiva, capacidade de negocia??o e de comunica??o s?o fundamentais para profissionais de Gest?o da Cadeia de Suprimentos (Supply Chain Management - SCM). O SCM envolve a capacidade de construir relacionamentos. Para isso, os profissionais de SCM devem possuir habilidades interpessoais, como a capacidade de negociar, construir confian?a com parceiros, fomentar relacionamentos sólidos e gerenciar conflitos. Em minha carreira, observei profissionais com sólida capacidade técnica que enfrentam dificuldades para otimizar processos e o design da cadeia de suprimentos com seus parceiros, devido à incapacidade de lidar efetivamente com pessoas.

Employers seek SCM candidates adept in logistics, analytics, and problem-solving. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are pivotal. Attention to detail and adaptability are highly valued traits. Proficiency in technology, particularly in SCM software, is essential. Collaboration and leadership capabilities enhance team dynamics. Additionally, knowledge of industry trends and regulations demonstrates a proactive approach. Ultimately, candidates who display a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal finesse stand out in the competitive SCM landscape.

As per experience Attention to detail and Adaptability are the 2 key skills which every Supply Chain profession should possess Attention to detail is essential for managing inventory and optimizing logistical processes. Adaptability is key in navigating the complexities of global supply chains and responding to changing market dynamics.