The top five skills shaping procurement and supply chain

The procurement and supply chain functions within businesses have been under increasing pressures throughout this year, and this is expected to increase. With online orders and express deliveries the new norm, businesses rely heavily on the fast and efficient operation of their procurement and supply teams to ensure happy, repeat customers.

Our consultants are experts in their field; through speaking with employers hiring and professionals exploring the market on a daily basis, we are well placed to give advice on market trends and the most coveted skills in the industry. Utilising our specialist knowledge and over 40 years’ recruitment experience, we have put together a list of the five key technical skills our consultants expect will shape the industry in the near future.

Automotive purchasing - hybrid powertrains

The Swedish government has given green light to towns and cities to decide to ban old cars. Starting from 2020 local policies may prohibit old diesel cars to drive into town. Therefore, the need for professionals with experience and expertise in automotive purchasing, particularly with hybrid powertrains, will increase significantly.

As there is now a significant obligation for the industry to supply hybrid and battery-powered cars, plan now to ensure your business is ahead of the game by hiring top talented purchasing professionals into your team today. Individuals who possess this experience and expertise will only increase in demand as we move closer to the deadline, so it is best to secure and develop the talent you need as early as possible.

New product introduction (NPI)

The demand for the newest and most innovative products is high and as technology evolves at an ever-increasing pace, continues to grow. To facilitate this, it is essential you have a skilled purchasing team who are particularly experienced with NPI. This skill set is fundamental in the procurement and supply chain function. Don’t lose out on top talent; these people are key to the growth and profitability of your business, so be sure you are hiring and retaining the best in the market.

Supply and demand planning

As the time consumers expect to wait for deliveries continues to shorten, the need for efficient supply and demand planning increases. There is and has been for quite a long time now, a huge demand for supply and demand planners. With more people making purchases over the internet than ever before, more professionals are needed to balance what is ordered with what is available in procurement and supply chain functions.

Extended category management

Every business needs to ensure their internal processes are efficient in order to remain operative. This is why procurement and supply chain functions must ensure their team includes professionals who are adept in the purchasing of essential services to support the function, such as external marketing or professional services. One of the most crucial services purchasing is IT, so those with any specialist experience working with IT are highly valuable. In-depth category knowledge and experience ensures your key categories are managed most efficiently, so make sure the talent on your team understands your business.

Talent development

In this competitive market, essentially, if you’re not making the most of your talent you will lose them. Building and developing a successful team is the foundation of any procurement and supply chain function. Professionals with experience in acquiring the right mix of skills, personalities and talent that will perfectly match either a short or long-term project are key in the effective management of your talent. It is essential they are well versed in supply chain management strategy and are quick to identify gaps, and see where individuals can improve.

We work closely with both SMEs multinationals and have a proven track record of successful assignments. Our experience of over 15 years in recruitment in Sweden combined with the expertise of our specialist consultants means we are best placed to ensure your team includes the best of the best talent in the market.