Thailand has a vibrant and innovative supply chain and logistics sector that, thanks to foreign and government investment, has quickly adapted to changing market conditions. Exciting infrastructure and technology projects like TMX Global’s metaverse and the Laem Chabang port development upgrade mean that the region continues to be an attractive one for supply chain and logistics businesses and professionals alike. But, if this growth is to continue, companies will need to attract and retain candidates with the logistics and supply chain management skills capable of taking them into the future. 

Logistics & Supply Chain Management Skills for 2024

With that in mind, let’s explore the most impactful logistics and supply chain management skills companies will be looking for to succeed in the year ahead:

•    Data and Analytics 
As data becomes more embedded into everyday business practices, companies will be hoping to use the information they can gather to increase supply chain resilience and drive other innovations like sustainability, responsible sourcing, traceability, and real-time tracking. For this reason, it is increasingly important that data is clean and well governed. Companies should be looking for candidates with exceptional data management skills across the board as well as predictive analytics experts with an in-depth knowledge of regulations and data compliance issues.  

•    Artificial Intelligence 
Digitalisation in shipping and supply chain continues with AI and automation set to improve real-time tracking and visibility. While larger shipping and logistics companies went digital faster, this year we’ll see this become a reality for smaller boutique companies. To do so they’ll need employees with well-rounded digital skillsets that include automation, AI, machine learning and robotics. 

•    ERG and Sustainability 
Following COP26 there is increasing pressure on international supply chain, logistics and shipping industries to achieve net-zero by 2050. If the sector is to achieve that goal and meet ambitious emissions targets set by the Thai government then businesses will have to adopt greener business practices such as paperless shipping, circular supply chains and green fuels. Also, warehouse facilities will need to be run more sustainably, reducing energy usage and with more focus on renewable energy sources. As a result, leading employers will be looking for candidates with skills in electrical engineering, supply chain management and experience with electric vehicles and alternative fuels.

So far, we’ve looked at the technical skills needed for logistics and supply chain management. But soft skills will be valuable going forward as well. Skills like:

•    Collaboration 
Changes to supply chains, a need for real-time tracking and visibility and more consumer demand for faster shipping and delivery requires greater collaboration with suppliers, co-manufacturers, customers, carriers, and distributors. Professionals will need excellent time-management and team working skills to develop collaborative workflows and unify processes and systems to reduce errors and inefficiencies, lower costs and eliminate information time lags. 

•    Problem-solving
An ability to troubleshoot and find innovative solutions is invaluable in optimizing supply chain processes and maintaining seamless logistics operations. Complex challenges and unexpected issues such as delivery delays or inventory discrepancies are inevitable. Individuals’ who are adept at problem-solving can identify issues, discover the root causes, and implement effective solutions, ensuring streamlined operations and customer satisfaction.

•    Adaptability
As we all know the global supply chain can be affected by everything from economic fluctuations, political events and even the weather. Adaptable individuals can swiftly adjust to new tools, methodologies, and market trends and thrive in dynamic environments. Their flexibility means they can embrace change, adjusting strategies promptly and ensuring that supply chain operations remain agile and responsive to evolving customer demands and industry trends, fostering resilience and long-term success.

How To Develop These Skills & Improve Your CV

For supply chain and logistics professionals who want to keep their skills and expertise up to date here are four key pieces of advice for how to develop new skills and improve your CV:

• Go through your current CV and look for any gaps or differences between your skillset and the new skills employers are looking for.
• Research potential learning opportunities like courses, online tutorials, podcasts, forums, or professional associations and sign up!
• Talk to your current line manager and ask for opportunities to develop key soft skills or take on more responsibility in your current role. You might put yourself forward for a project, offer to onboard a new colleague or even shadow a different department.
• Seek out a mentor in your field of interest who can share their experiences, provide guidance and support, and help you navigate your personal development.

How To Spot Candidates With The Right Skills

Identifying candidates with the right skills is essential for any employer. When reviewing CVs and conducting interviews, consider the following strategies to spot candidates with the right skills:

• Use relevant keywords in your job description 
  Rather than just listing the responsibilities of a role, use relevant keywords in your job descriptions. This will help the right candidates find the role and you can screen their CVs for matching keywords.
• Consider skills-based hiring methods
  Skills-based hiring techniques involve using structured interview questions to determine whether candidates are able to apply their knowledge to real-world or industry specific situations. 
• Target specific talent pools and passive candidates
  If you are struggling to attract candidates with the skills that match your needs you might consider expanding your search into new or overlooked talent pools, or using new sourcing methods such as targeting candidates who are not actively job hunting or asking your current workforce for referrals. 
• Look for candidates who are proactive about professional development
  Even if a candidate does not have all the skills you are looking for, those who have shown a proactive approach to their own professional development are more likely to learn new skills and adapt to changing technologies and ways of working.

Hiring Or Applying for Supply Chain and Logistics Roles?

As Thailand's leading Industrial, Logistic and Supply Chain recruitment agency, we connect business with experienced, technically proficient, English-speaking candidates across Thailand and Southeast Asia. 
Whether you’re a supply chain employer or a candidate, we can help you take advantage of the current market, grow your business, or progress your career. 

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