The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for supply chain professionals will grow by 30% between 2020 and 2030. Do you have the logistics skills needed to stay competitive? If you’re considering a long-term career in supply chain management, here are the seven most important logistics skills to add to your resumé.
1. Analytical Skills
Logistics is all about getting items from point A to point B. But it’s rarely that simple. Supply chain management is more like a puzzle, one whose optimal solution demands close attention to detail and the ability to see patterns in the whole picture.
One of the most vital logistics skills is the ability to understand data and be able to use analytical models to optimize the supply chain. These skills can make you more competitive in today’s job market and help you thrive in your next role.
2. Affinity for Technology
Logistics companies use technology for route planning, inventory management, and reverse logistics. Some of the most advanced tools rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize routes and manage the supply chain.
Supply chain leaders will need to understand how to use technology in the logistics process. If you want to stay competitive, you’ll also need to understand how to select the right technology for your unique business or industry. For instance, familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can help you monitor the supply chain, the procurement process, and how these elements integrate into the company’s operations.
3. Project Management Skills
As a logistics professional, you need strong organizational skills to succeed. This includes project management skills that you’ll need to be able to perform such tasks as:
- Breaking large projects into smaller sub-tasks
- Assigning roles and responsibilities for team members
- Creating reasonable deadlines and KPIs
- Estimating costs and identifying the necessary resources
- Tracking progress and reporting results to management
Future employers place high value on these logistics skills. Make sure to identify key areas of success on your resumé to demonstrate your ability to manage projects and teams.
4. Negotiation Skills
One of the most overlooked logistics skills is the ability to negotiate. Supply chain leaders frequently negotiate with external suppliers and internal company stakeholders. The ability to communicate and persuade can be a valuable asset and can potentially save money by aligning your processes with your operating budget.
How do you demonstrate strong negotiation skills? You might start by identifying the money you’ve saved by negotiating different supplier contracts or specific areas where you’ve successfully negotiated a better contract with one of your clients.
5. Legal Knowledge
Supply chains are subject to a growing number of legal and industry regulations. Violating these regulations can result in fines and other penalties, which is why companies look to supply chain professionals to minimize risk and ensure compliance.
ESG criteria are especially important for modern companies. Familiarity with green initiatives and other environmental causes can help you stand out in a competitive market.
6. Leadership and Communication
Now that so many business processes are handled by digital solutions, soft skills are becoming increasingly important. For supply chain managers, some of the most important logistics skills include the ability to communicate well and manage teams of supply chain professionals.
You can demonstrate these skills by preparing reports or even delivering presentations to members of senior management. Future employers may be impressed by your ability to execute projects as well as advise company stakeholders on current best practices.
7. Flexibility and Adaptability
If there’s anything that businesses learned during the recent supply chain crisis, it’s the importance of remaining flexible. Logistics managers can stay competitive by adapting to new technologies or finding new solutions in the face of supply chain challenges.
Logistics Skills You Can Count On
Many of these skills can be found by partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. R2 Logistics is an industry leader, providing solutions for businesses of various industries. Contact R2 Logistics today to learn how we can enhance your business.
