China’s supply chain employers prioritise business transformation and soft skills when hiring

Rising tariffs, political tensions and the resulting economic slowdown have put reactiveness, change management and strategic planning at the forefront of supply chain management functions in China, alongside an ongoing focus on digital transformation.

Business transformation at the forefront

These are some of the findings from The Inside Story of China, a monthly regional recruitment analysis undertaken by global recruitment experts Hays. Focusing on the specialism of ‘supply chain management’, the analysis found that while China’s domestic strength and global influence has kept its economy relatively stable, geopolitical volatility has impacted the priorities of its supply chain labour market.

Business transformation capabilities, for example, are at the top of the list. For senior roles, this translates into end-to-end supply chain experience, merger and acquisitions knowledge, and implementing compliance and IBP (integrated business planning). Similarly, demand planning skill sets are also gaining more importance, owing to the part they play in setting set up a company’s overall M&P (maintenance and procurement) process, as well as improving supply chain processes to make them more efficient and connected than before.

Digital and soft skills highly desired

Stakeholder management and soft skills such as vendor management and the ability to work with counterparts across geographies are in high demand for most Supply Chain functions in China. Alongside technical knowledge, cross border trading experience, ‘reactivity and market insight are also highly desired traits.

Last year’s rise of automation in supply chain in China, such as the increasing use of robots in warehouses to improve efficiency and security, has also carried into this year. This has led to an increasing focus on digital skills and knowledge as more Chinese companies recognise and embrace the potential benefits of IoT and AI in digitising the supply chain.

Simon Lance, Managing Director at Hays Greater China commented, “For China’s supply chain industry at large, the jobs market currently favours employers as a conservative outlook and widespread cost cutting has led to more candidates in the market than roles. For those vying for senior level roles, upskilling in change management could significantly increase their market value. However, for potential employers, this means that high-value candidates who are already gainfully employed are not likely to leave their current role unless offered a significant upgrade and roadmap for progression.”

To read the full Inside Story of supply chain in China, please click here