Supply Chain Skills You Need to Advance
Here are some moves that can help you puzzle out your career and get to the next level.
“The three most important skills for managing the supply chain of the future are digital and data proficiency, strategic and adaptive thinking, and collaborative leadership. Supply chain practitioners must leverage AI and analytics, align supply chains with business goals, and orchestrate ecosystems for resilience and agility—turning supply chains from cost centers into value drivers.”
–Amber Salley
VP of Industry Solutions
GAINSystems
- Data-driven decision making
- Resilience
- Technology integration
–Nick Osbern
President
Shipstore
1. Data analysis: Understanding and using data to make smart decisions.
2. Adaptability: Quickly responding to disruptions and changes.
3. Collaboration: Working seamlessly with global partners, suppliers, and customers.
–Jason Raper
Board of Advisors
Logic Pallet
“Supply chain management is incredibly dynamic, and it requires the development of skills in various spheres. The three top skills are:
Technological proficiency: The integration of advanced technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics is transforming supply chain operations. Professionals must adeptly leverage these tools to enhance efficiency, predict demand, and optimize logistics.
Sustainability leadership: With increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility, supply chain managers must implement sustainable practices. This includes reducing carbon footprints, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring ethical sourcing.
Agility and adaptability: The modern supply chain environment is dynamic, requiring professionals to swiftly respond to disruptions, market fluctuations, and evolving customer demands. Cultivating agility ensures resilience and continuity.”
–Kyoyul Oh
Vice President and General Manager,
Power Transmission & Fluid Power Products
AMMEGA
“Businesses need expertise in predictive analytics, demand planning and forecasting, and technology-driven customer experience. As consumer expectations for speed and sustainability grow, integrating AI, machine learning, and automation will be key to creating a resilient and adaptive supply chain.”
–Dan Spitale
VP
UPS Capital
“Supply chain leaders must develop expertise in AI, automation, and data analytics to enhance operational visibility and decision-making. The supply chain will be fully digital, so these capabilities will be critical to proactive risk management, streamlined processes, and the agility to adapt to rapidly evolving regulations and market conditions.”
–Lilian Bories
CMO
TradeBeyond
“Agility, collaboration, and data mastery will define supply chains. Leaders must adapt to disruptions, strengthen supplier networks, and use real-time data to optimize operations. Automation and integrated systems will minimize errors, enhance efficiency, and ensure seamless communication across the supply chain.”
–Rodney Manzo
CEO
Anvyl
“Change is the only constant, and this will intensify. Whether it is geopolitical shifts, rapidly changing consumer demand patterns, increasing competition, disruptions like tariffs or natural events, an ability to adjust to enhance the supply chain will separate the good players from the great players.”
–Mohamed Vaid
SVP, Business Solutions Execution, Americas
Dematic
“The most impactful skills for supply chain leaders are understanding the value drivers and N-tier dependencies along your supply chain, maintaining a bias toward data-driven decision making, and developing people who are confident and comfortable managing and leveraging data.
As supply chain leaders we sometimes fall into the pattern of accepting that the data is poor, ‘knowing better’ than the data and making instinct-based decisions, and setting a visible example for our teams in the process.”
–Lucas Manganaro
Managing Director and Leader,
Supply Chain Innovation Practice
Protiviti
“Communicate your rationale. Something about leadership that people often get wrong is seeking others’ input on a plan or initiative, but then ultimately going with their originally planned direction without providing any rationale. It’s important for leaders, especially in these situations, to explain why they are taking a specific approach.”
–Art Van Der Stuyf
Director of Supply Chain Strategy
iGPS Logistics
“Empathy. Especially in a fast-paced, automation-driven field like ecommerce logistics. The pressure to move quickly and efficiently can sometimes make leaders focus solely on metrics and processes, but fostering a culture of empathy and listening is critical for long-term success.
In international returns management, where operations are complex and customer expectations are high, a supportive and inclusive environment allows team members to confidently share when something has gone wrong or could be improved. Empathy isn’t just a soft skill, it’s a business asset that enables growth.”
–Helen Scurfield
CEO, Global Returns
Asendia
“Communication, coordination, and collaboration will always be the foundation of seamless supply chain management. Efficient communication with stakeholders ensures alignment, coordination drives operational flow, and collaboration fosters strong partnerships. Together, they enhance visibility, reduce disruptions, and create a more agile, responsive, and resilient supply chain built for today and tomorrow.”
–Fikret Ersoy
Chief Commercial Officer
PSA BDP
Decode the Healthcare Supply Chain
Speed to action: The healthcare supply chain must be able to quickly turn data into actionable insights. This means constantly looking for ways to reduce costs and respond swiftly to changes to ensure effective patient care.
Maximize team output: With ongoing labor and talent shortages in healthcare supply chains, organizations need to focus on attracting, developing, and retaining talent.
Build with the future in mind: Invest in the future of healthcare and design integrated systems that can adapt to changing needs across the continuum of care.
–Emily Gallo
SVP and General Manager
Cardinal Health OptiFreight Logistics