Supply Chain has evolved. So what does it take to make it into a leadership role in the field today? Here are our top tips as recruiters specialized in the field.

At some point in our careers, we all wonder if we have what it takes to get to the top. In our world of Supply Chain and Procurement, that means an executive-level role. Many supply chain professionals dream about becoming a Chief Supply Chain Officer, or at least a VP leading these functions at a significant organization. 

This is even more true after the pandemic, when the field has enjoyed a new prominence in the strategic decision making at companies. Many companies are elevating supply chain leaders into critical roles alongside sales, marketing, engineering and finance, recognizing its immense importance. The future of the field is brighter than ever, and supply chain leaders have never been more poised to make a true strategic impact—with compensation to match. So why not dream big? 

Not everyone wants to be an executive, or even a director or VP. Some people aren’t cut out for the huge responsibility it entails. Some people don’t want it. But for ambitious people, an executive or senior VP role is the culmination of a career. It’s also the most interesting job you’ll ever have. 

If you’re one of those ambitious people, we want to spend today’s Argentus blog talking to you:

What exactly does it take to build your supply chain career into a leadership position? What skills should you develop, and what approach should you take? 

At Argentus, we recruit for senior leadership roles in the field. That means we talk to supply chain leaders who are looking for jobs—and the supply chain leaders who are hiring them—every day. It’s our job to be in touch with what organizations are looking for in their supply chain executives—in terms of skills, cultural fit, and temperament. And there are a few things that come up again and again.

So here are our biggest tips for building your career to the VP or executive level. Obviously, there are the basics that we won’t cover. Everyone knows you need to work hard, develop your skills, and network to improve your chances of opportunity striking. But we’re aiming to give tips specific to Supply Chain (and Procurement) that you won’t necessarily see elsewhere. 

So without further adieu, here are our tips:

1. Don’t rush to climb the ladder.

Our recent interview with retail Supply Chain leader Jess Godin, she echoed something that lots of executives tell us: some candidates are eager to progress, and take progressive opportunities in the same function so quickly that they end up over their heads in senior roles. Instead, make sure that you’ve truly mastered a role before moving onto the next one. Ensure that you’re leaving a function better than you’ve found it before progressing. As she put it, “before you move up, make sure that you can really show that you’ve delivered value.”

2. Get exposure to diverse areas of the supply chain

Most supply chain executive roles rely on a host of disciplines: purchasing, logistics, transportation, supply & demand planning, operations, supplier relationship management, continuous improvement, etc. Beyond that, the most effective supply chain leaders are ones who can knit these diverse functions together, breaking down silos to transform businesses. Collaboration with other functions outside the supply chain is also key to delivering transformational value.

Sometimes, a candidate will begin their career in (for example) supply planning, and quickly move up from an analyst to manager to director role, all within the same discipline. They’re then boxed in from further progression, because they don’t understand the other supply chain functions necessary to progress. So consider taking lateral moves, or taking on projects in your current role to broaden your skill base before moving up. This will also help build relationships and gain buy-in from diverse areas of the business.

3. Focus on strategy

As we discussed above, the role of supply chain leaders has changed. In 2024 companies are elevating supply chain professionals to do big things. They’re bringing them in to deliver business transformations, strategically resituate their supply chains, implement new processes, or deliver on big expansion projects from a cost perspective. All of these big things require strategy and deep strategic thinking. You can’t just fill a seat. So as you develop your skills with an eye to executive positions, think about your strategic contributions. Embrace projects over daily firefighting, and track key metrics with the goal of improving them. 

4. Seek mentorship

Several years ago, a Gartner survey showed that people in formal mentorship programs are promoted 5 to 6 times more on average than people who forego mentorship. That’s true for both people being mentored, as well as the mentors themselves. If your workplace has a formal mentorship program, avail yourself of it, no matter which side of the mentorship that you’re on. It can strengthen the kinds of professional bonds that lead to future opportunities, but (as a mentee) you can often supercharge your learning, or gain opportunities for the kinds of diverse projects mentioned above. If your workplace doesn’t have a formal mentorship program, consider speaking with leadership to see what it would take to start one. 

5. Seek educational opportunities

In past decades, supply chain leaders almost always “rose up” from the shop or warehouse floor, with formal education (college, university, etc.) being less important. But as the field has evolved, educational opportunities abound. Many supply chain leaders have degrees in Industrial Engineering, STEM fields, or MBAs, and today many supply chain leadership roles require at least some sort of formal degree. As you develop your career, it’s tremendously helpful to seek out educational opportunities to further hone your skills—and open new pathways through networking and relationships. Even if you don’t seek a formal MBA or other continuing education degrees, certifications in various supply chain disciplines (for example APICS, CSCMP) can show your skills and help you stand out from the crowd. 

6. Build your personal brand

Personal branding is a huge topic, and it can seem daunting, but the fundamentals involve a few habits that don’t take too much time. Once you’ve invested enough time in your career to build a diverse supply chain skills base, personal branding can be a key differentiator. At a base level, make sure that your LinkedIn profile is current, with a good picture, full of relevant keywords and career accomplishments. Beyond that, contribute to topics people are discussing, or write about current supply chain issues either on LinkedIn or for trade magazines. Consider reaching out to schools and career associations and offer to speak or contribute to panels or thought leadership—all of which can help build your profile. A strong personal brand means that hiring managers (and recruiters!) will find you more easily, and you will look stronger when they do.

7. Develop relationships with recruitment firms

Forgive us for this one, but it has to be said. A recruitment firm like Argentus that’s dedicated to recruitment in Supply Chain, Procurement and their associated disciplines can be a big leg up in pushing your career to the next level. As specialists in the field, often we’ll work with candidates across many years, helping them secure not only executive roles—but the manager, senior manager and director roles that lead to executive roles. 

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Depending on where you are in your career journey, these tips may vary. And there’s definitely enough advice about advancing into leadership positions out there to fill several books—and people have! But hopefully you’ll find something useful in these tips, whether you’re a sole contributor with a few years under your belt or a well-established manager looking to take things to the next level. 

And as always, if you’re a supply chain executive looking to move into your next role—or an organization looking to hire your next great supply chain leader—let Argentus help you. Send an email with your requirements to recruit@argentus.com today!