Employers head into 2025 with eye on costs and specialised roles
The Supply Chain, Procurement & Logistic market faced a rocky year in 2024, navigating global economic slowdown, high interest rates and geopolitical uncertainties.
Following a post-pandemic rebound, supply chains encountered new disruptions, including Red Sea bottlenecks, which compelled companies to strengthen risk management, adjust strategies, and adapt workforce policies to sustain operations. Commodity shortages and rising raw material costs further strained profit margins, highlighting the need for efficient, resilient practices.
Meanwhile, digital transformation and sustainability efforts expanded across the Asia Pacific region, with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea at the forefront of adopting artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain to enhance visibility and efficiency. The industry is also prioritising sustainable procurement by selecting suppliers who meet ethical, low-carbon, and fair labor standards. This approach not only addresses regulatory and consumer demands but also brings potential savings and resilience, positioning sustainable procurement as a key driver of long-term value and innovation.
“Although the market is poised for recovery, the extent of improvement in 2025 remains to be seen as companies are likely to proceed cautiously,” says Wendy Heng, Associate Director at Robert Walters Singapore.
Read on to find out more about Wendy’s expectations of the labour market and hiring trends for Supply Chain, Procurement & Logistics professionals in Singapore in 2025.
More consolidated, specialised roles
The focus on digital transformation and sustainability is set to continue, and the hiring market in 2025 will reflect that. Modern supply chains are complex, with strict compliance requirements. Therefore, companies will continue prioritising candidates with expertise in AI, automation, IoT and blockchain, and those who can drive efficiency, transparency and environmentally friendly practices.
Companies will also continue to prioritise specialised roles that reinforce core supply chain competencies. Areas of focus include logistics management, inventory optimisation and supplier relationship management – key roles that enhance efficiency, reduce costs and ensure seamless supply chain operations. This reflects a strategic approach towards strengthening operations and adapting to evolving market dynamics, while maintaining resilience performance.
Already, companies are centralising regional supply chain and procurement roles – a trend that is expected to prevail going into 2025. “Employees can expect wider portfolios that require them to cover more markets or regions. More regional and global roles are likely to surface as well,” says Wendy. “This comes as companies look to raise efficiency, streamline decision-making and integrate supply chain activities across different markets.”
There will also be a larger emphasis on skills-based hiring, with companies looking beyond traditional qualifications to consider candidates with the necessary skills and competencies.
Demand for optimisation, digital and sustainability expertise
The most popular roles in the market in 2025 are regional logistics and distribution managers, supply chain transformation managers and sustainable procurement managers.
Technical skills that are in-demand are around process optimisation, digital transformation, data interpretation and analysis, carbon footprint management and green facilities management. Soft skills that are highly appreciated include adaptability, learning agility, communication, stakeholder management and problem solving.
Candidates more cautious and strategic about moves
Over the past year, candidates became more risk-averse, prioritising job security and stability in response to volatile market conditions. Now, they approach new opportunities strategically, seeking roles that promise both stability and growth. Workforce priorities have also shifted, with a stronger emphasis on holistic wellbeing, flexibility, and ongoing development.
Wendy advises candidates to strike a balance between depth and breadth of experience, noting, “Companies value well-rounded candidates, but they are even more eager for talent that can demonstrate growth and specialised expertise. Avoid short tenures where possible to showcase a solid career trajectory.”
Professionals can also gain a competitive advantage on the market by upskilling in areas like digital, data analytics and AI. Meanwhile, those impacted by redundancy can consider contract roles to continue learning and advancing their careers.
Provide flexibility and upskilling to engage talent
Adaptability and agility are key for companies looking to attract and retain talent in today’s hiring market. Given how rapidly the industry is changing, companies also need to keep up with the pace of digitalisation and demonstrate a willingness to embrace change.
Setting clear directives is crucial for business continuity and resilience because it ensures employees understand where the business wants to be and how it intends to get there.
Upskilling opportunities are also key as professionals are concerned about their career progression. Given that candidates are now also more mindful of their wellbeing, companies may benefit from incorporating some flexibility into schedules where possible.
Salaries to go up, but at slower rate
Salaries in the industry have gone up in recent years, driven by competition over skilled professionals who can help companies weather through supply chain disruptions and restore business continuity. However, now that operations are more stabilised and roles have been centralised or offshored, salaries are expected to increase at a more subdued rate.
Find out more
Request access to our 2025 Salary Survey to benchmark salaries and to find out more about key hiring trends in the Supply Chain, Procurement & Logistics industry in Singapore.
