Malaysia is poised to see consistent demand and growth for strategic supply chain professionals, owing to the ongoing transformation of many organisations looking to optimise their resources and processes. This has taken the focus away from traditional technical roles and brought skills like change management, regional category management and demand planning to the forefront. The rise of automation has also been driving demand for more integrated planning and business intelligence capabilities.

Strategic candidates in high demand but short supply
These are some of the findings from The Inside Story of Malaysia, a monthly regional recruitment analysis undertaken by global recruitment expert Hays. Focusing on ‘Supply Chain Management’, the analysis found that strategic supply chain candidates are in high demand, particularly within senior level roles. However, the area is seeing a shortage in qualified talent, prompting fierce competition between organisations while prompting them to focus on training and developing their existing staff.

Flexible recruitment solutions increasingly preferred
This pressure has also contributed to more companies exploring flexible recruitment solutions or hiring contractors/temporary workers on a project basis. But on the candidate side, the outlook towards project-basis work is still gaining acceptance as a lot of candidates in the region still prefer permanent positions over contract-based projects. However, if potential employers offered the option of conversion after completing a project, candidates would be more likely to consider or accept them.

Businesses gear for transformation
Many key players in the market are seeking candidates within the demand planning function, in which knowledge and skills in forecasting, analysis, modelling and stakeholder management are emphasised. Demand planners will be expected to work closely with commercial teams and be involved in customer management to drive greater accuracy and service delivery. The cross-functional nature of this role is vital are more organisations move away from traditional silo models and attempt to streamline their functions.

Another skill in demand for senior roles this year is a proven record in driving transformation, as well as new implementation. This ties in with the ongoing automation of functions to encourage cost savings and optimization of resources. Leaders are now expected to have the capacity and experience to drive such projects, not just in terms of operational and technical areas, but also in terms of people management

Tom Osborne, Managing Director of Hays Malaysia commented, “While the future looks bright for the supply chain market in Malaysia, the trend of streamlining and optimising resources and processes is likely to continue. To ensure job security and increase chances of receiving premium offer, candidates would do well to keep abreast of changes in the industry and upskill as much as possible to more strategic and digitalised areas of interest.”

To read the full Inside Story of Supply Chain Management in Malaysia, please click here.

Last updated on November 25th, 2019