Not unlike years past, 2025 is set to bring major shifts to the supply chain workforce. Hiring in line with CSCO (Chief Supply Chain Officer) and CPO (Chief Procurement Officer) priorities like sustainability and automation is poised to take off. In contrast, traditional logistics and manual labor roles will take a backseat. To fully understand these shifts and why they are happening, we have to first look back at 2024.
The year brought labor strikes, port closures, talks of tariffs, the implementation of AI and new sustainability regulations, all of which impacted the way the supply chain operated. These trends not only defined the industry in 2024 but also laid the foundation for a 2025 workforce shaped and influenced by innovation and sustainability.
Sustainability’s Growing Influence on Supply Chain Roles
Environmental impact, ethical practices and regulatory compliance are major areas of focus for both lawmakers and the general public, and pressures are increasingly impacting the supply chain industry. Take Microsoft, for example. Last year, the tech giant took a proactive approach to sustainability by implementing and hiring a designated decarbonization team within its supply chain. In 2025, we can expect to see more companies following suit as demands for sustainability in the supply chain increase.
While we wait for official regulations and policies to take effect, many companies within the supply chain will continue to feel pressure to reduce their footprint. Businesses will have to shift their focus from hiring primarily for traditional supply chain roles to bringing on employees in roles focused on sustainability and environmental compliance. For example, companies might prioritize hiring sustainability officers, environmental analysts, EHS Managers and compliance specialists to navigate emerging regulations and implement green initiatives, versus more traditional roles like inventory control managers.
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To meet this demand, companies can attract talent by highlighting their commitment to sustainability and promoting a green company culture. They also should invest in training and development to upskill employees, as the existing talent pool for this skillset is limited. Individuals with sustainability or transferrable experience will be highly desirable, as they bring diverse knowledge that allows them to provide new solutions, identify risks and bring alternative perspectives to the team. By prioritizing talent with these specialized skills, businesses can ensure they are prepared for the evolving landscape and have the right talent to integrate sustainability practices into their supply chains.
Automation Fuels Efficiency and Tech Talent Demand
Automation was a major driver of growth and efficiency in 2024. From streamlining logistics to reducing waste, automation is transforming how businesses operate. For instance, automated inventory management systems minimize excess stock, cutting down on material waste and storage requirements. Similarly, robotics in warehouses enhance energy efficiency by decreasing the need for manual labor in repetitive tasks. These advancements highlight the pivotal role of automation in creating more sustainable and efficient operations.
As these tools continue to be embedded into the supply chain, the demand for highly proficient tech-focused professionals will skyrocket. The industry will need individuals who can develop, implement and maintain complex systems. Companies will – and should – look to invest in roles such as project engineers who can implement solutions and optimize processes, and automation or controls engineers capable of using advanced analytics to uncover trends and improve efficiency.
The Talent Shortage: Demand for Cross-Functional Skills
As supply chain companies focus on filling new and evolving positions to meet various unique initiatives, they will be looking to find qualified candidates. However, the talent shortage continues in 2025, especially for skilled labor with cross-functional skills needed for the evolving roles within supply chain operations. The U.S. manufacturing industry is projected to need almost 4 million jobs filled by 2033, and an expected 1.9 million of these jobs could go unfilled due to a shortage of workers.
The limited talent pool and constantly evolving demand for specialized roles leaves those looking to hire in a vulnerable state. Companies are hunting for candidates that can work across a number of areas, including operations, sustainability and technology or some combination of those. Given the talent shortage, hiring managers will need to find candidates with relevant experience versus an exact match who are agile and quick to learn the rest, even if that learning may happen on the job.
Companies worried about finding the right talent will benefit from leveraging external expertise to identify and attract multiskilled candidates. Experienced talent specialists can help organizations navigate the competitive landscape, ensuring they secure top talent, ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. And for the talent who demonstrate adaptability, they will find that they have a competitive edge and a great opportunity to reinvent themselves within the industry.
Looking Ahead
As trends like automation and sustainability continue to reshape the supply chain, companies will prioritize cross-functional talent capable of navigating these changes. The evolving workforce must embrace new technologies, environmental goals and a culture of continuous learning to stay ahead in this rapidly transforming field. The talent shortage will undoubtedly present challenges, but those who can bridge the gap between technology, operations and sustainability will be poised to lead the charge toward a more efficient and sustainable supply chain in 2025 and beyond.
Christine Corson is the Head of DSJ Global, the supply chain recruitment division of Phaidon International. With over nine years of experience, she has been pivotal in shaping the firm’s recruitment solutions for logistics, procurement and manufacturing sectors. Corson has led DSJ Global in building high-performing diverse teams while driving growth and success in the evolving supply chain landscape.
