The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in mounting challenges faced by manufacturers and logistics firms, such as depleting and idling stock, a dip in productivity due to workforce measures and the inability to meet contractual obligations.
Regional offices based in Hong Kong SAR are investing in strengthening their in-house digital capabilities through data. The use of data allows more organisations to better anticipate consumer demands and troughs, enabling them to better align their production and logistics to meet demands. Businesses can also use these trend analytics to automate orders and pin them against their real-time stock, preventing overstocking and resulting in higher fulfilment levels.
Actual product management is another area that is still hiring. Candidates in this space tend to look for employers that can provide regional exposure and a higher level of job security. There is also strong demand for talent in indirect procurement. Employers are seeking experienced candidates who possess good knowledge in IT procurement as well as experience in overseeing budget control initiatives.
2021 labour and salary trends for professionals in sourcing & supply chain
Due to the technical nature of the job in the sourcing and supply chain sector, it is not easy for professionals to switch between sectors without taking a significant pay cut or accepting a less attractive job title. Organisations also still prefer candidates with relevant product knowledge and experience, as opposed to job seekers with a background in another vertical.
Overall, candidates looking to change careers are not expecting a high salary increment in 2021. Most candidates would rather work with a company that is financially stable, even if the salary offered is the same as their last drawn salary.
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