Supply chain recruitment remains under pressure in 2026 as retention challenges and workforce movement continue. Employers are relying on career development, flexible hours, bonuses, overtime and practical allowances to attract and retain talent.
Most teams still report being under-resourced, increasing the focus on upskilling, targeted incentives and experienced candidates who can contribute immediately. These strategies are being used to ease workload pressure, improve continuity and strengthen workforce stability.
59%
of supply chain teams hired temporary workers in the past 12 months.
35%
of supply chain teams expect their staff turnover to improve in 2026.
66%
of teams describe themselves as under-resourced.
Operations
• Planning Manager
• Demand Manager
• Demand Planner
• Supply Manager
• Supply Planner
Transports and logistics
• National Transport/Logistics Manager
• Logistics Manager
• Logistics Coordinator
• Transport Manager
• Transport Supervisor
Warehousing and production
• Distribution Centre Manager
• Warehouse Site Manager
• Warehouse Team Supervisor
• Storeman/Forklift Driver
• Warehouse Assistant/Kit Assembler
Freight forwarding
• Air/Ocean Freight Manager
• Air/Ocean Import/Export Specialist
• Air/Ocean Freight Operator
• Import/Export Manager
• Import/Export Operator
Our process begins with a detailed consultation. We meet with you to understand the role, required skills, experience level, and cultural fit. This ensures the search is tailored to your business needs.
Once the brief is clear, we promote your vacancy across job boards, LinkedIn, our AI tools, and internal database. Our recruiters also headhunt passive candidates, ensuring you reach both active job seekers and hidden talent.
We review applications, conduct phone or video interviews, verify qualifications, and check references. Only the top candidates are shortlisted, saving you time and ensuring you meet the most suitable professionals.
Shortlisted candidates are presented to you for interview. We manage scheduling, prepare candidates, and provide you with market insights to help evaluate and compare applicants effectively.
After you choose your preferred candidate, we assist with salary negotiations, and manage counter-offers. We also follow up after placement to ensure long-term success.
Despite lower hiring intent due to economic uncertainty, gaps between workforce planning and talent availability remain across many areas including warehousing, transport, and operations. Management roles, though not a primary hiring focus, also face recruitment challenges, highlighting the ongoing need for leadership in supply chain operations.
Looking ahead to 2025, both junior and senior sales professionals will need to refine their ability to understand customer needs through skills like concise communication and active listening. With professionals becoming increasingly time-poor and businesses competing for their attention, salespeople who can acknowledge this reality will stand out. Another critical skill is the ability to communicate effectively across multiple platforms. Customers no longer want, nor have time for, endless meetings, and emails often create barriers due to their limited engagement. Successful sales professionals must be adept at leveraging digital, analogue, and in-person communication to engage with their audience."
Take a closer look at what’s driving hiring in your industry, from shifting employer priorities to the roles most in demand. This comprehensive report reveals the key trends shaping recruitment and workforce strategy this year, providing your business with a competitive edge in today’s uncertain labour market.
Copyright 2026, people2people Recruitment
