If you’ve ever wondered how goods get from factories to doorsteps — or how companies manage their inventories in times of uncertainty — you’re thinking about supply chain and logistics. In Singapore, this sector plays a vital role in supporting global trade and national resilience. No matter whether you’re just starting, switching paths, or looking to step up, the supply chain and logistics sector is also full of career opportunities.
We spoke to Noelle Ng, Manager in Supply Chain & Facilities Management at Randstad Singapore, to get the inside scoop on where the jobs are, how the industry’s evolving, and what it takes to succeed.
What roles are in demand?
“There’s been consistent demand in areas like demand and supply planning, procurement, and customer service, especially roles that coordinate the end-to-end supply chain,” says Noelle. “These jobs are essential as companies are always improving inventory control and cost management.”
And it’s not just the back-end operations that are growing. “On the commercial side, we’re seeing strong demand for business development roles,” she adds. “As companies compete for market share, they need professionals who can navigate the evolving market to identify new partnerships and revenue avenues strategically.”
Noelle also highlights the shift in talent expectations in recent years: “Organisations are streamlining their teams and employees are taking on broader responsibilities. The ability to combine operational expertise with commercial acumen is becoming a real differentiator in talent hiring.”
What does career growth look like?
“In the supply chain sector, career growth tends to be vertical,” Noelle explains. “It’s more about moving up within a function to deepen your specialisation rather than switching between functions to broaden your capabilities.”
She gives a practical example: “In demand and supply planning, you might start as a planner and grow into a supply chain manager. At the management level, you may oversee six to eight people. A head of supply chain might be managing a team of up to 15.”
Procurement follows a similar path. “Procurement managers typically lead four to five people. Heads of procurement might manage eight or more. It really depends on the scale of the company’s operations.”
Regarding business development roles, there may be more opportunities for growth across the organisation. “People in commercial roles who demonstrate leadership and strategic thinking often progress to director or C-suite positions,” says Noelle.
How do mid-career switchers break in?
“Transitioning into the industry from an unrelated field can be tough,” shares Noelle. “Employers often prioritise candidates with hands-on experience.”
But she added that breaking into the supply chain industry without relevant qualifications is` not impossible. “Certain roles are more accessible — like customer service, order processing, buyer roles, or logistics coordination. These positions value transferable skills such as organisation, communication, and problem-solving.”
Noelle stresses the importance of being open to starting at a lower level: “Jobseekers starting fresh in this industry will need to accept a more junior job title or lower starting salary to build up relevant experience.”
For those serious about switching, she advises structured upskilling. “You’ll need to gain domain knowledge, and the best way to start is through taking relevant diplomas or certifications to understand the technical side of the industry.”
What misconceptions hold people back?
“One common perception is that supply chain jobs involve long hours, low pay, and poor work-life balance,” says Noelle. “That’s not necessarily true anymore.”
She explains that the industry is evolving: “There’s a growing focus on employee well-being, flexible work arrangements, and more competitive compensation. Companies know that attracting and retaining talent are key to staying resilient, and they are building more well-rounded employee experiences today.”
Do I need formal qualifications?
“A related diploma or degree is preferred, but not always required,” says Noelle. “What’s more important is showing you’ve made the effort to build relevant skills through consistent upskilling.”
She adds, “Even for operational roles, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can meet the sector’s evolving technical demands. Professional certifications or recognised industry training can go a long way to demonstrate your commitment to improving yourself.”
What if I don’t feel ‘qualified enough’?
“In today’s job market, just ticking the technical boxes isn’t enough,” says Noelle. “Hiring managers are looking for people who bring soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and adaptability to the table.”
She continues: “We’re seeing a stronger preference for candidates who show loyalty and staying power. It’s no longer just about jumping for small pay bumps. Employers want people who grow with the company.”
Noelle encourages job seekers not to underestimate their strengths. “When applying for roles in supply chain and logistics, focus on the skills you have and how they meet the job requirements. Demonstrating your ability to stay organised, manage problems, and communicate well is crucial to helping prospective employers assess your suitability for the position and company culture.”
What’s changing in the industry?
“The sector is undergoing a major transformation,” says Noelle. “Automation, data analytics, and digital tools are reshaping how supply chains operate.”
As a result, new roles are emerging. “We’re seeing increased demand for supply chain excellence roles,” she explains. “These are highly data-driven positions. You’re not just collecting data, you’re turning it into business insights.”
She adds: “Skills in SQL and Tableau are in demand. Similarly, project management and strategic planning capabilities are also important. It’s about using data to optimise processes and identify where automation can make things more efficient.”
Noelle also notes a broader trend: “Many companies are moving towards integrated systems. That means they need talent who can see and manage the entire supply chain — from procurement and planning, to delivery and customer service.”
Final advice
Noelle sums it up simply: “If you’re willing to learn, adapt, and grow, there’s a place for you in this industry.”
She encourages jobseekers to take the first step. “Start by exploring roles that catch your interest. Look at what skills they require and what you already bring to the table. Save the ones that stand out, and consider upskilling where needed.”
With the right mindset and a bit of planning, a meaningful and future-ready career in supply chain and logistics could be just around the corner.
Jobseekers or mid-career switchers who are keen on joining the Supply Chain and Logistics sector can get support and on-the-job training by signing up for the following Career Conversion Programme for Biomedical Manufacturing by Workforce Singapore:
If you need professional advice on navigating your career journey, register for Polaris to access a suite of personalised career guidance programmes designed for employed individuals who are looking to elevate their careers through career planning. Good luck!
This article was done in collaboration with Randstad Singapore.
