Supply and logistics is often referred to as the backbone of global trade efficiency.
From warehouse workers to supply technicians, supply and logistics jobs offer great opportunities for entry-level positions and anyone looking to get into contracting.
In fact, there are a variety of different jobs available within the supply and logistics sector, all of which need diverse, highly skilled workers who are capable of managing complex supply chain systems and logistics planning.
So, if you want to find out what opportunities are available in this sector and discover more about careers in logistics and supply chain management, read on to find out how to get started...
Why work in supply and logistics?
The complexity of global trade means demand for logistics service providers is high. Global trade involves the coordination of all the logistics and transportation steps necessary to move goods from origin to end user efficiently and cost-effectively and, as a result, there are many exciting roles within this sector offering incredibly competitive rates of pay.
What’s more, the opportunity to progress, learn new skills and further your career is huge. Here’s how to kick off your career:
6 ways to kick off your supply and logistics career
1. Make sure you’ve got the right skills
Careers in logistics and supply chain management demand a number of key skills that are considered essential.
Firstly, you must be able to work well under pressure and have a strong work ethic, and excellent teamwork is vital, along with leadership skills. In addition, supply and logistics involves planning and resolving issues and problems, so having a strategic and systematic approach is also really important.
Time management is also key, as is the ability to work to tight deadlines - and when working in a busy industrial environment, being vigilant in the workplace is absolutely essential.
The great thing is that whether you have previously been in the forces or have already worked on civvy street, you will have already picked up a number of these skills in previous roles - and if you’re concerned you don’t have the right skillset, you could take additional courses to build your experience and skills.
2. Be clear on qualifications
One of the things that makes careers in logistics and supply chain management so appealing is that there are so many roles on offer, whatever your level or experience or qualifications.
If you are interested in a position as a warehouse worker, for example, whilst some positions require candidates to have previous experience with specific systems, others are happy to train people on the job - which makes supply and logistics a great opportunity for those looking for a fresh start or a career change.
What’s more, if you are willing to gain new qualifications and licenses, such as a forklift drivers licence as required for forklift operator positions, you could open up even more new and exciting opportunities for yourself. 
3. Market yourself
Of course, if you want to kick start your career in supply and logistics, you need to market yourself properly - and without a doubt, the best way to do this is by creating an up-to-date CV detailing all of your relevant skills, qualifications and experience.
A CV is the first thing a potential employer will see when you apply for a job, so make sure you sell yourself properly! If you’re struggling to put together a CV and need a bit of extra advice, make sure you read our download on how to sell yourself to potential employers for helpful hints and tips.
4. Decide on the right role for you
As we mentioned above, there are a variety of different jobs available within the supply and logistics sector so it’s important that when embarking on your supply and logistic career, you choose the right role for you. At M&E, we typically work on the following positions:
Warehouse Workers - incorporating the processing of incoming materials, packing, and shipping stock, and general warehouse organisation. Warehouse work encompasses a broad range of functions and tasks to ensure the smooth running of warehouses, such as processing incoming materials, packing and shipping stock, and organising the warehouse.
Forklift Operators - assisting with the proficient running of warehouses, loading and unloading heavy materials to tight deadlines and carrying out safety checks to the highest standard. You’ll need to be physically fit and able to carry out safety checks to the highest standard.
Stock Clerks to Supply Technicians - overseeing all the supplies entering and leaving the warehouses, internalising shipping and stocking rules, and more. Supply technicians in particular, play a pivotal role in the supply and logistics function and you must have excellent organisational skills and because you’ll be working within a fast-paced environment, attention to detail is vital.
5. Consider an overseas contract role
If you want to learn new skills and fast, then working overseas in a contract role is a great way to get your foot in the door of the supply and logistics world. Typically contracts last six to twelve months or longer, giving you a great chance to experience what it’s like to work in a supply and logistics role.
What’s more, if you are considering a career in supply and logistics after leaving the military, an overseas contracting role is a great way to transition into civilian life. Not only will you usually work for military clients in similar environments to what you are used to, but the other employees will often be ex-military too.
6. Use an expert recruiter
Finally, if you want to kick-start your career in supply and logistics and need help and advice on your next steps, it makes sense to work closely with a specialist recruitment company. They will help you every step of the way, whether you need assistance in writing your CV or want assistance preparing for interviews.
It’s a tough market out there at the moment, and specialist recruiters will have established relationships with employers as well as a list of roles they are currently working on giving you a much better chance of landing your dream supply and logistics role that is suitable to your skills and qualifications.
Find out more here about the benefits of registering with a specialist recruitment consultancy.
How M&E can help
At M&E Global, we run a variety of complex operations, many of which are based in demanding and austere environments where minimal infrastructure exists.
In fact, we have been helping to develop site-based infrastructure in international locations for nearly 20 years, and have repeatedly demonstrated how our skills, methods and ethos are perfectly suited to establishing, regenerating and supporting national, industrial and expeditionary infrastructure.
As a result, we are always on the look-out for highly skilled workers, including entry-level personnel and anyone looking to get into contracting, who are capable of managing increasingly complex supply chain systems and logistics planning, and who want to help deliver effective supply and logistics solutions for complex operations around the world.
Ready to get started?
We are experts in supply and logistics and pride ourselves on placing candidates in roles that suit their skills and experience and also match their values and career goals.
If you are just starting out your career in supply and logistics, we are on hand to help every step of the way, taking you through the whole application process and assigning you a dedicated account manager to answer all of your questions.
So, if you’d like to discuss our supply and logistics jobs, get in touch with a member of our team today.
