Even the best-equipped organisations in the world will grind to a halt if goods and provisions stop flowing – and without the right logistics and infrastructure support, even the best-stocked warehouses will leave vital supplies sitting idle in the dark.
Supply and logistics are the backbone of modern society
Supply and logistics skills are in hot demand, both in defence contracting and in the wider civilian industries of the world today. This can make supply chain and logistics jobs a lucrative next career step after your years of service – but what are the key details and strategies you ought to keep in mind?
In many ways, this is a career path where soft and transferable skills you may have already picked up will serve you well. Being detail oriented, talented in coordination and effective communication, as well as having an aptitude for responding intelligently to the unexpected are all capabilities in solid demand in this industry.
Making any career decision is a serious consideration – so use the advice below to help you make an informed choice on whether a supply and logistics career move is right for you.
Here are four things you should know about supply and logistics jobs before you apply
Expect competitive rates of pay
Using a trusted logistics solutions provider to connect you with the supply chain and logistics jobs most in demand today will let you enjoy a relatively handsome level of compensation – no matter where in the world you work.
This is because one thing the best supply and logistics jobs have in common is that they understand the physical and mental demands of the work, and the level of precision it entails. Moreover, they’re willing to pay you accordingly as a contractor, often on a weekly basis – that’s far more effective cash flow than a monthly wage.
Your skills are in demand worldwide
A common mistake made by many supply and logistics organisations is to remain too insular and too focused on the needs of their immediate city or nation – failing to recognise that supply chains are an inherently global form of collaboration.
An experienced supply and logistics expert realises that the wheels of progress only turn when everyone pulls them in the same direction. Doing this means taking a broader overview of where and when supply and logistics work gets undertaken.
The upshot of this is that you have the opportunity to work in some of the most desirable and fulfilling locations in Europe – places hungry for your capabilities and willing to pay you what you’re worth for them.
If you remain open-minded on where in the world you want to earn your living, the opportunities open to you in supply and logistics work could well surprise you.
You have full backing and support
Teamwork and the importance of the unit is something everyone gets told during the course of a service career – yet how often can you honestly say you have felt as though you had the full support of your organisation when you needed it the most?
A supply and logistics career is an inherently demanding role, but the difference here is that you’re not cast out to handle it on your own. Support and guidance is increasingly on hand to help with every detail – from making the transition and adjusting to a new culture, to simply facing the challenges and trials found on the job.
Often, companies are more than happy to tout words like wellbeing and mental health, yet don’t have any proactive measures to actually ensure it’s catered for. When you make the right choice in who you contract with for supply and logistics work, expect comprehensive support every step of the way.
It’s not just moving things around
For many people, it’s easy to underestimate just what goes into supply and logistics work. At face value, it looks like it’s simply a case of moving things from place to place, loading and unloading vehicles and stacking shelves while enjoying banter with your workmates.
The reality is a lot more nuanced than you might think – and also explains why supply and logistics jobs demand such a wide variety of skills. Yes, there is a solid demand for physical labour and capabilities in that area – but this is a career path that’s just as open to mechanically or technically gifted people, individuals who can analyse efficiency and suggest improvements, and plenty more besides.
Supply and logistics skills are in short supply worldwide
Without effective support and consistent new talent, the supply and logistics industry could grind to a halt – and the world along with it.
As a comprehensive and surprisingly rich world of work, this is a field that rewards hard graft and a tactical mindset. For those looking for the next career step – and plenty of opportunities for travel besides – supply and logistics contracting is a vocation that’s got plenty to offer. You only have to look at the supply chain and logistics jobs currently available with M&E Global to see it!
How M&E Global can support you
If you’d like further guidance on kick-starting your career in supply and logistics, be sure to download our free, comprehensive guide, or contact our team today.
