Operations & Supply Chain 2016 Salary Guide

Whilst the talent pool of supply chain and operations professionals is quite large, the nature of the industrial and manufacturing sector means each industry requires specific experience and skills. Therefore, companies within a specific sector are looking for the same skillset but with limited supply.
 
Demand for qualified quality and indirect procurement talent from B2C/consumer industries is increasing while demand for professionals from B2B industries is decreasing. The trend is moving towards the B2C/consumer sector.
            
Across the supply chain and operations sector, the ratio of male/female workers changes dependent upon the function. Whilst male professionals dominate technical positions, women account for the majority in non-technical roles. For example, in technical/quality/logistics, the male/female ratio is around 80:20; and for procurement/customer service/order management, the male/female ratio is around 40:60. This trend has remained the same over the last year and significant changes are not forecast in the next few years.
 
Chinese professionals that are fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and English are in high demand. Multinationals and local companies require professionals with China experience, both from a policy and products/service point of view.
 
An increasing number of senior regional roles are relocating to China in the supply chain and operations area. Shanghai is the Asia Pacific (APAC) or Asia headquarters for a growing proportion of multinational companies. Professionals working at these organisations have the opportunity to gain international experience within the APAC region.
 
Whilst some companies hire contract/temporary staff for non-core positions or use agencies to help establish their supply chain process, this is not a common trend in China.
 
Certain professional certificates are essential for supply chain and operations professionals. For example, talented individuals with a Black Belt qualification are always in demand, and procurement professionals with CISCM certificate are also in demand and obtain higher pay.