2025 to 2026 Supply Chain Talent, Technology, and Career Outlook

As supply chain leaders and professionals look ahead to 2026, one reality remains unchanged. Supply chains still exist to move, make, store, and deliver the goods and services people rely on every day. Food must be produced and distributed. Energy demand continues to rise. Products still need to move from suppliers to manufacturers to customers.What has changed is the level of complexity required to manage those flows effectively.In this episode of the Supply Chain Career Catalyst podcast, Rodney Apple, Chris Gaffney, and Mike Ogle discuss the forces shaping supply chain careers today. Their conversation spans technology adoption, skills gaps, labor market shifts, risk management, and what both employers and professionals must do to remain competitive in an increasingly uncertain environment.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Career Catalyst series, we break down one of the most overlooked stages of the job search journey – offer evaluation and negotiation. Supply chain professionals often focus on interviewing well, but far fewer know how to assess the true quality of an opportunity, uncover red flags, and negotiate with confidence.Rodney Apple, Chris Gaffney, and Mike Ogle walk through the deeper questions most candidates never ask about culture, leadership, resources, stability, and long-term career impact. You’ll learn how to evaluate the full offer package beyond salary, understand your leverage, and approach negotiation in a professional and strategic way.Whether you’re early in your supply chain career or preparing for an executive move, this episode gives you a practical framework to make smarter, more intentional career decisions.Brought to you by the Supply Chain Recruiters at SCM Talent Group, the industry leader in end-to-end supply chain recruiting and executive search.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Career Catalyst podcast, hosts Rodney Apple, Chris Gaffney, and Mike Ogle dive into how to prepare for, execute, and follow up after a supply chain job interview.They cover what it takes to stand out as a top candidate, including how to research companies effectively, tailor your responses to different interviewers, and communicate measurable value through your accomplishments. The discussion also explores using AI tools responsibly during preparation, common interview mistakes to avoid, and strategies for following up to leave a lasting impression.Whether you’re launching your career or pursuing a senior leadership role, this episode provides actionable insights to help you interview with confidence, demonstrate your impact, and land the offer.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of Supply Chain Career Catalyst, we move from reflection to execution by teaching you how to turn your job search into a strategy. Learn how to build structure, stay organized, and leverage your network to land the right role faster. Whether you’re between jobs or ready for your next move, this episode will help you take control of the process and stay motivated.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

 In Episode 2 of our Supply Chain Career Catalyst series, Rodney Apple, Mike Ogle, and Chris Gaffney turn self-reflection into action. We map the career landscape with the SCOR lens (Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, Enable), show how industries (manufacturing, retail/wholesale, and enablers) shape your day-to-day, and explain why company type and size (public, private, PE/VC-backed, NGO/Gov) matter for pace and visibility. We close with five trends—digital and physical automation, data literacy, sustainability, evolving work models, and the frontline talent gap—and how to stand out as the translator who turns tech and data into real business outcomes. Walk away with concrete next steps to target roles, build agility, and accelerate your path. Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

This inaugural episode of our new podcast Series, Supply Chain Career Catalyst, hosts Rodney Apple, Mike Ogle, and Chris Gaffney take a deep dive into the importance of intentional reflection in career planning. They share how supply chain professionals can avoid making emotionally driven job changes by using structured self-assessment tools, seeking honest feedback, and exploring roles through informational interviews. The conversation emphasizes that careers are rarely linear and that lateral moves or cross-functional experiences often provide greater long-term growth. They also encourage building a personal board of advisors and maintaining a living development plan to stay proactive in career decisions.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this special two-part episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we take you inside three of the top supply chain university programs in the United States to uncover how they’re shaping the next generation of leaders. Hosts Mike Ogle, Rodney Apple, and Chris Gaffney sit down with Dr. Judy Whipple of Michigan State University, Dr. Brian Fugate of the University of Arkansas, and Chris Gaffney in his role leading Georgia Tech’s Supply Chain and Logistics Institute.You’ll hear firsthand how these programs are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing supply chain landscape - covering curriculum design, industry partnerships, experiential learning, and the essential skills students need to thrive in their careers. Whether you’re a student, educator, or supply chain professional, this episode delivers valuable insights into the future of supply chain talent development.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this special episode, guest host Brian Kennedy sits down with Chris Gaffney to explore how supply chain professionals can take control of their careers by embracing artificial intelligence. Chris introduces the “AI Maturity Ladder,” a step-by-step roadmap that helps individuals and teams evolve from foundational tools like Excel to advanced capabilities like predictive analytics, machine learning, and AI agents.The conversation covers:The evolution of AI in supply chain rolesPractical skills to stay relevant in a data-driven marketHow tools like Python, SQL, and Power BI tie into career growthWhy applied analytics beats theoretical knowledge in today’s job marketStrategies for leaders to upskill their teams and create a culture of innovationWhether you're a student, mid-career professional, or supply chain leader, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance for climbing the AI ladder and ensuring you’re leading change instead of reacting to it.🔗 Learn more at scl.gatech.edu 🎙️ Powered by SCM Talent Group | scmtalent.comNeed help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

Featuring Erin Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at YMX LogisticsIn this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we sit down with Erin Mitchell, COO of YMX Logistics, to explore her remarkable career journey from software developer at Kraft to leading logistics integrations and scaling a fast-growing startup.Erin shares how a company-sponsored MBA opened doors into operations, and how servant leadership, stretch assignments, and a bias for action helped her navigate major mergers, build high-performing teams, and drive innovation in supply chain.We discuss:The skills Erin looks for when hiring logistics talentLeading during high-pressure M&A integrationsTransitioning from shipper to logistics service providerWhy operations experience is critical for long-term career growthBalancing sustainability, customer success, and profitabilityHow to lead through change, even when the plan goes off-courseWhether you're just starting out or leading a global supply chain, Erin’s story offers practical advice and inspiration for supply chain professionals at every stage.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we dive deep into the world of operations leadership with Fabio Paniza, Director of Operations for a leading global medical device and pharmaceutical company. Fabio oversees global manufacturing operations spanning the U.S. and Switzerland, managing everything from component warehousing and kitting to final assembly, packaging, and service support for life-saving medical devices.Fabio shares his inspiring journey from his family business in Brazil to leading complex global operations for one of the world's top healthcare companies. Whether you're just starting out or seeking your next leadership role in supply chain, Fabio’s career path and perspective on people-first operations will leave you both informed and inspired.🔗 Connect with Fabio on LinkedIn: Fabio Paniza 🎧 Powered by SCM Talent Group – the industry-leading supply chain recruiting and executive search firm.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing