Ongoing geopolitical tensions – such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East crisis – continues to have a profound impact on global logistics and operating costs in the sector. Higher costs have trickled down across the supply chain, impacting manufacturers, logistics companies and consumers.
“In response, both Malaysian and international logistics service providers are consolidating their operations into larger, centralised hubs to achieve economies of scale,” relates Aaron Low Yew Weng, Director at Robert Walters Malaysia. “This is a trend that we foresee will persist going into 2025.”
Read on to find out more about Aaron’s expectations of the labour market and hiring trends for Supply Chain and Procurement professionals in Malaysia in 2025.
Hiring to centre around productivity, sustainability and business partnering
In 2025, companies will channel efforts towards increasing productivity from the talent pool they already have. “After over-hiring in 2022 and 2023, and faced with smaller budgets in 2024, not all companies are in the best position to expand and will focus more on their existing workforce,” explains Aaron.
Nevertheless, companies will prioritise talent with strong business partnering skills. There will also be a sustained focus on sustainable sourcing as companies look to stay compliant with ESG frameworks.
Demand for supply chain leadership, business development and planners
The sector is after talent that can help businesses make better decisions, reduce reliance on overseas suppliers, and attend to customers regionally. To that end, candidates with skillsets and capabilities in supply chain analytics, data-driven decision making, customer service and logistics for the region, and localised procurement and sourcing are at an advantage.
Heads of supply chain are one of the most in-demand positions in the industry, as businesses need competent leaders who can manage operations efficiently. Logistics companies will look out for talent in business development as they work to capture more market share. Lastly, demand planners – prized for their ability to drive accurate forecasts – remain in popular demand like in previous years.
Candidates continue to seek flexibility and wellbeing
The market has remained candidate-driven for some time now, with top tier talent receiving multiple offers. In turn, employers have had to compete by providing stronger packages to win over their candidates of choice.
Salary aside, Aaron divulges that candidates in the sector are primarily after benefits that enhance their flexibility and wellbeing. These include flexible work hours, hybrid work arrangements and wellbeing allowances.
“My advice to companies looking to attract and retain talent in 2025 is to offer exactly that to candidates you’re making an offer to,” says Aaron. “Hybrid work arrangements are seen as the new way of working, and candidates greatly prefer companies that can provide that kind of flexibility.”
Stable pay increments expected in 2025
Job movers can look forward to salary increments between 15 – 20%. Meanwhile, candidates staying with the same firm can also expect stable increments of 3 – 5%.
Find out more
Request access to our 2025 Salary Survey to benchmark salaries and to find out more about key hiring trends in the Supply Chain and Procurement industry in Malaysia.
