Hiring in Supply Chain: Guide and Trends in 2026

Supply chain talent shifts towards strategic planning and risk management

Indonesia’s supply chain and procurement functions are facing growing pressure to balance cost efficiency with resilience. As businesses navigate changing sourcing strategies, digital transformation and sustainability requirements, employers are looking for professionals who can do more than manage day-to-day operations. They need talent who can use data, manage supplier risks and connect supply chain decisions with wider business performance.

This is shifting demand towards strategic procurement, supply chain planning and logistics professionals with stronger analytical and commercial capabilities. At the same time, AI and automation are changing routine tasks, while companies are placing greater emphasis on regional supplier networks and more resilient sourcing strategies.

Daniel Lee, Senior Consultant, Supply Chain at Robert Walters Indonesia, shares his outlook on the hiring trends, salary expectations and talent priorities shaping Indonesia’s supply chain market in 2026.

Read on to find out more about Daniel’s expectations for Supply Chain hiring in Indonesia in 2026.

From cost control to more strategic procurement

Procurement is increasingly expected to contribute directly to business performance, particularly as companies seek to manage costs, reduce exposure to supply disruptions and build more resilient supplier networks. The shift towards diversifying sourcing beyond China is also creating opportunities to develop local and regional suppliers, including across ASEAN.

This is supporting demand for Strategic Category Managers who can assess supplier risks, negotiate commercially favourable terms and identify sourcing opportunities beyond traditional markets. Employers increasingly value financial acumen alongside procurement expertise, as purchasing decisions have a direct bearing on margins and profitability.

For candidates, the ability to combine strategic sourcing with risk management and commercial judgement will be important as businesses look for procurement professionals who can contribute beyond transactional purchasing.

Digitalisation puts data and planning skills in focus

Although AI is attracting considerable attention, many companies are still working to integrate core systems such as warehouse management systems (WMS) and transport management systems (TMS). This creates a need for professionals who can connect technology with operational requirements and turn data into practical decisions.

Supply Chain Analysts with strong data interpretation skills are increasingly relevant, while demand is also expected for professionals who can integrate enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, warehouse platforms and supplier portals. Rather than simply implementing new technology, employers want to understand how these investments improve planning, visibility and operational efficiency.

Supply and demand planning is another important area. Sales and operations planning (S&OP) and integrated business planning (IBP) leaders help bring operational plans and financial objectives together, enabling businesses to anticipate demand, reduce waste and make more informed decisions.

AI changes the value of supply chain talent

Automation is increasingly suited to routine, rules-based tasks in areas such as purchasing administration and inventory processing. As these activities become more automated, professionals will need to develop capabilities that go beyond transaction handling.

Strategic negotiation, scenario planning and complex problem-solving will become more valuable, particularly when businesses need to respond to changing costs, supplier risks or disruptions. Professionals who can interpret AI-generated insights and translate them into sound commercial decisions will also be better positioned to contribute.

Communication and stakeholder management matter just as much. Supply chain decisions often require coordination across procurement, finance, logistics and operations, as well as close relationships with suppliers. The ability to explain data clearly and influence decisions across these groups will help distinguish professionals who can manage complexity effectively.

Sustainability and regional sourcing reshape priorities

Supply chain resilience is not only about cost and availability. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly influencing procurement decisions, with businesses needing greater visibility into supplier practices and potential risks further down their supply chains.

This is creating demand for professionals who can incorporate sustainability and supplier due diligence into procurement processes, particularly in sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and resources. Combined with the push to diversify sourcing across ASEAN, these requirements are making supplier evaluation and long-term relationship management more important.

For employers, the challenge is to build supply chains that remain commercially viable while meeting evolving expectations around responsible sourcing and resilience.

Salary growth favours specialised supply chain skills

Salaries across Supply Chain and Procurement are expected to see typical base increases of around 5.5–6.5% in 2026. However, mid-to-senior professionals with expertise in S&OP and IBP, digital implementation, and strategic risk management in procurement may command increases of 10–15% when changing employers.

These projections reflect the value placed on specialist capabilities that support planning, technology adoption and supply chain resilience.

For employers, competitive salary benchmarking will be important when hiring for critical roles. For candidates, developing analytical, digital and commercial skills can strengthen their position in a selective market.

Find out more

Request access to the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2026 to benchmark salaries and explore key hiring trends in Indonesia.