Key Takeaways
01. Job confidence is strong
64% of supply chain professionals feel confident about finding a new role, underpinned by strong demand for their skills. The function’s elevated profile since COVID has increased both visibility and job security across most disciplines. For employers, this means you cannot afford complacency - candidates have options, especially experienced professionals in high-demand areas.
02. Tariffs are changing skills, not headcounts
45% of professionals expect trade restrictions to shift the skills required in their roles, rather than reduce job numbers outright. Employers should audit their teams for gaps in regulatory and geopolitical knowledge, while professionals should consider building capability in trade compliance, supplier risk, and data literacy.
03. AI is a tool, not a threat
Only 30% of respondents are very or somewhat concerned about AI replacing their role, and interpersonal skills are seen as the most important asset over the next three years. The takeaways for professionals is to lean into the human side of supply chain, as stakeholder management, relationship building, and commercial judgment are increasingly where value lies.
04. But use AI in the hiring process with caution
41% of professionals are uncomfortable with AI hiring tools, and 17% would withdraw from a process that used them, so employers should ensure every candidate-facing touchpoint is handled by experienced people. Use AI to streamline back-office processes if needed, but not in place of genuine human assessment.
05. Salaries are catching up - but not for everyone
Base salaries are trending upward and more professionals received a pay rise than in last year’s survey. However, 39% of individual contributors and 36% of managers still feel underpaid relative to the market, which may make a targeted salary review for frontline professionals necessary.
06. Flexible working is a baseline, not a bonus
83% of professionals say flexible working is important to them, and 39% would turn down a fully on-site role - up 6% from last year. For roles where remote or flexible working is feasible, make it part of your standard offer. Withholding it unnecessarily narrows your talent pool significantly.
07. Career stagnation is building
67% of professionals have not been promoted in the past year, and low base salary has overtaken feeling unchallenged as the second biggest reason to leave a company. Proactively review promotion pipelines and pay progression, as professionals who feel overlooked will soon start searching.
08. Counter offers are likely to rise
23% of surveyed professionals have received a counter offer after resigning, but with dissatisfaction building around pay, progression, and work-life balance, that number is expected to grow. By the time an employee has made the decision to leave, a counter offer is almost always too late - 75% of those who received one still left.
Summary
The European supply chain talent market in 2026 is one of contrasts. On the surface, confidence levels are encouraging, salaries are improving, and the majority of professionals feel positive about the future. But beneath that, a slow-burning set of pressures is accumulating that employers cannot ignore. For organisations looking to attract and retain top talent, the findings in this report offer a clear steer: pay competitively, invest in development and progression, and treat flexibility as a given where feasible. The professionals who power your supply chain are more visible, more valued, and more aware of their options than at any point in recent memory. For professionals, the picture is positive. Your skills are in demand, and those who invest in the right capabilities - particularly interpersonal qualities, adaptability, and a willingness to operate across borders - will find plenty of opportunity in the years ahead.
DSJ Global works with supply chain professionals and organisations across Europe, providing specialist recruitment, market insight, and talent strategy support. Whether you’re looking to build a high-performing team or take the next step in your own career, our consultants provide the dedicated, people-first support that this data tells us professionals genuinely value. Please get in touch to find out more.
