Supply Chain Skills to Assess for Hiring: What to Look for and How to Test Them

Hiring for a supply chain role? Then you already know—you’re not just looking for someone who can juggle spreadsheets. You’re looking for someone who can spot inefficiencies, manage chaos, predict demand, and keep things moving—on time, every time.

Whether it’s a logistics coordinator, procurement analyst, or supply chain planner, the right hire will help you stay lean, agile, and competitive.

But here’s the challenge: How do you know if someone actually has the right skills—before you hire them? This blog breaks it down.

📌 Want to assess the right way? Start with our guide: How to Assess Supply Chain Candidates Before Hiring

🚚 Why Skills-Based Hiring Matters in Supply Chain

Resumes can list every ERP platform under the sun and still miss the mark. That’s why it’s critical to assess real-world skills that directly impact performance on the ground.

You’re not hiring someone to “manage supply chain systems.” You’re hiring someone to:

• Prevent stockouts
  
• Optimize inventory levels
  
• Streamline supplier coordination
  
• Handle unexpected delays
  
• Reduce waste and costs
  

🧩 10 Must-Have Supply Chain Skills to Assess (With Why They Matter)

Here’s a detailed look at the core skills every strong supply chain candidate should have—along with what each skill actually tells you.

Skill	Why It Matters
Forecasting & Demand Planning	Anticipates what, when, and how much to order—avoids overstock/understock
Inventory Management	Controls stock levels and ensures data accuracy across systems
ERP/SCM Tool Proficiency	Speeds up workflows and reduces errors—crucial for scaling
Excel/Data Analysis	Translates raw numbers into actionable supply chain insights
Procurement & Vendor Management	Optimizes sourcing, costs, and delivery timelines
Logistics Coordination	Ensures products move efficiently through each stage
Risk Management & Problem-Solving	Keeps things running when something breaks
Communication & Collaboration	Aligns teams across operations, finance, and sales
Process Optimization	Identifies and fixes inefficiencies in workflows
Regulatory & Compliance Awareness	Reduces risks with customs, transport, and industry rules

✅ How to Assess Each Skill in Practice

Now let’s talk about how to test these skills in a real hiring process—so you can go beyond the resume.

1. Forecasting & Demand Planning

How to assess:

• Ask scenario questions like:
  “How would you respond to a sudden 30% increase in product demand?”
  
• Give them a basic demand dataset and ask them to identify trends or suggest reorder points.
  

2. Inventory Management

How to assess:

• Ask about their experience managing min/max stock levels.
  
• Present a mock inventory sheet and ask them to find errors or inefficiencies.
  

3. ERP/SCM System Proficiency

How to assess:

• Ask which systems they’ve used (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  
• Ask:
  “How did you use [ERP] to manage supply chain workflows or reporting?”
  

4. Excel & Data Analysis

How to assess:

• Give a simple spreadsheet task: sorting, filtering, and using formulas like VLOOKUP or IF.
  
• Ask:
  “How would you use Excel to improve demand forecasting accuracy?”

5. Procurement & Vendor Management

How to assess:

• Ask situational questions like:
  “How would you handle a supplier consistently missing delivery deadlines?”
  
• Look for negotiation skills, diplomacy, and decision-making logic.
  

6. Logistics Coordination

How to assess:

• Ask:
  “How do you plan and track shipments with multiple carriers?”
  
• Bonus: Give a basic shipping scenario to walk through.
  

7. Problem-Solving Under Pressure

How to assess:

• Ask about real-life disruptions they’ve handled.
  
• Use a scenario test:
  “You’re out of stock and a major client is waiting—what do you do?”

8. Communication Skills

How to assess:

• Ask candidates to simulate a quick stakeholder update.
• Evaluate written and verbal clarity in responses.
  

9. Process Improvement Thinking

How to assess:

• Ask:
  “Tell me about a process you helped improve in your last supply chain role.”
  
• Look for practical examples with measurable outcomes.
  

10. Compliance & Risk Awareness

How to assess:

• Ask how they’ve handled customs delays, transport restrictions, or audits.
• Listen for knowledge of local and global compliance risks.
  

🎯 Quick Scorecard Template for Supply Chain Hiring

Skill Area	Weight (%)	Score (1–5)
Forecasting & Planning	20%
Inventory & ERP Skills	20%
Problem-Solving	20%
Communication	20%
Process & Risk Awareness	20%

🔗 Related Reads to Help You Hire Smarter

• How to Assess Supply Chain Candidates Before Hiring
  
• Supply Chain Interview Questions and Answers
  

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the most critical supply chain skills to test during hiring?

The must-assess skills include:

• Forecasting and demand planning – to avoid stockouts and overstock
  
• Inventory and ERP tool proficiency – for smooth daily operations
  
• Problem-solving under pressure – especially for disruptions
  
• Communication and collaboration – to align teams and vendors
  
• Process improvement mindset – for long-term supply chain efficiency
  

Each of these directly impacts how smoothly your supply chain runs.

2. How do I evaluate a candidate’s forecasting ability?

Ask scenario-based questions like:

“What would you do if demand spiked unexpectedly for a seasonal product?”

You can also give them a basic sales dataset and ask for a short forecast or reorder plan. Look for logic, clarity, and the ability to explain assumptions.

3. Can I assess Excel or ERP skills during the interview?

Absolutely. For Excel, ask them to complete a short task involving sorting, filtering, and using a simple formula like VLOOKUP or IF. For ERP systems, ask them how they’ve used tools like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite in past roles.

👉 Tip: Don’t just ask which tools they’ve used—ask how they used them.

4. How do I know if someone is good at vendor or procurement management?

Ask situational questions like:

“How do you handle a supplier that keeps missing delivery deadlines?”
Look for negotiation skills, professional communication, and the ability to maintain strong vendor relationships under pressure.

5. What soft skills matter most in supply chain roles?

Top soft skills include:

• Clear communication (especially with cross-functional teams)
  
• Calm under pressure
  
• Proactive thinking
  
• Organizational discipline
  
• Team alignment
  

These aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re what keep the chain from breaking when challenges hit.

🚀 Final Thoughts

When it comes to hiring for supply chain roles, guesswork isn’t an option. You need people who can not only manage tools and processes—but also think strategically, act fast, and collaborate cross-functionally.

So don’t just ask about experience. Test for real-world skills. Assign mini-scenarios. Score candidates with structure. The right hire won’t just “manage” the supply chain—they’ll improve it.