SUPPLY CHAIN UNICORN HUNT: THE ELUSIVE QUEST FOR HR

Abstract

This article is at the intersection between human resources management (HRM) and supply chain management (SCM). In light of the shortage of qualified human resources in the logistics and supply chain field, we aim to answer two key questions: 1) What is the typical profile of the scarce managerial resource in this field? and 2) What are the key competencies required for succeeding in this role? We propose to answer these two questions through the exploration of the SCM literature dealing with competencies and a quantitative methodological approach based on and a survey of 156 French managers working in logistics and SCM. We analyzed textual data and identified three typical profiles of managers: the project manager, the relationship manager, and the flow manager. Our analysis also revealed six blocks of key competencies, which we refer to as “facets” of the profession: initiative, investigation, mediation, vision, harmonization, and technique. Importantly, our research shows that these competencies are not manifested in the same way across different managers, organizations, and positions. We discuss the positive indicators for HR managers in the fight against talent shortages and emphasize the importance of context. Finally, we present limitations of our research and suggest future directions for inquiry.