The cost of a bad hire can be as much as 30% of their annual salary. At Next Generation, we specialise in supply chain recruitment in Ireland, and have seen first-hand how hiring mistakes can cost businesses time, money and high-potential candidates.
As Ireland’s supply chain jobs landscape becomes more competitive, there is an increasing need for talent across logistics, procurement, operations and planning. But supply chain hiring isn’t as simple as posting a job ad and hoping for the best. Here are five critical mistakes companies must avoid to improve hiring outcomes.
Overlooking Supply-Chain Soft Skills: While technical expertise is essential, supply chain jobs demand strong soft skills tailored to the sector. Effective communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management are crucial for navigating supply networks.
Pro Tip: During interviews, probe for situational examples - how did they manage a delayed shipment or handle supplier negotiations? Prioritise emotional intelligence as highly as SAP.Slow, Complicated Hiring Processes: Talented supply chain professionals are often interviewing with multiple employers. Numerous interview rounds and delayed decision-making can drive them away.
Pro Tip: Limit interviews to no more than three stages, provide feedback within 48 hours and work with a recruiter who can keep candidates engaged.Ignoring Culture Fit: A technically perfect candidate who doesn’t gel with your team or adapt to your operational environment will not stay long, and may even disrupt existing team dynamics.
Pro Tip: Whether it’s fast-paced and entrepreneurial or structured and corporate, define your culture clearly and ensure your interview process tests for fit. Behavioural questions and peer interviews can be powerful tools.
Avoid Generic Recruitment Partners: Partnering with a generic recruitment agency risks missing critical nuances, such as understanding market salary trends, candidate motivations and evolving skill requirements.
Pro Tip: A specialised supply-chain hiring partner like Next Generation speaks the same language as your hiring managers and offers market insights that improve hiring outcomes.Overlooking the Strategic Value of Contract Talent : Many companies default to permanent hires for supply chain roles — even when short-term expertise could deliver faster results. This mindset can lead to missed opportunities, especially during projects, peaks in workload, or talent shortages.
Pro Tip: Build contract hiring into your workforce strategy. With the right recruitment partner like Next Generation, you can access vetted professionals who can hit the ground running — often within days.
As Ireland’s supply chain and logistics sector is evolving, your hiring approach should too. At Next Generation, we partner with businesses to develop long-term recruitment strategies tailored to the dynamic industry environment. Contact us today.
