Europe still hiring supply chain talent

What are supply chain professionals making in the United Kingdom these days? Salary surveys conducted by Purcon Recruitment Services, an executive recruiting firm specializing in supply chain and procurement positions, tell the tale. A supply chain director on average makes £93,579 (about US $140,000) while a purchasing director averages £91,604 (US $137,000). A logistics manager earns an average £58,153 (US $87,000), and a purchasing manager earns £71,980 (US $107,000).

Purcon arrived at these figures by surveying 2,240 individuals involved in procurement and 1,523 individuals employed in logistics and supply chain management positions. The latter seems to be a good profession to be in lately. "In the last 24 months, salaries have increased across all levels of supply chain roles at a rate of growth significantly above the national average," the report stated.

Although Purcon only canvassed supply chain professionals in the United Kingdom for this study, the firm also does executive recruiting throughout Western Europe. Despite the downturn, Purcon says, there still is strong demand for supply chain professionals in Western Europe.

Companies that are looking for supply chain and procurement professionals are emphasizing relationshipbuilding and general business skills rather than just technical competency, the report said.

[Sources: "The Purcon Supply Chain and Logistics Salary Study" and "Purcon Salary Study," Winter 2008: www.purcon.com]