The number of supply chain jobs advertised year-on-year in the UK in the second quarter of 2015 has increased by 26%, according to research from specialist recruiter Robert Walters.

Figures from the Robert Walters UK Jobs Index, which charts vacancy numbers posted to online platforms, has revealed that the demand for supply chain professionals grew most significantly in London with vacancies up 30% compared to the second quarter of 2014, with the overall number of vacancies up 6% over this period.

Supply chain vacancies have also seen healthy growth during 2015. Compared to the first quarter of this year, the number of vacancies is up 15%.

Demand for procurement specialists has also increased year-on-year with the number of vacancies 6% higher in Q2 2015 than in the same period last year.

James Franklin, manager, procurement, comments: “As employers look to expand amid high confidence in the wake of the election, demand for supply chain and procurement professionals has grown. Maximising cost efficiencies is a high priority for businesses and professionals with the relevant skills and experience are able to take advantage of the current climate to secure permanent roles. While contract positions are still available, the belief that the UK is set for a spell of sustained growth has convinced many employers to focus on recruiting permanent staff to accommodate the expansion of their business.”

Neil Morgan, manager, supply chain, comments: “We have seen businesses focus on recruiting supply chain professionals with demand planning experience as there is a need to work a lot closer with their customers.  This is prominent within the FMCG industry, but we have seen this transfer into other sectors also such as automotive, chemicals and pharmaceuticals as the need to understand commercial trends increases.

“We expect the job market to continue to be buoyant as the need to bring good supply chain professionals into businesses remains high. The challenge is always attracting the best candidates to your business as they will be in high demand as the market lacks top talent who are actively looking as their scarcity means they are frequently well compensated in their current roles.  This means salaries are inflated to retain candidates but also to entice them to move roles.”