What skills are UK employers still struggling to hire for in 2026?

With inflation easing and many businesses taking a more cautious approach to hiring, it would be easy to assume the UK skills shortage has largely passed. In our experience as recruiters, that is not what we are seeing. 

Across supply chain, procurement, logistics, sales and operations functions, many employers are hiring more selectively, but the vacancies they do release often remain difficult to fill. Demand has shifted towards professionals who can lead through uncertainty, use technology effectively and improve performance in complex environments.

For businesses across manufacturing, FMCG, retail, wholesale and third-party logistics, the challenge is no longer simply attracting applicants. It is securing people with the right blend of commercial judgement, leadership capability and modern technical skills.

 

Why shortages still exist in a cautious market

While some organisations have slowed recruitment or tightened budgets, operational pressures have not disappeared. In fact, in many cases they have become more complex. 

We are seeing employers continue to hire because they still need people who can help them respond to:

• Ongoing supply chain disruption and network risk  
• Margin pressure and cost control demands  
• AI adoption and automation projects  
• Data visibility and reporting gaps  
• Sustainability and compliance pressures  
• Customer service expectations  
• Succession planning at management level

That means businesses may be recruiting fewer people overall, but they are still competing for candidates who can make an immediate impact.

 

Supply chain roles still in demand 

Strong supply chain professionals remain highly sought after, particularly those who can balance service, cost and resilience while using better data to make decisions.

We are seeing continued demand for: 

• Demand Planning Managers  
• S&OP / IBP leaders  
• Inventory and Supply Planning specialists  
• Network Design professionals  
• Senior Supply Chain Managers  
• Supply Chain Transformation leaders 

The skills employers increasingly ask for include: 

• Scenario planning and risk modelling  
• ERP, APS and planning system expertise  
• Dashboard reporting and data interpretation  
• AI-assisted forecasting tools  
• Cross-functional leadership  
• Change management during disruption

Candidates who can translate data into practical decisions are standing out.

 

Procurement shortages have evolved 

Procurement hiring is no longer centred purely around sourcing and price negotiation. Employers increasingly want professionals who can create value, reduce risk and use technology intelligently. 

We are seeing demand remain strong for: 

• Category Managers  
• Strategic Sourcing Managers  
• Procurement Business Partners  
• Heads of Procurement  
• Supplier Relationship Managers

The skills now most requested often include: 

• Spend analytics and data-led sourcing  
• Supplier risk management  
• Contract lifecycle management systems  
• ESG and ethical sourcing knowledge  
• AI-enabled market intelligence tools  
• Influencing senior stakeholders  

In many cases, businesses want procurement professionals who can operate as strategic advisors rather than transactional buyers.

 

Logistics and operations talent remains tight 

Operational leadership hiring remains challenging, particularly where businesses need individuals who can improve productivity while managing change. 

We are still seeing shortages across: 

• Warehouse Operations Managers  
• Transport Managers  
• General Managers  
• Regional Operations leaders  
• Continuous Improvement specialists  
• Automation and transformation managers  

The newer skills in demand include: 

• WMS and TMS optimisation  
• Automation implementation  
• Robotics and systems integration exposure  
• Real-time KPI management  
• Lean process redesign  
• Labour planning through data insight  

As sites modernise, employers increasingly want leaders who are comfortable managing both people and technology.

 

Sales talent is still difficult to secure 

When markets become more competitive, strong commercial hires become even more valuable. That is why many employers continue to invest in sales talent despite wider caution. 

We are seeing demand for: 

• Business Development Managers  
• National Account Managers  
• Commercial Managers  
• Strategic Account Directors  
• Sector-specific solution sales professionals

The skills most requested now often include: 

• Consultative and value-based selling  
• CRM discipline and pipeline analytics  
• AI-supported prospecting  
• Commercial modelling  
• Multi-stakeholder account management  
• Sector credibility in logistics, manufacturing or supply chain services

The strongest candidates can combine relationship building with commercial rigour.

 

Why vacancies still stay open 

In our experience, hard-to-fill vacancies usually remain open for a few common reasons. 

Expectations are too narrow 

Some employers want deep sector experience, technical expertise, leadership capability and a modest salary expectation all in one hire. 

Hiring processes move too slowly 

Strong candidates rarely remain available for long. Delays between interview stages still cost businesses good people. 

Packages do not match market reality 

Where roles require niche expertise in AI, systems, data or transformation, salaries often need to reflect that scarcity. 

The opportunity is undersold 

Candidates want to know how the role will grow, what challenges they will solve and whether leadership is committed to progress.

 

What employers should do now 

The organisations hiring best in this market are focused and realistic. 

We are seeing successful employers:

• Prioritise core capabilities over long wish lists  
• Move quickly when they meet the right person  
• Benchmark salary levels properly  
• Hire for adaptability as well as experience  
• Emphasise career growth and business purpose  
• Use specialist recruiters with access to passive talent pools

 

The market is selective, not easy 

The hiring market may be more cautious than in previous years, but specialist recruitment has not become simple. 

Strong professionals with experience in technology, data, transformation and commercial delivery still have options. Employers who need that talent must compete for it. 

Download the latest salary and skills insight 

If you would like to understand where hiring pressure remains, what professionals expect and which skills are rising fastest, download the Cast UK Salary Benchmarking & Skills Guide 2026. 

It includes salary data, hiring trends and in-demand skills across supply chain, procurement, logistics, sales and operations.