How to Qualify for High-Demand Supply Chain Positions in the Energy Industry

Energy companies manage highly complex supply chains from sourcing raw materials to transforming and distributing them as usable energy. To thrive in this dynamic field, you'll need to combine technical expertise, industry-specific knowledge, and real-world experience.

Start with the Right Education

A strong academic foundation is essential. Most supply chain management roles require at least a bachelor's degree in:

• Business Administration
• Supply chain management,
• Industrial or Mechanical Engineering
• Energy-related disciplines.

Many professionals also transition into supply chain roles from fields such as finance, engineering, or operations. If you're coming from another background, your skills may be transferable, especially when paired with specialized training.

Earn Relevant Certifications to Boost Your Credibility

Certifications demonstrate your commitment and enhance your marketability. Some of the most respected credentials include:

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) - Offered by ASCM (formerly APICS), this certification covers end-to-end supply chain topics including global supply chain networks and optimization, sustainability, and technology.
• Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) - From Supply Chain Canada, this program includes eight modules (including procurement, logistics, and operations) and six workshops that focus on leadership, negotiation, competitive bidding, and other essential skills.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) - Provided by ISM, this certification emphasizes the major components of procurement and supply management, including sourcing, category management, supplier relationship management, and more.

These globally recognized certifications can lead to better career prospects and higher earning potential.

Remember, continuous learning through certifications and courses is crucial to staying competitive in this fast-moving field.

Build Strong Supply Chain Technical Knowledge and Skills

To excel in supply chain jobs in the Philippines, especially in the energy sector, you will need to master key technologies:

First, familiarize yourself with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics. These are centralized platforms that act as the backbone of supply operations, allowing you to manage inventory, procurement, logistics, and other aspects in one place.

Data analytics tools are also important for gaining insight into the various aspects of the supply chain, from sourcing to delivery, to make informed decisions. Mastering Excel is a given, but it helps to have experience with more advanced tools like Power BI and Tableau.

As digital transformation reshapes the energy industry, programming skills have become increasingly valuable.

Automation is essential for streamlining routine tasks like order processing, while AI is revolutionizing demand forecasting and predictive analysis. So we recommend you learn some programming languages like SQL (for dataset management), Python, or R.

Get Supply Chain Industry Experience Early

Even with a solid educational and technical background, the key to breaking into supply chain positions is experience. After all, nothing matches the value of exposure to real-world problems.

A great way to start is by joining internships or co-op programs in energy companies, such as Shell.

You can learn more about available opportunities on Shell's career page.

You can gain experience by applying to entry-level roles in logistics, procurement, or warehouse management. Even outside the energy sector, these roles can expose you to the core functions of the supply chain, like inventory control and vendor relations. Volunteering in supply chain-related programs can give you the experience you need to boost your chances.

Beyond gaining direct experience, networking plays a vital role in building a successful supply chain career. The right connections can open doors to new opportunities. Start by engaging with supply chain professionals on platforms like LinkedIn or specialized job forums. Then take it a step further by attending industry events or seminars hosted by organizations such as the Philippine Institute for Supply Management.

Develop Essential Soft Skills

Soft skills are crucial for success in supply chain jobs. Recruiters look for candidates who can thrive in fast-paced, cross-functional environments, so they will evaluate your soft skills during hiring.

Strong communication skills are vital, especially in a global company like Shell, where collaboration with diverse teams and suppliers is part of everyday operations. Equally important are problem-solving abilities, which help professionals navigate the unique challenges of the energy supply chain.

Other skills recruiters look for are:

• Adaptability
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Negotiation skills
• Teamwork

Explore Supply Chain Opportunities at Shell Philippines

In the energy sector, the supply chain is an intricate network that involves the end-to-end coordination of materials and resources that power global operations. It tracks fuels from their raw form until they reach the end consumer, and it's far more complex than simply moving products around.

We generally divide it into three stages:

• Upstream: Exploration, sourcing raw energy like crude oil, and managing suppliers.
• Midstream: Refining, transportation, storage, and bulk distribution.
• Downstream: Delivering fuels and other ready products to customers and retail partners.

Shell, as a global energy leader, is committed to nurturing its talent. Joining our team means access to ample opportunities to grow your skills with the right training and hands-on experience to advance your career. You'll be working with experienced colleagues alongside supply chain experts to develop the energy solutions of today and tomorrow.

We provide a supportive workplace that fosters both your professional development and personal growth, helping you achieve the right work-life balance.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Supply Chain?

If you've got the right mix of education, technical skills (ERP software, data analytics), experience, and soft skills, we encourage you to explore opportunities where you can leave an impact.

Ready to power your progress? Apply for energy supply positions at Shell Philippines today! Explore openings in our supply chain team and prepare to take the next step in your career.