If you’ve been in the sector as long as I have, you’ll know we are currently at a crossroads: warehouses are getting smarter, logistics are going green, and demand for tech-savvy talent is surging. But our greatest opportunity (and challenge) right now is attracting the next generation of Gen Z and Millennials into supply chain roles. Why Gen Z and Millennials Matter Let’s face it, the industry’s old playbook doesn’t cut it anymore. Younger professionals are entering the workforce with new priorities: they’re digitally fluent, socially conscious, and want more than just a job—they want impact and meaning. What’s Holding Them Back? Old-school image: People still think “supply chain” means clipboards and forklifts, when in reality it’s about data analytics, sustainability solutions, and creative problem-solving. Limited exposure: Unlike tech or finance, supply chain careers aren’t front-of-mind when students or grads plan their futures. Growth doubts: Myths persist that career advancement in logistics is slow, or that the work is repetitive (it isn’t!). What Are They Looking For? Purpose and Impact: Gen Z and Millennials want work that “means something.” If your company is moving towards carbon neutrality, championing ethical sourcing, or supporting communities, shout it from the rooftop. Tech-Forward Roles: The fastest-growing areas are in automation, digital supply chain management, and data analysis. Highlight the innovative technologies and platforms your team uses. Diversity & Inclusion: Younger talent expects inclusive environments where different voices and ideas are welcomed. Flexibility: Hybrid and remote options are increasingly important, even in operational roles. Flexible shifts or digital-first teams can set you apart. Learning & Progression: Transparent career paths, mentoring, and access to upskilling (think: online courses and cross-functional projects) are key. Practical Steps to Attract Gen Z and Millennials Modernise Your Messaging: Update your job ads and social media, ditch jargon for language about impact, growth, and innovation. Partner With Education: Collaborate with universities and TAFEs. Guest speaking and internship programs place your company front and centre. Highlight Technology and Sustainability: Feature automation, eco-friendly initiatives, and supply chain digitisation in your employer branding. Promote Career Development: Publicise real stories of young team members climbing the ranks or expanding skills across different functions. Partner with a recruitment firm that can assist in promoting your brand to their network: A specialised recruitment agency can broaden your organisation's reach well beyond traditional job postings. Real Experiences Make a Difference Recently, I spoke with a 25-year-old logistics coordinator who joined a Sydney-based 3PL after completing a supply chain internship. What hooked him? The chance to lead a process automation project in his first year, plus exposure to green supply chain initiatives. Stories like this one are powerful magnets for new talent! Final Thought... The future of supply chain is fast, flexible, and full of impact. To attract Gen Z and Millennials, organisations need to reframe their roles and workplace culture as places where they can innovate, create change, and build rewarding careers.

The Doors to Opportunity Business Support professionals are at the heart of every successful organisation. Whether you’re in a bustling Sydney CBD office, a fast-growth tech scaleup, or a major government department, your admin and business support staff are the ones weaving everything together, quietly, efficiently, and with unwavering dedication. In my career as a Senior Recruitment Consultant at Alexander Appointments, I’ve seen, time and again, how truly critical these roles are. And I think it’s time we shine a brighter spotlight on the impact, the challenges, and the extraordinary career opportunities there are in this space. The Business Support Landscape in 2025 The last couple of years have reshaped the way Australian businesses work. Hybrid models, digital tools, and new expectations for adaptability mean the best business support professionals are more than just great organisers, they’re also strategic business partners. Key Skills Leading the Charge Tech-Savvy Mindset: From advanced MS Office to CRM systems, the most in-demand professionals don’t just manage software, they leverage it to save time and streamline operations. Communication Pros: With teams often split between the office and home, clear communication is non-negotiable. It’s the admin and support staff who keep everyone connected. Resourcefulness & Agility: In rapidly shifting industries, those who can adapt, prioritise, and “do more with less” are worth their weight in gold! Emotional Intelligence: Great business support talent helps keep heads calmer under pressure and contributes to team wellbeing. What Employers Want Australian companies are currently facing skills shortages in business support. Here’s what hiring managers across various industries are telling me: Immediate impact: Employers want people who can “hit the ground running.” Industry experience and proactive learning are huge differentiators. Cultural Fit: Teams that work well together deliver better results. Companies are investing more effort in finding support professionals who share core values and fit the organisation’s unique vibe. Flexibility: With the workplace constantly evolving, being able to pivot, whether it’s changing software platforms or supporting hybrid rosters, is a must-have capability. Career Growth for Business Support Professionals Far from being a “stepping-stone,” business support has become a true career path in Australia. You’ll find talented professionals moving from admin assistant to office manager, then team leader, EA to senior executives, and even into operations management. Let’s be honest, the impact you make in a business support role really does matter. We’re living in a world where companies have the option to offshore these positions in the name of cost-cutting, so what you bring to the table needs to be clear, every single day. When business support teams go the extra mile, spotting roadblocks before they happen, making things run smoother, and proving you’re an essential part of the business, you’re not just securing your role; you’re making yourself indispensable. The more you put your stamp on your work, the harder it is for anyone, anywhere, to replicate the value, culture, and trust you bring. That’s the real magic! My advice... Invest in upskilling: Don’t wait for formal training, seek out new tech, volunteer for projects, and back yourself to learn on the job. Build your network: Every connection, from clients to colleagues, can open new doors.  Know your worth: The job market for skilled business support staff is competitive. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for the salary and flexibility you deserve. Business support roles aren’t just about keeping the machine ticking; they’re about nurturing culture, driving improvement, and helping every member of the team shine. Here’s to the people who make it happen, quietly and brilliantly, every single day!