Supply chain and procurement salaries and hiring trends

2026 Salary Guide

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Global and regional market dynamics are shaping supply chain strategies for 2026. China’s long-standing role in global manufacturing is evolving as companies respond to changing market conditions and regulatory developments. With growth stabilising and industries undergoing structural shifts, businesses are reassessing their supply chain models to support more sustainable and resilient operations.

Supply chain and procurement leaders are moving away from traditional efficiency-driven approaches, adopting strategies that balance flexibility, risk management, and long-term value. Priorities such as sustainability, inventory resilience, and global coordination are guiding a shift towards supply chains that are not only efficient but also secure, adaptable, and aligned with business values.

The current talent landscape in China is evolving, with several emerging trends. These include: continued opportunities to attract professionals with expertise in global quality control and standards alignment; a growing demand for strategic talent capable of navigating regulatory requirements and adapting to changing conditions; and increased focus on hybrid talent who combine supply chain knowledge with emerging digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

These trends indicate that supply chain roles are gradually evolving from traditional operations towards integrated management and digital collaboration, while also underscoring the growing importance of building diverse skill sets.

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Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, company size and demand for the role.

Supply Chain & Procurement

3PL

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Planning Manager

352000

450000

750000

Supply Chain Digitalization Manager

417000

509000

602000

Supply Chain Digitalization Head

900000

1236000

1668000

Customer Service Manager

324000

389000

463000

Order Fulfilment Manager

324000

389000

463000

Supply Chain Director

834000

1251000

1668000

Indirect Procurement Senior Specialist

180000

230000

300000

Indirect Procurement Manager

450000

600000

750000

Indirect Procurement Director

834000

1019000

1575000

Direct Sourcing Manager

500000

650000

800000

Direct Sourcing Director

900000

1200000

1600000

Procurement Director

1000000

1500000

2000000

Logistics Manager

324000

389000

537000

Logistics Director

880000

1158000

1483000

Trade Compliance Manager

509000

602000

648000

Trade Compliance Director

834000

1112000

1668000

Merchandise Manager

350000

450000

600000

25th percentile

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialized certifications.

Small companies: < ¥ 100 million Mid-size companies: ¥100 million - ¥500 million Large companies: > ¥500 million

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2026 supply chain and procurement compensation trends

Key insights at a glance

82%

of supply chain and procurement leaders say that they plan to hire permanent professionals to advance strategic priorities focused on demand forecasting and inventory management in 2026

33%

of supply chain and procurement leaders from foreign-owned enterprises say that they plan to increase salaries in 2026

28%

of supply chain and procurement leaders in the manufacturing sector say that they plan to increase salaries in 2026

43%

of supply chain and procurement leaders from mid-size enterprises (with 100-500 employees) say that they plan to increase salaries in 2026

The value of technical skills

Nearly two thirds (63%) of supply chain and procurement leaders are willing to pay higher salaries for specialised skills, reflecting the need for talent that drives resilience and efficiency. Capabilities such as supply chain planning, cost optimisation, process improvement, and PMO leadership are increasingly seen as critical to business performance.

Supply chain planning

Cost optimisation

Process improvement

Project Management Office (PMO)

The value of soft skills

Nearly half (47%) of supply chain and procurement leaders say candidates with exceptional soft skills and strong interpersonal capabilities are increasingly standing out in today’s market. As organisations navigate rapid change, professionals who combine technical expertise with adaptability, business acumen, clear communication, and strong problem-solving abilities are not only more competitive but often command higher salaries.

Adaptability to change

Business acumen

Communication/interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Identifying standout candidates in supply chain and procurement is becoming increasingly challenging due to the rise of AI-generated content, highlighting the need for hiring managers to optimise screening strategies.

of supply chain and procurement leaders state that AI-generated CVs make it difficult to accurately assess the capabilities of the candidate

of supply chain and procurement leaders say that many candidates lack tailored or role-specific skills

In-demand roles, certifications, and top industries hiring

Planning Manager

Indirect Procurement Director

Supply Chain Digitalization Head

Cross Boarder Head

CCO

Supply Chain Director

Supply Chain Digitalization Manager

Trade Compliance Manager

Solution Manager

Planning Manager

Indirect Procurement Manager

Contract Logistics Sales Head

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Six Sigma (black belt and above)

SCMP

APICS

FMCG/retail

Pharmaceuticals and healthcare

Manufacturing

Transport, distribution or logistics

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The salaries listed in Robert Half’s Salary Guide are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on real compensation data from professionals Robert Half has successfully matched with employers across China.

The salaries listed in the salary tables represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses or benefits. We report salaries in three percentiles, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

The non-salary data presented in this Salary Guide is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in October 2025. The survey gathered responses from 200 HR and hiring managers in finance, accounting, technology, supply chain and procurement from a diverse range of organisations in China, including SMEs and large companies in first-tier cities.