en

Services

We understand that no two organisations are the same. Find out more about how we've customised our talent solutions to help clients in Hong Kong meet their needs.

Read more
Jobs

Let our industry specialists listen to your aspirations and present your story to the organisations in Hong Kong that fit you the best as we collaborate to write the next chapter of your successful career.

See all jobs
Candidates

Together, we’ll map out career-defining, life-changing pathways to achieve your career ambitions. Browse our range of services, advice, and resources.

Learn more
Services

We understand that no two organisations are the same. Find out more about how we've customised our talent solutions to help clients in Hong Kong meet their needs.

Read more
About Robert Walters Hong Kong

Since our establishment in 1997, our belief remains the same: Building strong relationships with people is vital in a successful partnership.

Learn more

Work for us

Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters Hong Kong

Learn more

Reaching your career heights

Ambitious young procurement and supply chain professionals generally aspire to reach career heights, and will ultimately work towards a coveted Supply Chain Director or CPO position.

To become an accomplished executive, there are a few key attributes and tips you need to know in order to fast track your way to the top.

Leave your post and learn from others

Leave your team or function and spend time learning about what other teams do. If you truly want to understand the entire process, you have to see it and experience it for yourself. The best executives have front line experience across more than one function, so if the opportunity presents itself, widen your skill sets and knowledge proactively.

Ask as many questions as you need

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, or ask for help. Many young professionals regardless of industry, especially if they are recent graduate, assume that their managers expect them to know all the answers.

In reality many skills are learnt on the job, so it’s expected you ask smart questions and learn from those around you. Asking for help and learning new skills is expected and will show your team you are actively growing.

Develop interpersonal and relationship building skills

It’s easy to overlook the most important element in your career: people. Spend time getting to know your colleagues, as well as the people you interact with at other companies, especially your customers and suppliers. Procurement and supply chain professionals are much like sales people in this respect, and will benefit by building these lines of communication. Continuously improve your communication skills and recognise that each person you interact with is a chance to learn something new and become visible within the business.

Continuous learning is key

Continuous learning is vital in any industry but in such a technology and process driven field, it’s important to stay on top of the newest trends and practices. If there is something you don’t understand, your capacity as an executive would be fairly limited.

If there is a short course that could help you, take it now. If you work at a publicly-traded company, read your company’s financial reports to understand the main drivers of financial performance, and then look for ways your function could positively influence those drivers. Continuously improving your skills will only help your career prospects.

Share this article

Useful links

Sign up for job alerts
Salary Survey
Career Advice
Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialist recruitment consultants

Related content

View all
How to build a strong commercial mindset at workplace

The last year saw both companies and employees to evolve and adapt to face uncertain situations. As we look towards 2023, it is important for professionals to take the time to realign their mindset towards growth and look at the infinite opportunities available. Commercial awareness is one of the mo

Read More
How to get an overseas internal transfer

Landing that job internationally can be a career defining turn for many people. It comes with its own merits and challenges, but the process to get the job is not that straightforward. It involves meticulous planning which starts months in advance and being all eyes and ears on the next best opportu

Read More
How to boost your internal profile at work

Are you ready for the next career step within your current employer or are you looking to be given more responsibilities in your current position? When on the lookout for a new challenge, making sure you are visible within your organisation can be a crucial way to ensure you’re first in line when fu

Read More

I'm Robert Walters, Are you?

Come join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.