2010 Industry Insights

The year 2009 has now passed and Kimmel & Associates has been asked by candidates and clients for our observations on current industry trends, particularly as they relate to the employment marketplace for logistics and supply chain professionals in 2010. Without question, 2009 was one of the toughest years in recent memory. Even so, there were numerous bright spots over the past 12 months. Looking forward, we are cautiously optimistic that 2010 will continue to stabilize, bringing significant improvements in supply chain employment for the coming year.

Most notable is the Freight Forwarding industry. The year 2009 was active, especially for sales positions in the South, Southeast, and Midwest. Our market intelligence suggests continued steady activity throughout 2010. Further, the 3PL sector -- especially the non-asset sector -- has seen comparatively healthy activity over the past year. Indicators point to moderate or strong hiring activity in the 3PL market, especially for "nimble" companies capable of responding quickly to new market trends.

The transportation sector will probably experience only modest increases in freight volumes through 2010. Truckload, LTL, and bulk carriers experienced declining volumes in 2009. Industry consolidations and failures underscored this trend. We see additional consolidation in this area for the coming year with slow increases in freight volume and resultant hiring.

The retail sector was hard-hit in 2009. Manufacturers have also been affected significantly, cutting production and dramatically decreasing inventory levels. In particular, auto makers, their suppliers, and related industries will face continued uncertainty in 2010. Retailers have slashed payrolls as consumers rein in spending. this trend will likely continue well into 2010 and will have a negative impact on hiring. Food manufacturers, distributors and retailers have been comparatively unaffected by recent events, but margins continue to be tight.

One bright spot we see for 2010 will likely be the B2B and wholesale distribution sectors. Many of these companies, especially those focused in niche markets which are growing or are in counter-cyclical industries, have seen steady activity in 2009 and, in some cases, even modest growth. This should continue in 2010.

Though we are not out of the woods, there is reason for cautious optimism as we look toward this year ahead.

The "First Look" Hotsheet: Extraordinary Candidates

#13440 Physical Distribution General Manager - Mid-Atlantic region. Experienced in high volume, high-automation, retail DCs, store replenishment and B2B. Strictly top-notch. Strong leader accustomed to high complexity. Possesses degree along with stable career history.

#67555 Physical Distribution & Logistics Vice President - Retail industry, Midwest region. Experienced in high-automation, multi-site DC leadership. Well-demonstrated leadership ability! Strong track record in delivering cost reductions while improving operations efficiencies. Has degree and is open to relocation.

#504436 IT/Supply Chain Expert - Go-between with customers and IT. Based in Southeast. Strong sales support and logistics experience. Cost reduction and sales add-on track record. Has achieved over $16 million in cost reductions. Open to relocation within the Southeast. MBA in Finance.

#554088 Multi-DC Operator - Runs three DCs in three states with seven direct reports and 150-200 indirect. Able to reduce expenses by over $7 million per year and nearly $16 million in SG&A costs over previous five years. 3PL named "vendor of the year" by Wal-Mart. Has 3PL, DTC and a MS in operations. Based in South.

#383022 Planning, Inventory and Finance Specialist - Midwest-based. Very flexible on relocation. MBA in finance. Graduated first in class. Built a global forecasting department from the ground up. Cut operating expenses by 18% through planner and buyer job re-alignments and cross training. Increased order fill rates from 88% to a sustained 99.5+% while increasing inventory turns by 38%.

#65867 Vice President, Distribution & Logistics - Philadelphia metro. Prefers Mid-Atlantic region. Reduced $200 million logistics budget by almost 10%. Improved same-day shipping performance from 79.8% to more than 95%. Increased productivity 15% by standardizing processes and enforcing accountability. Head count: 1000+. Network of up to 17 DCs.

#313750 Senior Vice President Trade Services - For major container liner with extensive overseas exposure and comfort, especially in the Middle and Far East. Willing to relocate globally and has the ability to lead large sales and customer service teams coupled with spearheading start-ups and turning losses into solid profit margins.

#349196 Regional Client Manager - Southern California/West Coast-based Regional Client Manager/Sales and Marketing Manager. Domestic, international, road, rail, brokerage and Licensed Customs Broker. Mexico and cross border, operations and supply chain experience.

#551490 Vice President Operations, Transportation - Based in Phoenix, Arizona. Senior Vice President Operations. Start-up and implementation. Systems design, customer service, total P+L responsibilities. Truckload/dedicated, private fleet and 3PL. Proven leader in reducing cost. KPI improved from 95.6% compliant in first year to 99.5 % in 2009. Open to relocation.

#403842 Strategic Business Leader and CFO - Proven track record of taking freight forwarding organization from start-up to over $3B. Turn-around specialist through strategic evaluation, process redesign and performance enhancement. Well-versed in finance, operations and business development. MBA degree along with background in mergers and acquisitions.

#232814 Dynamic Freight Forwarding Sales Professional - Expertise in sales leadership and direct customer development at a strategic level. Southeast region-based. Consistent top performer for 10+ years.

#498002 Senior Logistics and Supply Chain Expert - Extensive experience in Global Logistics and Supply Chain sales and operations. Ability to integrate commercial operations into government applications as well as all other off-shore movements in the commercial sector. Worked in the Middle East for 18 months performing logistics operations. Self-starter, trainer and mentor. Extensive freight forwarding sales and operations background.

#155755 Sales / Business Development Professional - Mid-Atlantic region. Extensive experience in Global Logistics in both sales and operations. Excellent customer development and retention skills. Doubled gross profit during 2 1/2 years at branch. Personal database of contacts which will jump start sales in new position. MBA degree.

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