The Path to C-Level – What High-Potential Supply Chain Leaders Must Do Next

Across APAC, we’re seeing a growing wave of experienced supply chain professionals who come from diverse backgrounds — tech, e-commerce, FMCG, healthcare, and high-growth startups. These individuals are often deeply skilled: they’ve overseen warehouse operations, led technology rollouts, scaled fulfilment capabilities, and driven rapid transformation.

Yet many of them ask the same question:

“What does it take to step up into a C-level supply chain position?”

 Below is a clear roadmap outlining the skills, behaviours, and signals companies look for when assessing future Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs), Chief Operating Officers (COOs), or Heads of Supply Chain.

1. Shift from Tactical Expertise to Enterprise-Level Thinking

 Professionals who come from tech/e-commerce/startup environments are used to acting fast and solving problems hands-on. But to reach the C-suite, the mindset must expand beyond operational execution.

C-level candidates must demonstrate:

• Understanding of end-to-end value chain economics

• Ability to align supply chain decisions directly with business strategy

• Commercial awareness around cost, margin, and profitability

• Confidence presenting supply chain risk and opportunities at board level

The question becomes:

 “How does my decision impact revenue, customer experience, and long-term competitiveness?”

This shift separates future executives from strong mid-level managers.

1) Demonstrate Leadership Beyond the Function 

Companies don’t elevate people to the C-suite because they run their department well — they elevate them because they can influence the entire organisation.

 To position yourself as a future CSCO/COO, you need to show: 

• Cross-functional leadership (Sales, Finance, Tech, Product, Manufacturing)

• Ability to inspire and align diverse teams

• Experience navigating executive-level conflict and decision-making

• High EQ, calmness under pressure, and clarity in communication

 Boards promote leaders, not technicians. 

2) Show You Can Lead Transformation, Not Just Manage Operations 

Most industries — especially tech, FMCG, healthcare, and e-commerce — are undergoing deep digital and operational transformation. Organisations want leaders who can guide them through change, not just maintain BAU.

 Transformation readiness looks like:

• Successfully deploying WMS/TMS/ERP systems

• Leading automation or robotics projects

• Experience scaling warehouses or fulfilment networks

• Using data, dashboards, and analytics to improve performance

• Guiding teams through new workflows, processes, or technology platforms

If you’ve done this — you’re already ahead of most candidates.

3) Speak the Language of Technology & Data

 The modern CSCO is a tech leader as much as an operations leader.

 You should be comfortable with: 

• AI-driven forecasting

• Digital twins

• Advanced planning tools (APS)

• WMS/TMS/OMS modern platforms

• IoT for visibility

• Automation, robotics, and warehouse intelligence

Most C-suite interviews include:

 “How would you use technology to reduce risk, cost, or headcount?”

Being able to answer this with clarity and practicality is critical.

4) Build a Track Record of Scalability 

C-level roles go to people who can scale teams, processes, and capabilities — not just manage a single facility or function.

Show that you can:

• Expand networks across countries

• Scale teams from 20 to 200

• Launch new distribution centres or markets

• Transform supply chain performance across regions

If your career shows growth occasions, not just job titles, you’re signalling readiness.

5) Display Strategic Maturity & Executive Presence

Executives look for signals like: 

• Clear, concise communication

• Balance between ambition and realism

• Strong risk management lens

• Calm, steady decision-making style

• Willingness to take ownership of mistakes

• Ability to mentor senior managers

The traits matter as much as the achievements

Final Word: C-Level Potential Is Built Before It’s Given

Professionals with backgrounds in tech, e-commerce, FMCG, healthcare, and startups already possess a huge advantage: adaptability, comfort with complexity, resilience, and innovation.

To rise to the C-suite, it’s about completing the evolution: From operator → to business partner → to enterprise leader.

 If you’re intentional about your personal development — and you can show these leadership behaviours consistently — the leap to CSCO or COO becomes fully achievable.

 Available to discuss C-level supply chain roles with RJM?