The soft skills in hot demand and how to identify them

From an employer’s perspective, soft skills are more important than ever in 2025. The dual forces of Industry 4.0 and ongoing geopolitical disruptions have made it clear that technical expertise alone is no longer enough. While automation and AI are transforming operational efficiencies, businesses need professionals who can think critically, adapt to uncertainty, and lead teams through rapid change.

Companies are increasingly prioritizing employees who excel in communication, collaboration, and strategic problem-solving, as these skills drive resilience and innovation in a volatile global market. While some soft skills are particularly crucial for senior leaders, they are rapidly becoming essential across all levels to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success.

1. Agility and Flexibility

Modern supply chains and procurement processes are exposed to a wide range of disruptions, from geopolitical risks to fluctuating consumer demands. Professionals must be able to pivot quickly, adapt to changing market conditions, and embrace new technologies and methodologies. Agility and flexibility are essential for maintaining continuity and efficiency.

How to identify it: Employers should look for evidence of a track record of managing change effectively, handling crisis situations, and working in dynamic environments.

2. Resilience: Balancing Efficiency with Risk Management

Resilience goes beyond just bouncing back from setbacks—it involves anticipating potential disruptions, mitigating risks, and ensuring long-term business continuity. Leaders must balance efficiency with risk management, creating strategies that optimize operations without compromising stability.

How to identify it: Employers should look for direct examples of candidates' past experiences in dealing with adversity, crisis management, and their ability to maintain performance under pressure.

3. Strategic Problem-Solving

Complex challenges require innovative solutions. Senior professionals must employ a strategic mindset, using data, scenario analysis, and forecasting techniques to make informed decisions that align with business goals.

How to identify it: Problem-solving skills are often tested through case studies, scenario-based interviews, or behavioural questions that assess analytical thinking.

4. Communication & Negotiation Skills

Strong communication skills are non-negotiable in today’s business environment. Whether it’s negotiating with suppliers, coordinating across departments, or presenting to senior stakeholders, clear and effective communication ensures alignment and fosters collaboration.

How to identify it: At a lower level, employers can evaluate communication skills through role-play negotiation exercises, interviews, and by assessing written and verbal communication abilities, while more senior professionals should be assessed through all communications prior to and during your interview & negotiation process.

5. Stakeholder Relationship Management & Communication

Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders is absolutely key to successful operations. This involves understanding their needs, expectations, and concerns at the same time as fostering trust and collaboration across all levels of the organization.

How to identify it: References from previous roles, stakeholder feedback, and interview discussions about relationship-building strategies help employers assess this skill. For more senior candidates, this may also be identified through mutual industry connections.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Silos can hinder progress. The ability to work across functions - whether with finance, HR, or operations - helps create more efficient and integrated workflows. Professionals must be comfortable engaging with diverse teams to drive innovation and process improvements.

How to identify it: Employers should assess candidates’ past experiences working on cross-functional teams and look out for evidence of successful collaboration in project outcomes.

7. Sustainability Knowledge

With increased focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, sustainability knowledge is now a critical competency. Procurement and supply chain professionals in particular must understand sustainable sourcing, circular economy principles, and carbon footprint reduction strategies.

How to identify it: Sustainability credentials, project work in sustainable sourcing, and knowledge assessments in interviews can help gauge candidates’ expertise.

8. Advanced Digital Literacy

The rise of digital transformation has made it essential for professionals to be adept at using digital tools. From procurement platforms to IoT-enabled logistics, digital literacy is no longer optional.

How to identify it: Employers can test digital literacy through skills assessments, software proficiency tests, and experience using industry or specialism-relevant platforms.

9. Data-Driven Decision Making & Business Analysis

Organizations rely heavily on big data to drive efficiency and strategic decision-making. Professionals must be skilled in analysing data, interpreting insights, and making data-driven recommendations that enhance business performance.

How to identify it: Employers could use case study assessments or require candidates to demonstrate experience with data analytics tools. For more senior candidates, they should explain a clear understanding of how data analysis has influenced their strategic decisions and project outcomes.

10. Strong Mentorship & Leadership Skills

Senior professionals must be capable of engaging and upskilling their teams. This involves mentoring, coaching, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to drive high performance.

How to identify it: Leadership and mentorship skills are assessed through behavioural interview questions, leadership assessments, and feedback from previous colleagues if possible.

11. Change Management & Organizational Resilience

As businesses undergo digital transformation, restructuring, and process optimization, leaders must be skilled in managing change and guiding their teams through transitions smoothly.

How to identify it: Employers can look for certifications in change management, past experiences in leading transitions, and examples of successful change initiatives in recent roles.

Other Key Soft Skills in High Demand:

• Critical Thinking and Analytical Reasoning – Identified through problem-solving tests and behavioural interviews
• Conflict Resolution & Emotional Intelligence – Evaluated through role-play scenarios and interpersonal assessments
• Customer-Centric Mindset – Assessed via past experience in customer-facing roles and service improvement initiatives
• Project Management Skills – Measured through PMP certification or demonstrated success in managing complex projects
• Innovation and Creativity – Employers assess innovation through examples of past problem-solving initiatives and creative project work

As supply chain disruptions, digital advancements, and sustainability concerns continue to reshape the industry, these soft skills will remain critical for professionals looking to drive success and remain competitive in the ever-evolving business landscape.

If you are struggling to recruit the soft skills your business needs get in touch with Cast UK here to find out how we can help & find the talent your business needs to succeed.