Scott Dance is the Senior Client Engagement Director at Hays UK and Ireland, where he specializes in Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain. With 22 years of experience in the recruitment industry at Hays, Scott has gained extensive insights, knowledge, and experience. He has supported hundreds of individuals and companies in advancing their careers and businesses in the ever-evolving supply chain sector.
Scott Dance | Senior Client Engagement Director | Hays
Currently, Scott leads the Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain specialism across the UK and Ireland, working closely with customers on their workforce and recruitment solutions. At EliteX, we are proud to have Scott Dance as part of our Impactful Leaders in Supply Chain, 2024.
Scott’s passion for the supply chain sector drives his commitment to supporting customers in accessing, attracting, and retaining the best talent to facilitate their future growth. Although not a supply chain professional, he values strong supply chain management for its crucial role in the effective running of daily operations and the exciting employment opportunities it offers. Scott believes impactful leadership in the supply chain sector involves creating a shared vision and purpose for the team, leading with empathy, being agile and adaptable to change, communicating effectively, and encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Despite the importance of tech, people are at the heart of the world of work, so I plan on continuing to encourage employers to pay close attention to the needs and priorities of today’s workforce.”
To stay updated on industry trends and best practices, Scott attends regular industry events, including online webinars and face-to-face talks, preferring the latter for better relationship-building and in-depth discussions. He subscribes to relevant publications and newsletters and remains active on social media platforms like LinkedIn to monitor the ever-changing industry and maintain a strong network. Reflecting on his career, Scott highlights a common mistake among supply chain managers: failing to stay on top of current market trends and conditions. He emphasizes that understanding the impact of external market factors on the supply chain landscape is crucial. From a talent attraction and retention perspective, Scott notes the evolving challenges employers face in finding and keeping talent, which have changed significantly in recent years along with shifting employee expectations. Building a resilient and talented workforce requires employers to stay informed about market trends and focus on what matters most to professionals today, such as training opportunities and an inclusive workplace culture.
“A future leader will need to have a strong set of soft skills, including an enthusiasm to learn and upskill as technologies such as AI continue to advance at a rapid pace.”
Scott Dance sees technology as playing a crucial role in the future of supply chain management. He believes that technology will drive innovation, efficiency, and resilience in supply chains, helping businesses adapt to constant change. According to the 2024 UK Salary and Recruiting Trends guide, over two-thirds (67%) of employers in the supply chain sector expect to use AI tools in the future. For aspiring leaders looking to make an impact in the supply chain field, Scott advises developing a strong set of soft skills and being open to learning and upskilling as technology, such as AI, advances rapidly. He emphasizes the importance of being open-minded, proactive, and guided by strong values, with a focus on sustainability both within the workplace and throughout the supply chain. Effective talent management is also crucial, as attracting and retaining top professionals is vital in today’s competitive job market. A successful leader will have a strategy in place to appeal to new hires and retain current staff, which is essential for maintaining productivity.
Looking ahead, Scott is excited about the opportunities the future holds for supply chain management, particularly with technological advancements. However, he stresses that despite the role of technology, people remain at the heart of the industry. Scott plans to continue working closely with his team to provide valuable recruitment support to leaders in the sector, helping them access the talent needed to grow and evolve their organizations. His goal is to ensure that employers are attentive to the needs and priorities of today’s workforce, making a positive contribution to the future of supply chain management.
“Technology will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the supply chain industry, driving innovation, efficiency, and resilient supply chains.”
