AI Skills Drive Rapid Hiring Growth in US Supply Chains and UK Firms

Gartner’s analysis of more than 35 million job postings shows that demand for supply‑chain roles requiring AI expertise in the United States surged 387 % between the first quarters of 2023 and 2026, far outpacing overall AI‑related job growth. The surge is creating a talent gap, higher hiring costs and longer recruitment cycles, prompting chief supply‑chain officers to focus on internal upskilling and greater use of entry‑level talent.

PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer reports that AI‑related hiring in the United Kingdom jumped 61 % over the past year, rising from 112 000 to 180 000 positions. Growth is concentrated in “AI user” roles, which increased by about 66 000, while “AI developer” roles grew by only 2 600. The report describes a emerging two‑track labour market and notes that AI‑skill jobs now command an average wage premium of 34 % versus 11 % a year earlier, with the highest premiums in consumer‑market firms.

Both reports highlight accelerating demand for AI proficiency across sectors, signalling heightened competition for a limited pool of skilled workers.