Logistics grows 12% in Brazil, but lack of qualification threatens advancement

The workforce in the logistics sector grew 12% in Brazil between 2018 and 2023, from 2.63 million to 2.86 million professionals, according to the report “A workforce in the Logistics sector in Brazil”, prepared by Gi Group Holding in partnership with Lightcast, a data analysis company on the labor market. The growth was driven by investments in increasing post-pandemic logistics capacity, but still does not solve the main bottlenecks of the sector: lack of qualification, low diversity and aging of the labor force.

In Latin America, the number of vacancies disclosed in logistics jumped from 3,546 in 2019 to more than 2.39 million in 2024 67,000% in just five years. However, the study points out that much of the hiring still focuses on traditional operational functions such as warehouse operators, packers and drivers, while the demand for more qualified professionals grows.

“We have a sector that has grown rapidly in terms of vacancies, but whose talent base is still concentrated in operational functions. The challenge now is to make the qualification of the workforce follow this advance. Otherwise, there will be a structural bottleneck that can curb the logistics potential of the country”, says Alexandre Goncalves Sousa, manager of the logistics division of Gi BPO, a specialized outsourcing unit of Gi Group Holding.

Only among operators and warehouse operators, Brazil has more than 1.5 million professionals. In contrast, specialized functions remain with low representation, despite the significant growth in demand for these positions. The demand for security engineers increased by 275.6% in 12 months. Already skills such as robotic process automation (+175.8%), computerized maintenance management (+65.3%) and customs regulation (+113.4%) are among the most sought after by companies.

“A logistics is increasingly technological and connected.The demand for skills such as process automation, artificial intelligence and computerized maintenance management indicates that the sector has already entered the era of industry 4.0, but the workforce still needs to keep up with this TRANSFORMATION”, highlights the manager.

The highlights include team motivation (+122.5%), strategic decision making (+93.4%) and customer focus (+51.4%), which indicates the growing appreciation of profiles with leadership, management and results-oriented vision.

Aging and male workforce

The survey also shows that the logistics sector continues with historical challenges. One of them is gender inequality. Women represent only 11% of the formal workforce in Brazil, with very little participation in functions such as supply chain management, logistics and machine operation.

“Even with specific advances, the female presence remains very low in logistics.We need to go beyond hiring goals and look at building inclusive environments, with real growth opportunities for women at all hierarchical levels”, says Alexandre.

Professionals between 25 and 54 years represent 74% of the workforce, while young people under 25 years add only 11%. Workers over 65 years add up to 111,966 people 1 who should leave the market in the coming years.

“O data from more than 111 thousand professionals over 65 years old still active in Brazilian logistics reveals how much the sector depends on a generation that is about to leave the market. Attract young people and promote succession will be vital to ensure stability in the medium and long term”, he warns.

Planning and qualification are essential for the future

For Gi Group Holding, the logistics sector will only be able to sustain its growth with investments in workforce training, diversity and planning. The company operates with integrated solutions for recruitment, BPO, RPO, training, consulting and long-term employability in various areas of the economy, such as industry, consumer goods, technology, retail and services.

“Companies that invest in qualification strategies, continuous training and efficient talent management will be better prepared to face the growing complexity of supply chains.The workforce needs to evolve along with the” sector, concludes the manager of Gi BPO.