Gorgeous Girls In Supply Chain: Jessica Vickers
Welcome to our series celebrating the incredible women in Supply Chain and Logistics! In a traditionally male-dominated field, it's important to shine a light on the inspiring women who are making a significant impact. Through a mix of insightful and fun questions, we’ll explore their journeys, challenges, and successes. While we acknowledge the contributions of everyone in this industry, this series aims to elevate the voices and stories of women who often get missed. Jessica Vickers is our next feature.
JESSICA VICKERS
Jessica Vickers is the kind of person who makes you feel better just by being around her (or following her on LinkedIn). She got her start in logistics at C.H. Robinson (just like me! CHR is like the Kevin Bacon of the logistics world), and she’s spent the last decade growing her career and her impact. Now at CS Recruiting, she helps companies hire smarter while keeping things positive and thoughtful. She’s endlessly curious, genuinely enjoys connecting with clients, and don’t get between her and a cold Spindrift. Basically, she’s proof that you can be both strategic and kind.
What is your current role and company?
Strategic Account Manager at CS Recruiting
How did you end up in the world of supply chain?
I got my start in the logistics world as an intern with the C.H. Robinson office in Pleasant Prairie, WI back in 2011, just a few months before graduating college. That internship turned into a full-time role after graduation, and it really set the foundation for my career. Fun fact, Charlie Saffro, now my colleague and the founder of CS Recruiting, actually reached out to me in 2013 and placed me with a smaller brokerage and asset-based company in Waukegan, IL that also specialized in blending and filling, co-packing, and pick & pack. Fast forward five years, it came full circle by joining the CS Recruiting team. Where I’ve now been for 7.5 years. I’ve loved growing within the industry and learning new things everyday.
What is your favourite part of your work day?
I’m on the client side of the business, so my favorite part of the day is when I get to connect with my customers. I enjoy building relationships and learning about their businesses. If you can imagine, no two conversations are the same. At CS Recruiting, we support companies across all areas of the supply chain, from brokerages and asset-based providers to shippers and tech solutions, so I’m constantly learning something new. That ongoing exposure allows me to speak knowledgeably about market trends and challenges, and it helps me bring real value to every conversation. It keeps things fresh, and it’s one of the reasons I love what I do.
What is the least favourite part of your work day?
The administrative work, those small, mundane tasks that pile up and chip away at your day. While I know they’re necessary to keep everything running smoothly, they’re definitely not the most exciting part of the job.
What is a systemic issue in your part of the supply chain that concerns you currently?
Due to the current market, hiring hasn’t been a top priority for many companies. There’s been a strong push to cut costs, and that often means trying to recruit for roles internally rather than partnering with a talent agency. Good news is that we’re starting to see a shift, and companies are becoming more open to outside recruiting support again, but they’re also being much more specific and strategic with their hiring needs.
How would you address it if you had the power, money, or influence?
Specific to recruiting within supply chain, I'd focus on educating companies about the true value of strategic hiring and the long-term ROI of partnering with the right recruiting firm. I’d also work to build stronger partnerships between talent agencies and hiring teams, making it less transactional and more collaborative. At the end of the day, talent is a company’s greatest asset.
What is one piece of advice you have for young women entering your field?
Don’t let the male-dominated reputation of the supply chain industry intimidate you. The tide is turning. I’ve seen firsthand how women are rising through the ranks, and I’m meeting more female leaders at the VP and C-suite level than ever before. There is real momentum behind this shift, and it’s creating space for more diverse voices and perspectives. Now is the perfect time to step in, speak up, and make a name for yourself. Be confident and don’t be afraid to advocate for your growth!!
What are your top 3 podcasts? (do not have to be industry related)
Who are your top 5 women in supply chain to follow on LinkedIn?
How do you deal with creeps you encounter in your work day?
I get a lot of LinkedIn connection requests, and occasionally some come with inappropriate or uncomfortable comments. My approach is simple, I don’t engage with those messages and just ignore them.
What is your favourite way to unwind?
I unwind by coloring. It’s a simple, creative way for me to relax and disconnect from the busy pace of work and life. For me, it's a mental reset.
What have you recently changed your mind about?
I’ve recently shifted how I approach my day-to-day work, I want to increase productivity. I'm a huge multitasker, I try to prioritize focusing on blocks of time for key tasks and set clearer boundaries around distractions.
Must haves to get you thru the day?
A Spindrift
A good podcast
Time alone
A to-do list
Positive mindset
Social media for Jessica: