Interviewer: Dr. Mahmoud Mansi
“That experience was a powerful reminder of how technical skills, when aligned with purpose, can have real human impact. It deepened my belief that supply chain professionals aren’t just managing logistics—they’re enabling life-saving systems, shaping economies, and building more resilient futures.”
Raj Mahalingam is a seasoned supply chain innovation and data science professional with over 13+ of experience, specializing in leveraging data science, design thinking and machine learning algorithms to address complex data challenges. His expertise spans multiple domains, including procurement, e-commerce, pricing, logistics, warehousing, inventory optimization and supply chain resilience. Raj worked extensively in the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industry, where he played a pivotal role in navigating supply chain disruptions during and post COVID-19 pandemic. He developed innovative solutions for inventory management, demand forecasting and supply allocation, ensuring critical product availability during unprecedented times. He currently works for Amazon.com Operations team.
HR Revolution Middle East: Raj, thank you for this interview. You have an extensive background in supply chain innovation and data science. What inspired you to pursue this field, and can you share a challenging career story you’ve encountered?
Raj Mahalingam: My entry into supply chain management and logistics wasn’t a premeditated choice. I initially brought a background in data science skills to the table. Serendipitously, I found myself joining a pharmaceutical supply chain company. It was in this role that I began to realize the fundamental importance of supply chain in our daily lives. The intricate web of processes involved in ensuring the seamless flow of goods and services captured my interest, and I soon became captivated by the dynamic world of supply chain management. The practical experience and exposure I gained in the pharmaceutical industry solidified my commitment to this field, and I discovered a genuine passion for optimizing and enhancing supply chain processes. It was a journey marked by unexpected turns that ultimately led me to appreciate the critical role of supply chain management in our interconnected global environment.
One of the most defining moments in my career was during the COVID-19 pandemic. As global pharmaceutical supply chains came under intense pressure, I led efforts to develop a predictive tool for managing drug supply disruptions. Using historical data and machine learning models, the system forecasted restocking timelines and suggested viable alternatives in real-time—helping healthcare providers navigate critical shortages. The tool helped improve service levels and prevent stockouts, even during peak crisis periods.
That experience was a powerful reminder of how technical skills, when aligned with purpose, can have real human impact. It deepened my belief that supply chain professionals aren’t just managing logistics—they’re enabling life-saving systems, shaping economies, and building more resilient futures.
HR Revolution Middle East: Given your experience across multiple domains, what are the essential skills and competencies that supply chain professionals should develop to thrive in the era of AI and automation?
Raj Mahalingam: To succeed in today’s digitally driven supply chain landscape, professionals need a hybrid skill set that bridges technical and strategic thinking. Fluency in data, machine learning, and AI is foundational. Equally important are structured problem-solving frameworks like Lean Six Sigma and human-centered methodologies like Design Thinking.
Lean Six Sigma helps identify and eliminate inefficiencies, while Design Thinking promotes empathy, creativity, and iteration to solve complex challenges. These approaches allow professionals to bridge the gap between business needs and technical implementation—something I’ve done repeatedly in my career through innovation-driven initiatives.
HR Revolution Middle East: How can data science and machine learning be used to optimize workforce productivity and efficiency in supply chain operations?
Raj Mahalingam: Data science and machine learning are redefining how supply chains operate by enabling intelligent, predictive, and automated systems. I’ve applied them to build models that forecast supply disruptions, automate material allocation, and improve decision-making under uncertainty.
During the COVID-19 crisis, I led a project that identified early signals of product shortages and automatically recommended alternative substitutes. Recently, I’ve begun integrating generative AI to produce real-time prescriptive insights—like optimized allocation or routing strategies—based on live business constraints.
These technologies reduce manual tasks, minimize risk, and empower supply chain teams to act faster and more strategically.
HR Revolution Middle East: What technologies, trends, or disruptive forces do you see having the biggest impact on supply chains?
Raj Mahalingam: Numerous technologies and trends are poised to wield a profound impact on supply chains, with key elements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning leading the charge. These innovations enhance demand forecasting with predictive analytics, helping supply chains anticipate shifts in demand with greater accuracy. They also streamline the complexities of inventory management and supply chain planning, making processes more responsive and adaptive to real-time data.
Blockchain technology is another pivotal force. It enhances transparency and traceability within supply chains, fortifying security through an immutable and decentralized ledger. This enables secure transactions via smart contracts, reducing fraud and improving trust across networks, which is especially vital in industries like pharmaceuticals and food safety.
Simultaneously, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is transforming operational efficiency by automating repetitive and rule-based tasks. This diminishes human errors in areas like order processing and inventory management, accelerates fulfillment processes, and frees up human capital for more strategic decision-making.
The synergistic integration of these technologies promises heightened efficiency, precision, and adaptability within supply chain operations. They present an opportunity to build more resilient and responsive systems capable of meeting the dynamic challenges of today’s global business landscape. As these technologies mature, they will continue to redefine how supply chains operate and interact with customers, partners, and suppliers.
HR Revolution Middle East: With the ongoing digital transformation in supply chain management, how do you see job roles evolving in the near future?
Raj Mahalingam: Job roles in supply chain are undergoing a fundamental transformation—from operational execution to technology-enabled decision-making. The next generation of supply chain professionals must be as comfortable working with algorithms and APIs as they are with inventory and logistics models.
We’re seeing a strong pivot toward data-centric decision-making. Roles are evolving to include responsibilities like scenario modeling, predictive analytics, and real-time response management. In my own work, I’ve had to continually adapt to emerging technologies like cloud-based data platforms, generative AI, and intelligent automation. These tools now allow us to simulate disruption scenarios, optimize labor and transport planning, and align operations with strategic goals—all in near real-time.
The future of supply chain will rely less on intuition and more on structured insights. Professionals will need to blend business acumen with technical fluency, using tools like AI, machine learning, and digital twins to drive end-to-end visibility and resilience. Those who thrive will be the ones who embrace continuous learning and can translate data into action—quickly, clearly, and confidently.
HR Revolution Middle East: You’re an advocate for design thinking in supply chain. Why is this important?
Raj Mahalingam: Design thinking is essential in supply chain because it allows professionals to translate complex business needs into actionable technical solutions—a skill that’s increasingly vital in today’s fast-moving, high-stakes environment. Unlike traditional problem-solving methods, design thinking starts with empathy—understanding the challenges from the perspective of end-users and stakeholders—and then moves into ideation, prototyping, and iteration. This ensures solutions are not only innovative but also practical and scalable.
A key strength I bring to my work is the ability to connect business objectives with technical implementation. A prime example of this was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I worked on projects to address supply chain disruptions in the pharmaceutical sector. At the surface, the issue was product backorders—but the real challenge was deeper: uncertainty in restocking timelines, lack of visibility, and inability to identify viable substitute products during shortages.
Using a design thinking approach, I engaged cross-functional teams—planners, procurement leaders, and IT—mapped out their pain points, and reframed the problem through a data science lens. From there, I led the development of a predictive model that analyzed historical restock patterns and real-time disruption signals to generate recommendations for alternative pharmaceutical substitutions. This not only reduced stockout risk but also helped maintain patient care continuity during a critical period.
By combining design thinking with advanced analytics, we delivered a solution that directly responded to business needs, was adopted quickly by stakeholders, and continues to deliver value. This is what makes design thinking powerful in supply chain—it helps us solve the right problems, in ways that align with both operational realities and strategic goals.
HR Revolution Middle East: How important is diversity and inclusion in supply chain careers, and what steps can companies take to improve?
Raj Mahalingam: Diversity and inclusion are essential for innovation and long-term success. Diverse teams bring a range of perspectives that enhance resilience and problem-solving.
Companies can support inclusion by fostering equitable hiring, investing in mentorship programs, and encouraging participation in professional organizations. I’ve mentored early-career professionals and actively participated in diversity-focused committees to help bridge the representation gap in tech and supply chain sectors.
HR Revolution Middle East: What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build a successful career in supply chain innovation?
Raj Mahalingam: First and foremost, be curious and adaptable. The supply chain space is evolving rapidly with technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain transforming the way we operate. Don’t just learn the tools—understand how to apply them to solve real business problems.
Take time to build a strong network. Whether you’re attending conferences, participating in professional forums, or joining industry groups, these connections offer more than just job leads—they’re gateways to insight, collaboration, and mentorship. In my own journey, engaging with professionals across different sectors has helped me stay ahead of emerging trends and unlock new opportunities.
Invest in skill development. Seek out workshops, training programs, and certifications that deepen your technical and business knowledge. Stay updated on the latest practices in areas like digital transformation, sustainability, and risk management. The learning never stops—and it shouldn’t.
Attend conferences and industry events to gain exposure to thought leaders and best practices from across the globe. These platforms are great for expanding your perspective, challenging your thinking, and discovering what’s next in the field.
Find mentors and be a mentor. Mentorship has played a crucial role in my growth—both as a mentee and as someone guiding others. Experienced professionals can offer perspective that goes beyond textbooks or online courses.
Finally, contribute to thought leadership whenever you can. Write, speak, collaborate, and share your experiences. Not only does it solidify your expertise, but it also helps you build your voice in the industry and inspire others along the way.
HR Revolution Middle East: As an Advisory Board Member, can you tell us about the ROI behind professional certifications, and how important it is for supply chain professionals to be certified?
Raj Mahalingam: Certifications are more than credentials—they’re career accelerators. They demonstrate commitment, validate technical knowledge, and often open doors to cross-functional leadership opportunities.
I’ve seen colleagues transition from analysts to strategy leads after completing certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, AI, and supply chain management. The ROI includes greater credibility, career mobility, and better alignment with industry best practices.
Thank You
