As we progress through 2024, the food and FMCG manufacturing sectors are evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and a heightened focus on sustainability. Below, we provide an overview of the most sought-after roles and skills in these fields, complete with specific statistics to guide professionals and businesses alike.
Key Food and FMCG Manufacturing Roles and Their Skills Demand
- Production Supervisors:
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- Market Demand: There has been a 20% increase in demand for production supervisors in the food manufacturing sector, reflecting the need for efficient management of production lines to meet increasing consumer demands.
- Key Skills: Strong leadership and organisational skills, knowledge of production processes, and proficiency in lean manufacturing principles are essential. Experience with quality control and safety regulations is also highly valued.
- Maintenance Engineers:
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- Industry Growth: Maintenance engineers are in high demand, with a 25% rise in job postings due to the critical role they play in ensuring the smooth operation of manufacturing equipment and minimising downtime.
- Critical Skills: Proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical and electrical systems, understanding of preventive maintenance practices, and familiarity with computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS).
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance Technicians:
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- Sector Trends: The need for food safety and quality assurance technicians has surged by 30% as companies strive to comply with stringent food safety regulations and ensure high-quality products.
- Necessary Expertise: Knowledge of HACCP, food safety standards, and quality control processes. Skills in conducting inspections, audits, and implementing corrective actions are crucial.
- Packaging Technologists:
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- Rising Significance: Packaging technologist roles have seen a 15% increase in demand as the industry focuses on sustainable packaging solutions and reducing environmental impact.
- Key Skills: Expertise in packaging materials, sustainability practices, and innovation in packaging design. Understanding of regulatory requirements for packaging in the food industry is also important.
- Logistics and Supply Chain Coordinators:
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- Market Expansion: There has been a 20% increase in demand for logistics and supply chain coordinators, driven by the need to optimise supply chain operations and reduce costs.
- Essential Skills: Strong analytical skills, proficiency in supply chain management software, and experience in logistics planning and inventory management.
Additional High-Demand Skills in Food and FMCG Manufacturing
- Automation and Robotics:
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- Growing Importance: The adoption of automation and robotics in manufacturing processes has led to a 25% increase in demand for professionals skilled in these areas.
- Key Skills: Knowledge of automated systems, robotics programming, and the ability to integrate and maintain automated production lines.
- Sustainability Practices:
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- High Demand: There is a 30% increase in demand for professionals with expertise in sustainability practices, reflecting the industry’s focus on reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability.
- Key Skills: Understanding of sustainable sourcing, waste reduction strategies, and energy-efficient practices.
- Health and Safety Compliance:
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- Critical Skill: With a growing emphasis on workplace safety, roles focused on health and safety compliance have seen a 20% rise in demand.
- Key Skills: Knowledge of health and safety regulations, risk assessment, and the ability to implement safety management systems.
These insights highlight the evolving landscape of the food and FMCG manufacturing sectors and the increasing importance of specialised skills. Professionals who continuously develop these skills will be well-positioned to thrive in the job market.
Propel Your Career in Food and FMCG Manufacturing
Are you a professional looking to advance your career in the food and FMCG manufacturing sectors? Or perhaps you’re an employer seeking to recruit top-tier talent? Cooper Lomaz is here to help. We specialise in connecting skilled individuals with pioneering companies. Upload your CV today or get in touch to discover how we can support your professional growth or meet your staffing needs in this dynamic field. Join us at Cooper Lomaz and take the next step in your professional journey.
