Working closely with Food and FMCG manufacturers means you start to notice patterns in the hiring market quite quickly.
Over the last year or so, a few themes have come up again and again in conversations with hiring managers and candidates. Some are long standing challenges, others are starting to emerge as the industry evolves.
Here are a few of the trends that are shaping recruitment in the sector at the moment.
Skills gaps are still a real challenge
Finding experienced professionals in certain areas of Food and FMCG has been difficult for some time, and that hasn’t really changed.
Technical and operational roles in particular can be hard to fill. Many businesses are looking for people who not only understand the technical side of production, engineering or quality, but who can also operate in fast moving manufacturing environments where commercial pressures are high.
The challenge is that the talent pool for these kinds of roles is relatively small. As a result, companies often find themselves competing for the same individuals, which can make hiring both slower and more expensive.
It also means businesses are starting to think more carefully about how they develop and retain talent internally, rather than relying purely on hiring from outside.
Automation and AI are starting to shape roles
Automation has been part of manufacturing for years, but the pace of change is starting to increase.
More businesses are investing in technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs and deal with ongoing labour shortages. Alongside that, AI and data driven systems are beginning to influence areas like forecasting, planning and production optimisation.
What this means from a recruitment perspective is that the skills mix within teams is gradually shifting.
Companies are still looking for strong operational experience, but there is growing demand for people who are comfortable working alongside new technologies and systems. Being adaptable and open to change is becoming just as important as technical knowledge.
Hiring processes need to move quickly
Another pattern that comes up regularly is the impact of slow hiring processes.
The strongest candidates in Food and FMCG rarely stay on the market for long. If a company takes several weeks to arrange interviews or make a decision, there’s a good chance that person will already have accepted another opportunity.
This doesn’t mean businesses should rush hiring decisions, but having a clear and efficient process makes a big difference. Candidates are far more likely to stay engaged when they know what to expect and decisions are made in a reasonable timeframe.
Food and FMCG is a fast paced and constantly evolving industry, and recruitment trends tend to reflect the wider pressures businesses are facing.
For employers, staying aware of how the talent market is changing can make a big difference when it comes to attracting and keeping the right people.
For candidates, understanding where the industry is heading can help shape the skills and experience that will be most valuable in the years ahead.