Employers
Most manufacturing and supply chain leaders aren’t dealing with a strategy problem right now.
They’re dealing with a gray-collar problem. Not familiar with the term? You should be. Gray-collar talent is the workforce that sits between traditional blue-collar labor and white-collar management: Maintenance technicians.Automation and controls specialists.CNC programmers.Skilled operators.Field service professionals. They don’t just “do the work.”They diagnose, troubleshoot, and keep increasingly complex systems running. And right now—they’re the hardest roles to…
Read MoreState of Middle & Upper Management in Industrial Manufacturing
A Hard Look From 45+ Years in the Trenches After placing manufacturing leadership for more than four decades, I’ll say this plainly: the middle- and upper-management market in industrial manufacturing is under more strain today than at any point in my career. Demand is high. Supply is thin. And the gap between the two is…
Read MoreWhat to Expect from a Recruiter: A Guide for Busy Hiring Managers
When time is tight and open positions are slowing operations, a skilled recruiter should make your life easier — not add another layer of noise. Here’s what you should expect (and insist on) from any recruiter you partner with. 1. Deep Understanding of Your Business A professional recruiter doesn’t just read a job description —…
Read MoreWhen Is the Best Time to Recruit and Market?
Timing Matters More Than You Think After 45 years in executive search, I’ve learned one truth: timing isn’t everything — it’s the only thing.Whether you’re marketing open roles or reaching out to top talent, the when can make all the difference in your results. Here’s what experience and data both say: ⏰ Early Mornings (7:00–9:00…
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