How to hire top operations talent to your engineering and manufacturing business

Not all businesses have carried out the necessary changes they need to, in order to increase the opportunity to hire skilled engineers and manufacturing professionals. This is surprising when you consider that the talent shortage in today’s market has been a challenge for businesses within the sector for many years. Businesses should be adapting their approach to maximise their chance of securing top talent in what is a highly competitive market. 

Those businesses that are finding the right people for their organisation are offering more than just a job. They will more than likely be able to give candidates a challenge they relish in and an opportunity to continue to progress their career within a forward-thinking business that invests in their people and equipment, and are on a journey of continuous improvement. So, how can engineering organisations attract, hire, and retain top talent into their manufacturing operations vacancies?

What does a successful manufacturing operation look like?

In order to create and maintain a successful manufacturing operation, businesses need to be willing to adapt, change, and improve its manufacturing processes to ensure they remain competitive in the market. The automotive industry has been doing this for decades since the introduction of the Toyota Production System and more recently other industries have followed this journey of continuous improvement. Those businesses that are embracing change and innovation to eliminate waste and cost are maximising their chance of remaining successful in a volatile market.

What skills do you need in this area?

In general terms, engineering and manufacturing professionals who embrace change are willing to challenge the norm, and are continually reviewing their area of responsibility to identify innovative ways to improve a process. More specifically, here are some of the professionals that can help to drive your manufacturing operations forward:

• Supplier Development Engineers – responsible for enhancing the processes at a supplier for a specific product that will meet the performance metrics outlined for delivery, quality, service and value. 
• Manufacturing Engineers – focus on the design, development and operation of integrated systems of production to obtain high quality & economically competitive products. 
• Continuous Improvement Engineers – will utilise continuous improvement tools and techniques to improve manufacturing efficiencies.
• All of these professionals can spearhead improvement activities both throughout the supply chain and internally within the manufacturing facility. 

What should you include in your manufacturing operations strategy?

It is important for businesses to have a simple vision that is clearly communicated from the senior management to the shop floor. Everyone in the business needs to feel part of a journey and be aware of the impact their input has on the overall objectives of the business. 

Businesses should invest in their people and engage with them. Listening to their issues and drawing on their knowledge will increase collaboration and will enable teams to work together to find solutions. You should aim to create a culture where all levels within the organisation feel empowered and accountable with clear daily goals alongside long-term personal development objectives.

How do you attract these professionals?

Attracting top professionals to your organisation comes from offering a fair and competitive salary package, having a comprehensive benefits scheme, and putting strategies in place to improve inclusion and diversity and the company’s overall culture. Perfecting your offering in these areas, as well as allowing professionals to have the freedom to live their own life through dynamic working, will aid you in your efforts to hire top operations talent to your engineering and manufacturing organisations.

If you are interested in hiring for any of the above roles, please get in touch with one of our specialist recruitment consultants today for a confidential discussion. Alternatively, find out more about the challenges in attracting top talent to the engineering and manufacturing industry and the benefits of hiring across different industries.