Develop your operations talent to improve retention

Considering the importance of training and development, many businesses are yet to make the necessary changes needed to help support engineers and manufacturing professionals in their teams to broaden their skill sets. 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. With this in mind, businesses should be adapting their approach to maximise their chance of retaining top talent.

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 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?

Engineering and manufacturing professionals who embrace change are willing to challenge the norm. These individuals are also continually reviewing their area of responsibility to identify innovative ways to improve processes, which is key in a market of constant evolution.

Top professionals often have a ‘never stop learning’ attitude when it comes to work and personal development. It is crucial to encourage your operations staff to develop their skills further in order to increase productivity and prepare them for challenges and new projects later in their careers. It’s the professionals in your business that will 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 at all levels. 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 top 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 and encouraging professionals to upskill through various training and development, will aid 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.