Scarlett Thurlby-MacLean

Struggling with talent gaps in the FMCG sector? You're not alone. 🕵️‍♂️👥 The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry is facing a talent crisis. As consumer demands evolve and technology advances, the need for skilled professionals is more pressing than ever. But how can we bridge this gap? Firstly, we must identify the root causes. Is it a lack of awareness about FMCG career opportunities, or perhaps the industry's image needs a revamp? 🤔 Investing in training and development is key. By upskilling existing staff, we not only enhance their capabilities but also boost morale and loyalty. 📈💡 Collaboration with educational institutions can also pave the way for a steady influx of fresh talent. Internships and apprenticeships are excellent methods for students to gain hands-on experience while also allowing companies to mould future industry leaders. 🎓🤝 Let's not forget about the power of technology. Embracing digital tools and AI can streamline operations and attract tech-savvy individuals looking for innovative workplaces. 🚀👩‍💻 What strategies have you found effective in overcoming talent shortages in the FMCG sector? #FMCGTalent #SkillsGap #InnovationInRecruitment

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🚀 Exciting times ahead! 🌟 We're seeing a surge in demand for engineering talent across the UK's FMCG and Food sectors. Why does this matter? Well, for starters, these industries are the backbone of our economy and daily life. They're innovating rapidly, driving sustainability, and enhancing efficiency like never before. And guess what? They need YOU! 🛠️👷 From Process Engineers to Maintenance Managers, the spectrum of roles is broadening with opportunities to fit every skillset. Whether you're a hands-on problem solver or a strategic thinker, there's a place for you to leave your mark. The UK's engineering landscape is ripe with potential to accelerate your career, nurture your creativity, and push the boundaries of what's possible. 🏗️🚀 Investment in technology and sustainability is at an all-time high, and now more than ever, companies are seeking diverse, forward-thinking engineers to drive growth. Our industries and environment are counting on your expertise to build a better tomorrow. 🌳📈 Keen to be at the forefront of this revolution? Dive into the abundance of engineering roles available and let's engineer a brighter future together! Drop a comment below if you're ready to take on the challenge or tag someone who is! 🔧🧠 Hopefully you wont be fixing and issues like Homer is creating..... #EngineeringCareers #FMCG #FoodSector #UKJobs #Innovation

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Who are you? Really, what makes you who you are and what makes you tick? My bet is that a short summary of your current role doesn’t define you. Not really anyway. Here’s an example of what I mean: ⁃ 6 years of experience in chilled food manufacturing ⁃ Currently managing a team of 5 ⁃ Based in Nottingham It could well be an accurate description of someone, but it's definitely not a full picture... of anyone! And yet, it could be how you're being described by your recruiter. At Gregory Walker Associates, we want to get to know you properly: 💎 What are your values and in what ways does a your next employer need to reflect these? 📍 What is your ultimate career aspiration and how can your next move help you to get there? 🤝 What type of environment would you thrive in? 🌱 What matters most to you outside of work and how can your job help you fulfil those priorities? When we take the time to get to know you, not only can we do you justice when we represent you but we can present you with the opportunities that are genuinely best for you.

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The power of good recommendations is invaluable, both for service providers and consumers . Recently, a confident and knowledgeable recommendation led me to discover an exceptional bottle of oaked chardonnay in Tesco. Priced at £9.50, it rivaled some £30 bottles I've tried. Without that recommendation, I wouldn't have taken the chance and been pleasantly surprised. A service or product doesn't have to be flashy or expensive, it just needs to right for the specific need. It's moments like these that highlight the impact of understanding a product or service and confidently recommending it. Taking the time to promote with confidence can truly make a difference. What is your indulgent tipple, let me know in the comments. #Recommendations #ConsumerExperience #ProductKnowledge

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This is a Pod with a difference listeners.... Richard Morgan is an FMCG leader who founded his own wealth creation business. So, how do you create wealth during your career? Jump on the main pod next week for all the answers! #axrlife #salescareer #marketingcareer

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🤔 As you reach the final moments of an interview, it's your turn to become the interviewer! Asking insightful questions can demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company. Here are a few to consider: 1️⃣ "What does success look like for this position, and how do you measure it?" This shows you're focused on delivering results and eager to understand the company's expectations. 2️⃣ "Can you describe the company culture and the type of person who tends to thrive here?" Understanding the environment you might be stepping into is crucial for both your happiness and productivity. 3️⃣ "What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?" This indicates your readiness to face challenges head-on and can also give you insight into what your initial focus should be. 4️⃣ "What opportunities for growth and professional development are available?" This question highlights your ambition and desire to grow with the company. 5️⃣ "How does the company support work-life balance?" It's important to know how your potential employer values the well-being of their staff. 👥 Remember, an interview is a two-way street. It's as much about finding the right fit for you as it is for the employer. What are your go-to questions in an interview? Good luck! #CareerDevelopment #JobInterview #InterviewTips

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SKO season is finished and your new FY targets have been handed out! 😲 You've realised that there is no investment in product development and sales operations are reducing headcount. 😟 The sales teams in other regions are growing rapidly and their people are hitting presidents club but you've been told not to worry as you and your team are safe... Dont waste energy on worrying. Take a look at this video on finding your next sales role in the CX space. 🤗 https://lnkd.in/e9xhMyrs

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No consent – No CV Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen a lot about candidate’s CVs been sent to clients without consent – and the fall out of this. It’s a huge no-no here at True North to send anyone’s CV without consulting with the candidate first. Speaking with the candidate first is imperative for so many reasons. How else do we know you're right for the role? How do we know you'll be interested? How do we know you're within budget? How do we build a relationship with you without speaking to you first? And don't even get me started on GDPR. Our reputation in the industry is paramount to us. Honesty and integrity are values we place importance on as individuals and as a company. This is why we will never send your CV out without talking to you first. If you’re looking to have a confidential chat about your next steps as an interim, get in touch on 07593 410616 or taylor@truenorthtalent.co.uk.

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I met with a Recruitment Manager at a growing food manufacturer last week and discussed a few problems they had faced with their recruitment process after joining the business.   The business has historically briefed at least 3 or 4 agencies on each role, leading to a focus on speed over quality.   This often resulted in candidates being contacted multiple times by different agencies creating confusion, prolonged processes and causing some candidates to drop out.   To address this, they have created a streamlined approach, partnering closely with a single agency on each vacancy that knows the business and role inside out giving them full accountability.   The result? Better-qualified candidates and a streamlined candidate experience, resulting in fewer dropouts enabling them to secure the top talent.   Quality beats quantity any day in recruitment. #recruiting #fmcg #foodindustry

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It's a cold start to the week this Tuesday morning after a relaxing long weekend..... First up on the to-do list ... lots of searching and headhunting to find some amazing candidates for our current vacancies. The wheat bag and hot tea are certainly needed to get things started!! 🍵❄ If you are actively looking for your next role or a hiring manager starting to make recruitment plans for the next financial year, Impact Advising would love to hear from you. #Impact #NFPjobs #Headhunting #Recruitment

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Your CV is your shop window when looking for a new role, and it’s always a hot topic of conversation. 🎯 If you’re using a recruitment agency, they can assist with your application. But if you’re applying directly to a company, your CV needs to stand out. So, what’s the deal with CV length? Most candidates hear from recruitment agencies that your CV should never be more than a page or two. I find this utterly ridiculous. 🧐 Who came up with this rule anyway? There’s no one-size-fits-all policy here. Your CV should align with the job description or advert you’ve seen – and let’s be honest, those are often longer than one or two pages themselves! I agree, your CV should be concise, but if it spills over onto a few pages, that’s okay. 📄 Here are the key things to make sure you have in your CV: - Responsibilities for each of your roles: Don’t just list them like a book. Make sure you bullet point them and keep them concise. - Key achievements for each role: Include 2 or 3 key achievements for your recent roles that are commercial and include numbers – this will make you stand out. 💡 - Your mobile number and email address: You wouldn’t believe the number of CVs I read that don’t include this, making it very hard for anyone to get in touch and discuss the opportunity. 📞 This whole rhetoric around one or two-page CVs is crazy. If you work in any role – be it technical, sales, marketing, or finance – why would you deliberately miss out on achievements and responsibilities that make you stand out just to hit this arbitrary brief? 🤯

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🚀 Breaking into the UK's FMCG sector? Here's what you need to know! 🇬🇧 The FMCG job market in the UK is transforming at an unprecedented pace, and for candidates eager to dive in, understanding these shifts is crucial. 🔄 Firstly, the rise of e-commerce is reshaping roles. Digital skills are now a must-have, as online sales channels dominate. If you're adept at digital marketing or e-commerce analytics, you're in a strong position. 💻 Sustainability is another game-changer. With a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, knowledge of sustainable supply chains can set you apart. 🌿 Automation and AI are also making their mark, streamlining operations and creating demand for tech-savvy professionals. Embrace these technologies to stay ahead. 🤖 But what does this mean for you, the candidate? It's simple: adaptability, continuous learning, and a knack for innovation are your tickets to success. 🎓 For those ready to leap, now's the time to polish those digital, sustainability, and tech skills. The FMCG landscape is evolving, and so should you. Are you prepared for the challenge? 💪 #FMCGCareers #DigitalTransformation #SustainableBusiness

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Does Food Manufacturing have a recruitment crisis? 🤔 A really interesting article from Food Manufacture, and great to hear some quotes from inside the room. There are some big statements, some I'd wholeheartedly agree with, others not so much - I would love to hear the thoughts from my #Food and #Beverage network. https://lnkd.in/dDP-rWvn #ReedFMCG #ReedFood #Recruitment #FoodandBeverage #Reed #RecruitmentCrisis #Hiring

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Are you a graduate considering a career in fresh produce and have your eye on executive roles? There are many, many routes to get you there, but here are just some of the steps that you might want to work into your career plan if you want to hit the c-suite… Step 1: Laying the Academic Groundwork - Degrees in agriculture, horticulture, food science, or agribusiness are your tickets in. Some universities offer specialised courses in fresh produce management, covering everything from plant biology to supply chain logistics. Internships are golden opportunities here, giving you hands-on experience and a foot in the industry door. Step 2: Entry-Level Roles - Once you’ve graduated, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Entry-level roles like quality control inspector, farm manager, or sales associate are your first steps. These positions immerse you in the nitty-gritty of the industry, from planting and harvesting to packaging and distribution. It’s all about getting to know the ropes and understanding the operational mechanics. Step 3: Building Your Expertise - Continuous education, industry conferences, and workshops should be firmly on your schedule now. Joining fresh produce organisations in your country or territory can open doors to valuable networking and keep you informed about the latest industry trends. Step 4: Mid-Level Management - Now is the time to aim for mid-level management roles like production manager or supply chain coordinator. These positions come with greater responsibilities—overseeing operations, managing teams, and making strategic decisions. An advanced degree, such as an MBA, can be a game-changer, equipping you with the business acumen needed for those higher level roles. Step 5: Embracing Leadership - Look out for roles like operations director or regional manager. Here, you’ll need strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive innovation. Your success will be measured by your ability to improve yields, cut costs, and enhance product quality. Step 6: Reaching the Executive Suite - Roles such as Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), or Vice President of Operations prove that you have reached the top of your game! At this level, you’re setting the company’s strategic direction, driving growth, and ensuring sustainable practices. A deep understanding of the entire supply chain and the ability to navigate global markets is crucial. The fresh produce industry promises a fulfilling and impactful career in a sector that is ever changing and ever growing (literally!) for candidates who are willing to work hard and be dedicated to delivering results. #freshproducecareers #graduatejourney #executivesearch

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Please read our latest blog post on mastering interviewing skills Hiring the right talent for your fresh produce organisation can be challenging. But what if you don't know how to conduct a successful interview? Success starts with a robust interview process. In our new blog, we delve into why improving your interview skills is crucial and how you can do it effectively. - Increase your chances of choosing the right candidate - Create a positive image of your company - Make your hiring process more efficient - Prepare thoroughly and ask detailed questions - Actively listen and observe non-verbal cues - Follow up and provide feedback promptly Need further assistance? Contact us at LCR for expert support in enhancing your hiring process. Read the blog here - https://buff.ly/3x9zHkt #TalentAcquisition #Hiring #InterviewSkills #FreshProduce #HR #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #Recruitment

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The food and beverage industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, worth over £100 billion. As an ex-employee in the UK food sector, here is a few 'biased' reasons as to why this industry is the best to work in: 1. Excitement & Variety   - Every day is different in the fast-paced food industry, with roles for both academic and hands-on learners. 2. Career Growth   - The food industry offers many opportunities for career advancement and professional development. 3. Job Satisfaction   - Long-serving employees are common due to opportunities for upskilling. Contributing to 'feeding the nation' provides a strong sense of purpose in the work you do. 4. Innovation & Technology   - The industry leads in innovation and sustainability, ideal for those interested in tech and making a difference. 5. High Demand for Talent   - With ongoing growth, there is a constant need for new talent, making every day a great time to join the sector. If you're interested in joining or progressing your career within this industry, I have got some fantastic clients across the UK and Ireland who are hiring and have got some very exciting opportunties for you. Please contact me via LinkedIn or email - izzy@whiteandclayton.com

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