What's happening in recruitment within the New Zealand FMCG sector?

Insights & Talent Trends for 2024

As featured in the latest issue of FMCG Business, our specialist FMCG recruitment team share some insights, observations, emerging trends, and the influences that we’ll see in play in regards to talent and jobs in the coming year.

Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement

By: Michelle Elsley

As companies strive to create more agile and responsive supply chains, we’re seeing high demand for professionals skilled in implementing cutting-edge ERP technologies.
The disruptions caused by the pandemic have emphasised the importance of supply chain resilience, with companies now pursuing candidates who can assess and mitigate risks, enhance supply chain flexibility, and develop contingency plans for the unexpected.
Data-driven decision-making is a growing trend, and those who can leverage data analytics to optimise inventory management, demand forecasting, and overall supply chain performance will be highly valued.
We’re also seeing FMCG organisations engaging procurement candidates with expertise in maximising cost savings through strategic pricing.

Marketing, Digital & Sales

By: Erin Kirk

The FMCG sector continues to face a shortage of qualified candidates for mid to senior level roles.
With the demand for specific skills outweighing supply, junior talent is being skyrocketed into promotions faster than ever before. Consequently, leaders in our client organisations are becoming stretched having to dedicate greater time to coaching, developing and upskilling.
Organisations need to be looking for transferrable skills from other industries to help fill critical FMCG roles and specialist skills.
CSR has become a fundamental business practice within FMCG, and this is increasing the need for professionals that can integrate sustainability into marketing strategies and communicate a commitment to social responsibility.

Finance & Accounting

By: Claire Ellis

A hybrid skill set is key - those who have excellent influencing and stakeholder management skills and can navigate the intersection of finance and other FMCG business functions seamlessly, is proving crucial to a successful finance function.
With the increasing adoption of automation, AI, and blockchain in financial processes, finance professionals who can leverage these tools effectively are currently highly sought after.
More FMCG organisations are seeing the benefit of incorporating ESG into their financial strategies. We’re also seeing a rise in finance professionals who want to work within companies that care about sustainability and being socially responsible.
The ability to work with large data sets and extract actionable insights is in great demand within FMCG. Finance professionals who are proficient in data analytics and visualisation to make informed decisions are proving invaluable.

Technology, Transformation & Change

By: Claire Gibson

FMCG companies are progressively leveraging technologies like IoT, blockchain, smart packaging, AR/VR, and real-time tracking; therefore demand for IT professionals with expertise in these specialist areas will continue to grow.
Cybersecurity is a top priority for our client companies, but these roles remain one of the most in demand, yet hardest to fill.
The mounting need for AI and advanced analytics skills is fuelling the need for more data scientists and software developers within FMCG.
A growing emphasis on environmentally friendly technology solutions within the sector is seeing a rise in specialist roles focused on implementing green IT practices.