New Year, New Role? What Senior Candidates Should Consider Before Making a Move in 2026

January is often when the questions start creeping in.

Am I still challenged?
Is this role taking me where I want to go?
Is now the time for a change?

For senior professionals across manufacturing, FMCG and logistics, this period of reflection is completely natural. But while January is a popular time to explore new opportunities, it’s worth slowing the process down before making any big decisions.

Not every January itch needs a jump

Feeling restless doesn’t always mean you need to leave. Sometimes it’s a sign that your role needs reshaping, not replacing. A new project, responsibility or development opportunity can be enough to reignite motivation.

We often speak to candidates who assume progression only comes from moving on but that isn’t always the case.

Culture and leadership matter more than ever

At senior level, the biggest factors influencing job satisfaction tend to be culture, leadership and stability, not just salary or job title.

Before making a move, it’s worth asking:

• Do I feel aligned with the leadership style?
  
• Does the culture support how I work best?
  
• Is the business heading in a direction I believe in?
  

These are the questions that determine long-term fulfilment.

Stability vs opportunity

In a competitive market, new roles can look appealing on paper. But senior candidates are increasingly cautious and rightly so. Understanding a company’s financial health, leadership vision and retention history is just as important as the role itself.

Taking time to explore these factors helps avoid moves that look good initially but don’t stand the test of time.

A calmer approach to career moves

The most successful career moves we see are rarely rushed. They’re well considered, values aligned and timed carefully.

January can be the start of that process but it doesn’t have to be the finish.

If January has you questioning your next step, you don’t need to have all the answers yet. Sometimes talking things through without expectation helps bring perspective. We have confidential conversations with senior professionals every day who are simply exploring what “next” could look like.