Autumn Reflections: What 2025 Has Taught Us About Senior Hiring in Manufacturing & Chemicals
September 29As autumn arrives, we’ve been taking stock of what 2025 has taught us so far about senior recruitment in the manufacturing and chemical industries. And it’s fair to say, it’s been a fascinating year.
One of the biggest themes we’ve seen is timing. Too often, companies wait until the last moment to begin their search for senior leaders. By then, urgency drives the process, and the best candidates are already engaged elsewhere. The lesson? The early bird really does get the worm. Senior recruitment isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon that requires foresight.
We’ve also noticed a shift in what candidates themselves are looking for. Titles and salaries still matter, of course, but more senior professionals are putting weight on:
- Impact - They want to know how their role shapes strategy and people.
- Culture - They want to join businesses where they feel aligned with values and ways of working.
- Balance - Flexibility and wellbeing are no longer “nice to haves” - they’re essentials.
Another key learning this year is around retention. Hiring the right leader is just the start, keeping them engaged is the real challenge. Businesses that invest in onboarding, clear communication, and genuine development opportunities stand out.
As we head into the final quarter, our advice is simple:
- Think ahead - If you know you’ll need senior expertise in 2026, start now.
- Sell your story - Candidates want to see more than a job description; they want to feel the impact they can have.
- Invest in relationships - The recruitment process is the beginning of a long-term partnership between business and leader.
2025 has been a reminder that senior recruitment isn’t about filling a seat - it’s about finding the person who can move your business forward.
👉 If you’re already thinking about leadership needs for 2026, we’d love to chat. At Handley James, we help manufacturing and chemical SMEs connect with the right leaders, at the right time.