The factory floor of 2026 demands a new kind of leader—one who speaks the language of AI, sustainability, and global uncertainty. The manufacturing sector is at a pivotal turning point as we move into 2026. Driven by powerful forces such as Industry 4.0, reshoring initiatives, sustainability imperatives, and ongoing supply chain volatility, the industry is […]
Author Archives: JRG Partners Editorial Staff
For Employers
The True Cost of a Bad Manufacturing Hire (And How to Calculate the ROI of a Great One)
22
Jul
Jul
Hiring the wrong person in a manufacturing role can feel like a temporary setback—but in reality, it’s often a costly mistake with far-reaching consequences. While many companies focus only on salary when assessing the impact of a bad hire, the true cost runs much deeper. From lost productivity and team disruption to customer dissatisfaction and […]
22
Jul
Jul
The manufacturing industry is evolving at a breakneck pace — with automation, robotics, and digital technologies reshaping how factories operate. While this evolution unlocks new efficiencies and growth opportunities, it also highlights a growing challenge: the manufacturing skills gap. Despite job availability, many manufacturers struggle to find qualified talent with the right mix of technical […]
For Employers
How to Conduct a Confidential Executive Search in Manufacturing Without Alerting Competitors
22
Jul
Jul
In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive manufacturing industry, leadership can make—or break—a company’s strategic direction. But what happens when an organization needs to replace a key executive, enter a new market, or restructure leadership—without tipping off competitors, unsettling employees, or alarming stakeholders? That’s where confidential executive searches come in. These carefully managed recruitment efforts allow […]
21
Jul
Jul
When choosing a retained executive search partner, one critical—but often unspoken—question looms large: “How many other searches will my lead consultant be working on while handling mine?” It’s a fair question. After all, the success of your executive hire may depend just as much on a consultant’s bandwidth and focus as on their network or […]
21
Jul
Jul
In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven supply chain landscape, logistics is no longer just about movement—it’s about strategy, efficiency, and competitive advantage. As networks grow more complex, the role of a Logistics Director has become mission-critical. From optimizing warehouse operations to managing real-time delivery data, these leaders turn operational challenges into strategic wins. But finding such top-tier […]
21
Jul
Jul
In high-stakes executive search, traditional reference checks offer only part of the picture. That’s why top retained search firms often conduct back-channel references—discreet, off-list conversations with people who’ve worked with the candidate in the past. But this raises a key question: Are back-channel references ethical and appropriate for leadership hires? In this article, we explore the ethics of […]
21
Jul
Jul
In today’s fast-paced, profit-driven world, procurement has evolved from a traditional cost-cutting function into a powerful engine of value creation. The modern Head of Procurement is no longer just negotiating prices—they’re building strategic supplier partnerships, mitigating supply chain risk, and directly impacting the company’s bottom line. But finding this caliber of leadership requires more than […]
21
Jul
Jul
In today’s hyper-competitive manufacturing landscape, the difference between market leadership and stagnation often comes down to one critical factor: innovation. At the heart of every successful innovation strategy is a capable and visionary R&D Director. This role is no longer just about supervising labs or overseeing technical teams—it’s about driving strategic value, translating market insights […]
21
Jul
Jul
In today’s competitive industrial landscape, downtime isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a major financial risk. Yet many organizations still approach maintenance leadership recruitment reactively, waiting for problems to arise before searching for solutions. This outdated approach can cost more than just lost productivity; it can hinder long-term growth and operational excellence. As maintenance evolves from a […]